Health care: stand up now!

For anyone who's been laid off or had their benefits slashed in the last year, one of the biggest concerns is where health insurance or health care will come from. When I was laid off, health insurance was my first worry of many. Where will I get it? But worse than that, how much will it cost?

For many who have pre-existing conditions that may result in coverage denials, COBRA becomes the only, usually more expensive, option. Even with government subsidies to decrease the cost of COBRA, I would have had to shell out 3-4 times more under COBRA, even with the reduction in cost. Not ideal. But, those with pre-existing conditions are forced to cling to COBRA at a higher cost to avoid the risk of coverage denial.

Right now, we have the opportunity to discuss health care coverage for those who are unemployed or who can't afford coverage. There are many options being discussed right now by your representatives. It doesn't matter where you stand on the issue; stand up and be heard! Take two minutes of your time and call your senators and Congressional representatives and let them know how having health care or not has impacted your life.

See below for contact information:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml