Let’s remember why we are fighting
Posted by: Mark Fisher on Sep 04, 2009
The opposition to health reform has been busy this August. They have diverted our time and resources away from pushing for an end to pre-existing conditions, health insurance rationing, and rising premiums. Instead, we had to spend time debunking "death panels," "socialism," and so-called "government-funded abortions." But as the season changes from summer to fall, so will the conversation.
It is important to remember why we are fighting so hard for health reform. The New York Times recently ran an article about the struggles people face when navigating through the current system. The author highlights one man in particular, Eric De La Cruz, who had been recently diagnosed with a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy:
He was a student who had worked part time as a graphic designer and a disc jockey, but none of his employers offered health insurance. Once his condition was diagnosed, his family says, he was unable to buy private insurance because he had a pre-existing condition.
After he was denied by private insurance companies, he was left with very few options:
He twice applied for Social Security disability benefits, which would have entitled him to health coverage under Medicare. The applications were denied.
As his condition deteriorated, the doctors decided he needed a heart transplant, and eventually, he did end up qualifying for Medicaid. Ironically, however, Medicaid would not cover a heart transplant for someone over the age of 20 because of state laws. By the time he qualified for Medicaid, he was too old for the procedure that he needed.
After several fundraisers to help pay for the transplant out of pocket, numerous hearings to dispute insurance companies' decision to deny him coverage and tons of red tape, he finally made it to the top of the transplant list. Unfortunately, by that time, Eric's health had deteriorated so much that he died before he ever received a new heart.
Stories like Eric's are all too common. They are exactly why we are fighting for health care reform. We should not waste time fighting back against ridiculous myths like "death panels," "socialism," or "government-funded abortions." We are fighting for Americans like Eric De La Cruz who have played by the rules and done everything right, only to have their health put in jeopardy by the current system.
As the debate moves back to Congress, remind your legislators of Mr. De La Cruz's story. Urge the media to cover stories like this instead of the outrageous antics the GOP staged in congressional districts. Let's regain the momentum that we had before August, and get this crucial legislation passed.
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Category: Affordability,Health Care Costs,Medicaid,Insurance Industry,Medicare,Pre-Existing Conditions,Uninsured Americans