Breast Cancer Patient Can No Longer Afford To Save Her Own Life

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 05 Oct 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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"We had major medical health insurance when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987," recalls Leslie Elder of West Palm Beach, Fla. "After a radical mastectomy, I was again diagnosed with breast cancer and had another radical mastectomy in 1992. Left with huge unpaid balances and tripling premiums, we were forced to drop the insurance in 2003."

"In 2005 I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, resulting in the removal of one and part of the other kidney. With the help of a family member, I paid almost $70,000 for the two surgeries."

"I'm too horrified now to go back for check-ups, for fear of again hearing 'you have cancer, and you have no coverage.' I still work so I cannot get Medicare nor afford insurance. Between the insurance companies and the government, they've basically signed my death certificate."

"We need HR676, and we are supporting all organizations within our means who fight for HR676."

Read stories like this every day through Election Day at: http://www.GuaranteedHealthcare.org

Sponsored by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee

Eighty-two percent of Americans think the U.S. healthcare system should be fundamentally changed or completely rebuilt (Commonwealth Fund, Aug. 7, 2008). America's nurses know that only single-payer, improved and expanded Medicare for all will fix our broken system and the tragedy of our devastated families. HR 676, by U.S. Rep John Conyers, is the most comprehensive, cost effective way to achieve guaranteed healthcare for all.

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