Real People DENIED Real Healthcare: Janet Stephens

[palomineable]

America's GESTAPO! Health insurance companies! It is despicable how far behind this country is. The greed here is so entrenched, the military industrial complex, the healthcare big pharma complex, the corporate prisons, and bridges are falling down. Shame. The far right are looking to their Bibles for help! Good luck with that when your 6 year old gets leukemia. I may move from here to a more civilized country.

[stringlov]

It's TIME to TAX the RICH $ BIG TIME ! TWO WARS TAX BREAK for the RICH $ what a MISTAKE ! HEALTH CARE should be a right for EVERYONE in USA it's TIME to make USA no.1 again

[colecove]

My sister was just diagnosed with cancer and her insurance company denied her claim. It was not pre-existing. We should throw out every politician who is in office and vote someone new in there. Regular Americans should be run this country, not lawyers/politicians. Maybe then, things could change. But as long as politicians are supported big time by lobbyists, healthcare, and pharmaceutical companies, nothing will change. The problem is, you have to be rich to run for office.

[jazziackeys]

@colecove

I haven't been back here in awhile. I hope your sister is ok and receiving good care. Check out the membership list of Trilateral Commission and the Council on Foreign Relations. There are repugs and Democrats. Michael Moore said it correctly: "The Democrats are only a little bit nicer than the Repulicans." we have republicrats... 

[jazziackeys]

@colecove May your sister recover to complete health and receive all the care she needs.

[Muwt]

Wake up, America. -- YOU'RE BEING RIPPED OFF -- plain and simple, and it doesn't have to be that way.

[jazziackeys]

Update.... my insurance has just REMOVED the one of kind, only oral medication for Interstitial Cystitis from Anthem Blue Cross' Formulary leaving me with a co-pay of $347.00/month and them paying only 45% of the cost.. My insurance premiums have RISEN $144.00/month. If we lose the little bit of progress we made with the health care reform stories like mine will be common place and even more devastating stories than mine will become all to well known. J aka justice4j & jazziackeys

[wheresurhat]

America needs to die. Evil fuckers.

[justice4J]

Mary,

I miss you and our family! Thanks for you lovely comment. Update, my insurance will rise to $980.00 March 1, 2010-- it's more than my mortgage. Thank God for music!

[jazziackeys]

@justice4J

PREMIUMS ARE NOW $1,036.00/MONTH MED DEDUCTIBLE RAISED BY BLUE CROSS TO $1750.00

MACHETE TO BENEFITS, Co-PAYS INCREASED! ATTENTION LEGISLATORS AND REGULATORY AGENCY AMERICANS ARE TIRED OF YOUR INACTION ON THESE ISSUES! WE CAN VOTE YOU OUT!

[marymight]

We enjoyed hearing Jan play frequently over the ten years she performed at Embassy Suites. We loved hearing her play solo and with other talented musicians. She donated her services for my husbands funeral and played her own arrangement of Amazing Grace and Somewhere In Time; his favorites.  Jan and Brian together—Shine.

Mary Might

[arcturus33333]

Join the Million Letters for Health Care Campaign. Flood Congress with letters. google: million letters for health care campaign.

[TheHabit00]

no we dont want it, if it is only going to serve 11 million and still leave 39 million out of healthcare! no need to overhaul the whole system it is not going to cover everyone!

[arcturus33333]

Looks like we'll never get Single-Payer in the U.S. unless we march in the streets in big numbers, write, e-mail, call our representatives and vote out Congresspersons who are still against it in 2010 to say the least.

[TheHabit00]

the people that do not want healthcare HAVE been flooding congress! we dont want it!

[justice4J]

If this were Europe, folks would be out in the streets w/torches....it just keeps getting watered down. It's discouraging, but there's a candle light vigil Dec. 8th Nixon Library YL CA...One can hope...

[justice4J]

arcturus,

It is discouraging....we need to work harder and VOTE OUT those who allow lobbyist to run health care and line their pockets......

[jay057057]

I am currently an CA resident although I am from a suburb of Washington DC. Recently I was speaking with a friend who was prescribed a medicine and was unable to afford it . Her only alternative is a lower cost medication which partially treats the symptoms of her condition. Health care in America is a business when in reality it's purpose is the treatment and the betterment of the American people.

[justice4J]

Thank you for all the support I've been given here. I want everyone who has contacted me, viewed the video and written supportive comments how much I appreciate you taking time to do so. My health is a little better now and I know some of your compassionate comments have helped me feel not so alone swimming in the sea of this. I hope our Pres. and Senate will at the very least regulate the costs of health care.  Profits over people = IMMORAL, UNETHICAL. Tnx all!

[justice4J]

Who is the "idiot: you refer to here? Please clarify. I worked 2 jobs for most of 17 yrs./ RN ER OR. I became ill thru NO fault of my own. Please let us know who the "idiot", IYHO.

This makes total sense:

"the only way to make insurance affordable is to take the profit margin out of the equasion. this is not rocket science. and it is a responsibility of the people's govt. to expect health care. it is a basic need, not a luxury. "

[poohbabydawn]

i am so sorry if you thought that! i support you 100% i was responding to" ozone.. i was a surgical and floor nurse, then an orthodontic lab technician. through a series of events, i found myself an "undesirable" candidate for ins. coverage.i have not had ins. for 10 yrs!. again, my comment was in response to the comment made about "free" insurance. people keep accusing the uninsured of just wanting something for free. . i stand with you and can relate to your situation. best wishes

[justice4J]

My best to you and thanks for taking time to respond. Understand....it's so inflaming some of these comments, so I got a little paranoid as in "please not another one" but was confused b/c the last statement made perfect sense. Pardon the paranoia :)

[arcturus33333]

If I heard Thom Hartmann correctly today, in all other industrialized nations, it is against the law for insurance companies to make a profit off of health care. Switzerland has health insurance, but they are non-profit companies.

[justice4J]

•Max Baucus- Gang of Six

Roger Blauwet, Baucus' tax counsel, who now lobbies for Merck, Wyeth, and other pharmaceutical interests

•Jeff Forbes, Baucus' former chief of staff, who represents the interests of several pharmaceutical companies

•Scott Olsen, a one-time Baucus policy adviser, has been a lobbyist for Amgen since 2004.

•Melissa Wier, Baucus' former chief trade counsel, who lobbies for Assurant and Ace Limited insurance companies

[jennymac]

Jan, we hit the magic number - be well, my friend. Now off to make hundreds of copies of receipts for my insurance company (guess who) for their last year's incompetence. Yep, def a full time job being sick. We need this reform NOW! And certainly not just for me - for everyone!

[020964]

Yes, my comments were directed at ozoneranger1956.

[020964]

Someday I hope we will see the end of the reckless greed these insurance company executives have enjoyed for so many years. Judgements like the one most recently handed down in SC (South Carolina???) for rescinding insurance for a teen diagnosed with HIV gives me hope.

I hope you get your justice, Janet. We all need to know that there is hope for us. You put a face to the suffering, and let us all know that financial ruin due to illness could happen to any of us.

[justice4J]

Thank you for you good wishes. Write me privately here. :) Everyone's support here helped get me thru. Some of the horrible stress is gone and I'm feeling a bit better. Thanks all of you for supporting me and others who need health care reform NOW!

[CamilleDavila]

ozone: the state of US healthcare IS a disaster. It could not be worse than it is. Look at that 37th ranking: it is true, the rest of the civilized world laughs at the US, that is spends all it's money on military and being number one but fails to take care of it's citizens. The only other countries in the world that rival that level of insanity are North Korea and China.

[rff2206]

The only thing the GOP want to do is make it so people who have been maimed by doctors cannot sue. That's their big contribution. Of the 5 GOP bills, 3 were created by DOCTORS. And no wonder, the US has the highest death by malpractice stats of any industrialized nation. The UK, Japan, Norway, Sweden, France...all look at the US with disgust. We care about one thing here: mammon, not people.

CHANGE IS COMING! Americans need to fight with every fiber of their being for the public optin.

[justice4J]

C I C for sure! We have to keep at it and not ever stop fighting so that people don't die or suffer w/o their health care needs being met accesibly and affordably.

[rff2206]

ozoneranger1956: The US ranks 37th in the world. And we have the highest deaths from medical malpractice and highest number of infant mortality rates. Doctors are paid by the visit, there's no incentive for them to get you well. France ranks #1...We should be looking at their system, not bragging about one that gets an F on the world stage.

[ozoneranger1956]

Our government has proven they are exceptionally irresponsible in spending our dollars. The proposed bills, as I read them are simply unsustainable. Medicare only covers 85% of the providers cost, which then must be shifted onto the shoulders of others. It will be bankrupt in short order. Why would I have any faith in a government that has failed in this endeavor? Social Security, same thing.

A gov. big enough to give you everything you need, is big enough to take everything you have.

[arcturus33333]

Other countries are making jokes about us. It's time we joined the 21st century. Time to join the rest of the CIVILIZED world, who figured it out years ago. It's not rocket science. We don't have to re-invent the wheel. Medicare Part E. E for everybody. It is only because of ignorance and selfishness on the part of many individuals, and greed on the part of giant insurance companies that we don't have single-payer yet. They spend 1M+/day to fight gov.payed healthcare! (Ads and corp. donations.

[CamilleDavila]

I would also like to know what kind of pride you have left in being American where people should be expected to give up their homes to pay medical expenses. She uses her piano to earn money. I find the concept of needing to pull yourself out of work because of health issues very un-American. I thought the American way is to help those to help themselves, therefore someone should not be expected to give up their means of earning a living for healthcare, nor their homes.

[ozoneranger1956]

What makes you think government run health care will deny fewer claims that private run?

Look at Oregon, they held a lottery to see who would "win" one of 3,000 available spots....100,000+ applied. Take off the government issued rose colored glasses.

Free, is never really FREE.

[jennymac]

ozone, if you don't agree with Jan or the rest of us , she happens to be a good friend - and a caring and kind person, why do you keep commenting? Their are plenty of other videos who, sadly, agree with your misguided point of view.

[jennymac]

Excuse my misspelling. Their=there, obviously. I was just so shocked at your callous attitude.

[CamilleDavila]

you are right, free is never really free. People might have to pay higher taxes etc but there is a difference between having a system that is leaving so many people poor or bankrupt vs one that works more effectively. I live in Norway, one of the best health care systems in the world, guaranteed to all citizens and works very well. You can not judge every ones situations so callously and can not decide on an entire governments policies based only on your own situation. Maybe read up more?

[justice4J]

Camille,

You've lived in countries where the health care systems work, so your comments are especially important and support appreciated. Keep fighting with us PLEASE!

[stonecoldjason]

blue cross blue shield of florida is the same way. they pcik and choose who they want to help.

I got parkinson diease, they are not paying for my treatments, my doctor is not in there plan so the co pay cost $75.00, It takes about 3 month just for an appointment.

got enought time to pay for my insurance for anohter 17 monhts then I have to pay full price under cobra after that they going to drop me.

health insurance compaies are forcing people to go on SSDI,

[justice4J]

I hope you're doing well. My cousin has Parkinson's and I can see him deteriorating. It breaks my heart. He's a wonderful, caring human being as I'm sure you are. I'm so sorry you're not able to get your needed care. It's really a disgrace on this country that I love. Sad.

[wecespedes]

I know the facts are what lead me to conclude that the government run health care will have a lower cost to run since it is not for profit and the fact it will give coverage from birth to death. A coverage that does not depend on an employer to provide it means no uninsured and no more 40,000 dying as a result.

[justice4J]

I think it's .35 out of every $1 that the insurance companies spend on administrative costs- all deducted as biz expenses probably and I'm tired of getting their cheesy--"do you need another language?" here's how to take care of your asthma beautifully done slick pamphlets that I DON"T NEED! I've never been to the ER or hospital with asthma so why not go into the data base a send that stuff to the folks who need it-- not en masse!

[justice4J]

Very salient points expressed with intelligence, and a true knowledge of the broken health care system OWNED by for profit health care corps.-- how could they possibly be interested in anything BUT profits? They're FOR PROFIT w/o regard for human suffering.

[brionisphere]

i meant to pu a thumbs up...sorry.

[wecespedes]

The 30% the insurance corporation takes in as overhead (for being a middleman) that does not go to doctors or hospital but should actually go to those entities that provide the health care.

[ozoneranger1956]

So, you think the government employees who process claims are going to do this for free? Every government welfare program ends up costing 3 to 7 X the original estimate. The result will be rationing of care, closing facilities & disasters like Hawaii, Tennessee & Oregon.

[020964]

Please post your facts to support this. Nothing that I have read comes close to what you are saying. This sounds like the typical fear-mongering tactics that come from the right. I used to work for a third-party administrator for health care. I know how these people get around paying for procedures. I know how they use delay tactics to make people wait/jump through hoops to get surgery. I had to get out for the sake of my conscience.

[justice4J]

Hi,

I'm assuming you're addressing you questions to OZONERANGER 1956? (my all caps, not ozone's---just for ease in reading and clarification.

[justice4J]

You sacrificed what sounds like a well paying job b/c of your CONSCIENCE.  That is very impressive in this time of corporate greed. Those who make a profit from those of us who have the audacity to become ill, thru no fault of our own, and then--- USE THE INSURANCE WE'VE PAID FOR FOR YEARS ON TIME....ERRRR....

[justice4J]

I've had many lengthy conversations with my endocrinologist who is constantly frustrated by how difficult it is to run a practice. He's beyond brilliant, but feels INSURANCE COMPANIES dictate how he practices medicine, wanting him to Rx a less effect medication. He wanted to be a doctor to help people -- he's a diabetic himself and treats many who are very cifficult cases to balance even though they're compliant.

[wecespedes]

@ ozoneranger1956: The governments Medicare allows full not limited freedom to choose your doctors and hospitals. Look the 1% of the population that owns 40% of the wealth Why in the last 8 years their wealth triple while 90% of the working class saw their income in the last 30 years flat line?

[wecespedes]

@ ozoneranger1956: You may be wealthy or make a decent living but in which class do you fall?

[poohbabydawn]

you are an idiot. anyone who has a brain and uses it knows that govt health care is not. free. it is paid for with taxes. people work, they pay taxes. and in return they receive certain services and protection from their govt. why is this so hard for you to understand? the only way to make insurance affordable is to take the profit margin out of the equasion. this is not rocket science. and it is a responsibility of the people's govt. to expect health care. it is a basic need, not a luxury.

[justice4J]

I think you meant equation? NBD.  Just clarifying.

[poohbabydawn]

yes. equation. i get a bit excited when i see such hateful responses to people's stories. there are some very nasty folks in the world,and they love to spread their disrespect all over the net. they take someone's unfortunate situation and make them feel as bad as they can. and they especially love to blame the person. anyway, i tend to get a little ahead of myself,and typo's and etc are a common feature of my responses. best wishes.

[justice4J]

Thx; I thought it was positive response; I wanted to make sure. I know... I've hit send a few times with flames . I stand with U 2.. Yes, victim/ill person must have done something to "deserve" illness. BTW, ozone 1956 thinks I'm rich. I have a PIANO, 30 years old. I love it, I'm not complaining. Don't like a stabbing 1 block away...can't move...maybe in a yr, if I am LUCKY.,

[whatithink2]

Jan, nice video! Kudos for sharing your personal challenges for the benefit of others.

What a pity that some people feel that they have the right to condmn you based on an unfair comparison of your life to theirs.

The person who spoke so bitterly of your "valuable things, your possessions" can't know the struggles you have endured.

Any human blessed with an ounce of compassion would recognize that you suffer...and to deride a person in pain is the most pitiful form of expression.

[im4wur]

Thank you calnurses for making this video!

[jazziackeys]

@im4wur They did an awesome job!  Jay Johnson filmed and edited the video. I was really ill that day, but Jay made it easy. thanks (aka justice4j)

[im4wur]

justice4J - We're with you. Unfortunately, your situation is all too common in the US today.

The health care denying insurance companies have a basic conflict of interest that gets in the way of their ability to provide health care. That's one of the reasons we so direly need health care reform.

We as a nation are wealthy enough to not add the burden of financial devastation to those of us that have health problems. The question is, are we civilized enough to realize it.

[dougdrenkow]

Janet deserves our respect and concern. "I'm not my brother's keeper" is one of the oldest dodges in the book. Yes, we have personal responsibilities. But we also need to look out for one another -- if not out of a sense of compassion, "God forbid," then out of a simple sense of practicality: No one is immune from medical financial disaster, the way the system is set up. More power to Janet if she can hold onto whatever she can from when she was able to work. And shame on anyone mean to her.

[chasingbliss1]

Janet - Thanks for being brave enough to share your story. Anyone who feels it necessary to pass judgement on your life w/o knowing you is simply displaying their own ignorance & short-sightedness.  I too suffer w/ the pain of IC & the struggles of dealing w/insurance companies. Stay strong. Just remember, If conservatives can call universal healthcare "socialized medicine," I can call private health care "soulless vampires making money off human pain. See you on the ICN!

[stonecoldjason]

when CONs kids get sick and they get dropped by the health insurance, we need to make them stories public

[jazziackeys]

@chasingbliss1

Soulless Vampires = Insurance companies for sure!

[julywolfe]

I suspect she bought the stuff when she was well enough to work - same as she paid into disability when she worked, toward the day when, God forbid, she might not be able to work anymore. It's her money, give it to her.

[justice4J]

July,

You're exactly right. I bought that piano in 1979 and it's a BABY grand, not a grand, I bought my house in 1977 as well-- right when I graduated as an RN. Thanks for your kind comment. You know what the pain is like-- we both have the dreaded beast IC. THANKS

[justice4J]

Thank you B.

My home was actually bought in 1977. 1997 is an obvious typo. Update...my insurance is now $736.00/month with $1,500 deductible which is nearly impossible to meet b/c how the insurance companies plays their cards. OZONE YOU'RE IN THE OZONE AND ACCUMULATING SOME REAL BAD KARMA.....READ SOMETHING INTELLECTUALLY STIMULATING. MAYBE YOU HAVE ENOUGH OF A BRAIN LEFT TO LEARN.

[brionisphere]

I think ozoneranger1956 is a complete moron who doesn't know a thing about Janet Stephens. She has been through bad times more in her life than ozoneranger1956 can imagine. I've personally seen her in so much pain that she can not even walk. I've also seen her have to sell personal items just to get by. So if ozoneranger1956 thinks he know a thing about Janet he has another thing coming.

[ozoneranger1956]

She lives in a $360,000.00 house & has a grand piano for Christ's sake.

I don't have either.

I also don't have a fancy video camera, or the latest in cell phones, I drive a car made in 1995.

I have priorities, asking others to foot my bills isn't one of them.

[justice4J]

NOTHING BUT LIES FYI, That is a 30 year old baby grand purchased when I was an RN BEFORE DISABILITY. I actually live in a depressed neighborhood HALF A BLOCK FROM A RAILROAD TRACK, AND A BLOCK FROM A STABBING IN BROAD DAYLIGHT! THAT HOME WAS PURCHASED IN 1997 WHEN I WAS STILL A NURSE. BTW, IF YOU LOOK AT WHO POSTED THIS VIDEO IT's CAL NURSES -- JAY JOHNSON, THEIR VIDEOGRAPHER HAD THE "SO CALLED FANCY CAMERA.. SO BEFORE YOU ISSUE CRUEL, INSULTING COMMENTS, GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!

[Uhave2laff]

Jan is lucky to have been able to keep some of the treasures she acquired before getting sick. When I had to file for medical-related bankruptcy, the only things of value I got to keep were my wedding rings and music collection. People think they're protected because they have insurance and money in the bank - odds are you'll lose it all once illness comes into your life.

[brionisphere]

janet stephens piano and brian wright bass. lets get health care reform passed.

[permanentgrin]

She is like Erin Brockovich

[justice4J]

Hey Grin,

That's one of the nicest compliments I could ever hear. Erin is a hero and she is hard at work tracking down the cause of such high rates of thyoid disease. Go Erin and Ed Masrey , ESQ

[justice4J]

Doih! I LEFT OUT THAT ERIN BROCKOVICH AND ED MASREY, ESQ. ARE WORKING TO TRACK THE CAUSE OF SUCH HIGH RATES OF THYROID DISEASE IN CALIFORNIA-- PARTLY IT'S THE JET FUEL GETTING INTO OUR WATER!

[imanta1972]

It is outrageous! I wish you all the best! And thanks for sharing your story! Good luck!

[justice4J]

I,

Thanks. The support of everyone here helps keep me from "losing it." I hope my story will help others stay strong and FIGHT ON for health care reform. J

[020964]

Shame on the health care industry for making consumer die the death of a thousand cuts from out of control deductibles and co-pays. It's all a game designed to essentially deny care without denying it outright.

[marsstrain]

CAN'T Imagine paying for healthcare!! I have chronic diseases and I'm treated like gold here in Canada. Given the great quality care I need, and have never ever worried about money. They even give me money if I have to travel to a specialist anywhere in the world. People complain about our system, yes.. but if you need help you get help!

[justice4J]

M,

You illustrate the point very well of the benefit of single payer. Thank you for taking time to post. It's meaningful and much appreciated.

[marionpack]

I wish you all the best Janet.

It is absurd that a developed country like our's does not provide healthcare for all Americans like all other developed countries do. We may have the best healthcare money can buy - but only if you have the money. Everyone else suffers and that is WRONG!

[justice4J]

Thank you Marion. Very well put. It's just amazing to me that as a nurse with a good knowledge of the health care maize, I still can't really get thru it.

[gotz2bk]

The problem is that America is too developed. The capitalist system may be the best working economic model today but there are many major flaws. One of the biggest flaws is that investors need to see SUBSTANTIAL quarterly and annual profit increases. This is almost impossible to do unless you take the less ethical route and make money at the expense of your clients. And so the world keeps turning, corporations keep making money, and people die.

[justice4J]

Well said. The greed is unbelievable. As you said, people die. Rest in Peace Nataline Sarkisyan. God Bless you Hilda, Bedeg and Gregor Sarkisyan for your strength..

[RaymondTri]

Well said, Jan.... Your story truly serves as a legitimate picture of so many others who are unheard, and unseen. As a health care worker, I encounter patients each and every day in the hospital where I work, who are fearful and afraid as to what the insurance companies will actually pay or deny. To watch patients struggle mentally and emotionally, when they are supposed to be healing from physical health situations, is truly disheartening. Thanks Jan, for your courage..our prayers are w/you.

[justice4J]

Thank you Raymond. I know that many health care workers see "me" in many of their patients, and worse. My experience and my heart goes out to anyone who encounters similar or worse situations. That's why I consented to do this video.

[DrBillHonigman]

Janet, Thanks so much. Si se puede, Single Payer! Dr Bill

[justice4J]

YES DR. BILL! Thank you. Yes. Si se puede Single Payer. J

[jennymac]

Janet, you have such a powerful story and I'm very proud of you and greatly admire your courage!

[justice4J]

Jennymac,

Thanks for commenting. It has been a lot to get thru, but with support here and in my personal life. Thanks for supporting.

Hugs, J

[julywolfe]

There seems to be a confusion in this country over the difference between health insurance and healthcare. It's embarrassing that the greatest country on the planet WON'T feed and care for the people who financially support it.

[justice4J]

July,

You hit the mark straight on.  It's GREED and the 1% of the population that controls the entire country. Thank you for your post.

[chixsngr]

There need to be more stories like this on MAIN STREAM media. Why do we only hear from the Town Hall angry mob?

This is a very powerful statement, as they all are. Let's get this on the MSM!

[Uhave2laff]

As someone else who also worked in nursing, also is a pianist, and also was disabled several years ago, I recognize the truth and the pain in this woman's experience. Although I had insurance when I got sick, it didn't adequately cover the care I required and ultimately forced my family into backruptcy. Access to quality health care should be available to all citizens REGARDLESS of ability to pay. Health Insurance Reform NOW!

[justice4J]

I couldn't agree more. Americans have suffered enough without relief for too long.

[dougdrenkow]

If everyone were as well informed as Ms. Stephens then perhaps they might realize how much the health care system is in need of reform. But because of the myths being disseminated to confuse and scare the public, reform is facing stiff opposition. Let us not for a moment forget, however, the millions of people like Janet who are suffering -- and dying -- because of the discriminatory practices of the current system. Reform means we the people will take more control over our own health and money!

[justice4J]

You are too kind. Thank you.

[justice4J]

Your kind comments are right on the money. Thank you for posting.

[dougdrenkow]

It is you, Janet, who deserve our thanks. You are courageously standing up to the "powers that be" in order to secure justice not only for yourself but also for all the rest of us, by setting a precedent that says, "Good health care is a fundamental right, which shall not be sacrificed or compromised for the profit of others." That is the central question of the current health care debate: Which is more important? Human life or greed. God bless you in your challenging ordeal. We're with you!

[justice4J]

Doug,

The support from everyone here is so appreciated. To have strangers care about another strangers difficulties is a wonderful thing to experience. Thanks again!

[spacenurse]

It is wrong to discriminate against people because they are sick.

[justice4J]

Thank you for that!

[justice4J]

ABSOLUTELY!  Thanks!

[scumboggle1]

Also wanted to say good luck to Janet. My wife and I are also people with some health issues. For 8 years straight now there has never been a month gone by without hefty payments to some section of the health industry. And when I see that recently popped up phony organizations disrupting meeting so there can be no discussion of change. And recently hinting about using violence. And so called experts saying how good healthcare is. Is that the for the ones who pay or recieve?

[scumboggle1]

Younger people need to wake up , what do they think that things will be like later on. Got a good job and get sick.... guess who will be on the layoff slate... Own a home and have a extended hospital stay...kiss it goodbye. Dont get sick and will be an exec retire at 30, a billionaire so your not worried about it.? Goodluck.

[justice4J]

There are so many people in the US who are in dire straits financially b/c of underinsurance or no insurance. Kudos to Silderdachs for posting what the politicians do-- accept blood money from insurance companies to finance their campaigns....50% of bankruptcies filed in this country are the DIRECT RESULT OF MEDICAL DEBT! This is a hug problem in our ECONOMIC WOES!

[stonecoldjason]

Janet, know how you fell

3 month ago found out that I have Parkinson and blue cross will not cover everything

feel sorry for your home, that is another issuse that needs to be address

luckly my home is paid for I would had to have gotten a camper or something to stay in if it was not

[justice4J]

Thank you for posting. My insurance premiums are now $736.00/mo. Benefits are shredded by many lab and M.D. co-pays being deemed "01" - in excess of negotiated rate.  I read and see ads not based on the truth; if you are an individual policy holder, you basically have NO RIGHTS. Even legal remedy cannot bring true justice for those of us w/o or w/inadequate health care. It's a burden those not in this situation cannot understand.

[stonecoldjason]

know how you fell, 3 months ago found out that I got parkinsons

blue cross blue shield does not cover all my expesnes,

I am out of work now got enough time to pay for my health insurance for 19 more months

my income has been cut by 25% cannot afford all the meds I need

[hlara87]

Janet,

We meet at my job and you told me your story and i was really touch by ur story. It sad how this country is the bottom of the list when it comes to health care. Society needs to be aware and make a difference like you are by fighting our rights of health! Continue telling your story and good luck with everything!

[Silberdachs]

Heres a rundown of money that the people who are blocking real reform in health care have received from the health care industry: Specter ($4,02m) Baucus ($2,8m) McConnell ($2.7m) When you take a look at Big Insurance, the non-presidential candidates who got biggest legalized bribes were the 7 senators tasked with the job of killing single-payer: Nelson ($1.1m) Baucus ($1.1m) Lieberman ($1.03m) Specter ($1.03m) Schumer ( $0.98m) McConnell ($0.93m) Grassley ($0.88m)

[020964]

Janet, quite a while ago I exchanged a few comments with you here. I am a fellow nurse and musician. I was just wondering how you are doing lately. If you are feeling up to it, please get back to me.

Your sister in nursing.

[jadedchick16]

Ms. Stephens, you asked me today to leave a comment so that you would not lose your video link. I believe that this country has fallen badly below it's people's needs and dreams and expectations. I hope the coming years will bring relief, hope, joy, and happiness for all. I hope your suffering is lessened as time passes and that things get easier for you. By the way- my name was Heather, not melissa.

[stp479]

The MA. mandated insurance is an absolute abomination-period. Architects of the Massachusetts mandated healthcare did studies showing government provided insurance is far more equitable and efficient, yet have opted for MA. FORCED insurance citing political feasibility because insurance companies own our politicians-completely. Big insurance hopes to do to the nation what they did to MA. This redistribution of our cash into private industry pockets is huge. Stop it via H.R. 676 single payer!

[jans1736]

My situation has grown worse...I now pay $739.00/month for insurance with the coverage shrinking as the costs grow!

[KirbyKirsty]

Is it just me or is America's health care really really bad?

[jans1736]

Kirby, Yes it really is. I have insurance, which I've had to raise the deductible....now I pay $639.00/month. I've paid $42,586.00 in drug co-pays in the last 10 years. My main source of income is fixed and a little tiny bit more from teaching piano to little kids.

[rydellz]

Solution...get all health care out of government and employer hands. If the employer has one insurance company, how is that any form of competitiveness for the customer...you. We need car insurance-like options for health insurance.  Pick the stuff you need. Then have it all tax free/deductible, allowing to government to assist. But NEVER allow the government get involved as today, else they will start to fine you for not being healthy, Alabama already adds tax for obesity.

[Marline2U]

Jan, I hear you. This health care situation is not acceptable in the greatest country in the world, our America. We need healthcare reform now. Thank you Jan, for sharing your story with us, it truly touched my heart. God Bless you, and God Bless all of us.

Love,

Marline

[jans1736]

Marline,

Thank you for your kind comments. I hope that my story will help in the fight for real healthcare reform. I am a former body builder and long distance runner. If something like this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. Having said that, I know there are many people suffering in worse situations than mine.

Jan

[020964]

Janet: As a fellow nurse and piano player--though not nearly as good as you--I just wanted to wish you well.

If our health care system were a patient, someone would have "stopped the code" a long time ago.

[brionisphere]

Thank you so much for both comments!

Music is something I've loved doing most of my life. Although, it's hard to practice sometimes because I don't feel well.

Thanks for your kind comments again.

Hugs,

Jan

[nohealthcare62]

Impeachment is not soon enough! Kuchinich 2008* 300 Americans will die today all because they have no health care ..I had BSBC and they gave me VIOXX when I had female cancer and didnt want to operate ..I paid $7,500 a year for 17 years only used it once

[jennymac]

Jan, you are so admirable for speaking up for all of us. And you play a mean piano as well! ;) Good for you, keep up the good fight!

[brionisphere]

Jennifer,

Thank you. I was given a voice and a chance to speak for many people who suffer under the same broken healthcare system. I have an ethical responsibility to use my voice.

I'm so glad you enjoyed the music too. It really is one of the 2 things that keep me sane - that and family and friends like you! Jan

[brionisphere]

I am using Brian's laptop cause my hard drive just crashed.

I also have to give Jay Johnson, videographer extraordinaire, props for the great job he did. It isn't easy to get a video of that quality in someone's home where you have to improvise with what the person has in there home, in terms of lighting, etc.

[brionisphere]

Part 2....

Jay is also one of the easiest people you would ever have to work with. I love what he did weaving the creativity and the facts that resulted in a glimpse into the life of someone

needing and fighting for healthcare reform.

Love,

Jan