"She became very ill with the flu three years ago and her breathing problems were exacerbated. She ended up in the ER, unable to breathe, and was put on a unit for cardiac monitoring due to an erratic heart beat. Ultimately, her insurance refused to pay it and said they weren't aware of her preexisting condition. The bill was approximately $15,000. The hospital sued her, sent her into collection, and now they are garnishing her wages. She works in a nursing home as a nurse's aide, so you can imagine how little she is paid to begin with. I am horrified that the healthcare industry can ruin the life of someone who is already an underdog. I wish I could do something to help her."
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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.
For more information, or to contact this patient: Liz Jacobs, RN 510/273-2232.