Michigan UU Social Justice Network

OUR HEALTH STORIES CAN HELP MAKE HISTORY!

On this page are stories from real people whose lives have been endangered because they lacked health coverage or because the health system failed them. These stories can help motivate advocates and policy makers to create a health system that provides high quality, comprehensive, affordable health care for all. Do you know of someone who has a health story to tell? Click HERE to fill out a Health Story form and e-mail or mail it to MUUSJN (address is on the form).

HEALTH STORY #1

"I don't have health insurance. So far, so good, but I can't have any diagnostic tests to make sure everything is okay." - Kathleen Shattuck, (Marquette UU Congregation)

HEALTH STORY #2

I am a typical constituent, in that I have paid health insurance premiums all my adult life, but when young I rarely had any health problems to be taken care of. Now I am old, and there is no health insurance company that will take me on because I have many health problems. I am on Medicare, and I really like the care I am getting. I have had five operations in the last 30 months, including a pacemaker on my heart. I have had two mini-strokes. And I see doctors regularly to maintain my good health. I like to think I am still contributing to society. My good experience with Medicare provides a model, I should think, for the health care plan (Congress is) developing now, to cover the uninsured. And to offer a viable public alternative to all citizens, regardless of age or economic status. Let's bring America into the 21st century, with a health plan that equals the plans available in Canada, Britain, France, Germany and other industrialized countries like ours.

Joel Welty, Blanchard, Michigan (UU Fellowship of Central Michigan)

HEALTH STORY #3

I am 63 1/2 years old and have insurance for catastrophic care with a $5,000 deductible. This was the best policy I could get when my group insurance ended. I am fit and healthy and have never needed this policy in the 3 years I've paid premiums (that were) raised to $250/month last year. Yesterday, I received a notice saying I was part of a general rate increase and premiums will be $325/month for the next year. I can't pay this! What am I to do? I'm still 18 months away from Medicare benefits and have NEVER not had health insurance. Am I about the join the 46 million uninsured Americans? President Obama's determination to address health care security probably won't help my situation over the next 18 months when I'm exposed to no insurance coverage. I'm appalled that as a citizen of a self-proclaimed mighty nation that I'm faced with such neglect when numerous successful insurance models exist in other developed countries.

Merle Kindred, Hancock, Michigan (Keweenaw UU Fellowship)