• 9/29/2007
  • web-based article
  • staff
  • www.wnct.com

Medical care is something we all need. Health care costs continue to rise and employment is no longer a guarantee that you’ll be covered. Millions of Americans work just to have health insurance – and still find themselves sick and broke.

Lisa Cristia is a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with tongue and throat cancer four years ago. Her medical bills continue to pile up, even though she has health insurance. Lisa says, “I did have insurance. I thought it was enough and it would cover me and that the only battle that I would have to fight was the battle against cancer”. After going through $5,000 in savings and $14,000 in her 401-K, Lisa was still $65,000 in debt because of what her insurance didn’t cover.

Eventually, she was forced to file for bankruptcy. Lisa still needs follow up visits and medications, and that means more medical bills. She says, “It’s a lost future. I’m 38 years old, I am never gonna be able to buy a house. I’m never gonna be able to buy a brand new car, no matter how hard I work, no matter how much money I make. My credit is completely ruined”.

According to Ron Pollack, executive director of the consumer heath advocacy group Families USA — Lisa’s story is not unusual. He says health care cost is the #1 cause for people declaring bankruptcy in the United States today. In fact, nearly 47 million Americans or 16% of the population were without health insurance in 2005. That includes 27 million people who work full time. Pollack says, “the average cost family health coverage purchased through a group today is more than $12,000 a year. So even if you’re making, say $60,000 a year, that’s one fifth of your income just devoted to your premiums”. Lisa knows while she’s lucky – health insurance isn’t enough if you get seriously ill.