The Perils Of Pre-Existing Conditions And The Struggle Of 29-Year-Old Critical Care Nurse

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 07 Oct 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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"Due to the high stress I have experienced as a registered nurse in a critical-care environment, and sometimes the requirement to work odd shifts, I developed a condition called irritable bowel syndrome with abdominal pain and constipation," said Tina Marino from Phoenix, Arizona. "As a result of my diagnosis, I am unable to secure individual health insurance coverage."

"Overall, I am pretty healthy; I don't smoke, and have never been hospitalized. I was declined healthcare coverage because of my history of irritable bowel syndrome. In order to pay down my debts, I am working through a nurse staffing agency for the higher wages, but health benefits don't come with the job."

"Since January, I've tried several avenues to buy health insurance, from filling out applications online with the big insurers, to working with their sales agents, to calling independent brokers. I finally found an extremely restricted plan through one of the brokers that doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, costs several hundred dollars a month with annual deductibles in the thousands, and I would have to buy my own medications out of pocket through Canada."

"I feel frustrated and unfairly discriminated against for a minor condition. This is an enormous disservice to the people in healthcare that do their best to provide quality, deserved nursing care to those who unfortunately become ill. I am extremely disappointed in the way our government has allowed these insurance companies to freely deny ANY applicant they choose and for any ridiculous reason they choose. It is beyond time for the rules to change."

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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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