Sunday, July 26, 2009

Stories from Washington, DC

Walk for Healthcare: Stories from Washington, DC

Doris in Washington, DC


Doris in Washington, DC
Originally uploaded by walk4healthcare

Doris, from New York, is here in DC visiting. “No insurance, can’t afford it,” she told me. “And I never go to a doctor—I’m otherwise lucky,” she said with a smile and went off with her friends.

Keith in Washington, DC


Keith in Washington, DC
Originally uploaded by walk4healthcare

Keith is one of the founders of the ubiquitous Food Not Bombs organization. His organization has protested around the world and now he’s in front of the White House delivering his message to all those gathered. His story is simple: he’s got fibromyalgia, which he says he acquired after being tortured by the CIA during one of his several incarcerations for illegally delivering free food. With his income and this sort of pre-existing condition, he can never get health insurance.

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Saturday, July 25, 2009

Stories from Maryland

Walk for Healthcare: Stories from Maryland

Shayla in Gaithersburg, Maryland


Shayla in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Originally uploaded by walk4healthcare

Shayla’s been newly enrolled in a PPO. Supposedly better than an HMO, she had high expectations. “But,” she told me, “I don’t understand why it’s so good.” “First, you pay more,” she explained, “and second, you still get a bill AFTER the co-pay.” And then she told me about the prescription plan, which requires you to mail away for the medications and it often takes 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. She shook her head. “That just doesn't make sense!”

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