Statement of Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director, MomsRising.org, In Response to President Obama's Address on Healthcare

CONTACT: Gretchen Wright, 202/271-1999

September 10, 2009

Statement of Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director, MomsRising.org, In Response to President Obama’s Address on Healthcare Reform

“In his speech last night, President Obama underscored the concerns that families across the country have about our health care system,” said MomsRising.org Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner. “Too many families are going without crucial healthcare because they can’t get coverage, have insufficient coverage or have been dropped by their insurers. We cannot go on like this.

“In a nation that purports to lead the world, it’s a disgrace that tens of millions of people have no healthcare coverage. It’s embarrassing that children are going without the care and treatment they need. It’s shameful that people must risk bankruptcy to get medical treatment.

“MomsRising has been hearing from moms, dads and others all across the country, who have shared their stories with us. Here is some of what they’ve written:

I’m 46 and married and have 3 kids, and never had to worry about health care until I lost my job. My husband is self-employed and he and I both have pre-existing conditions (I’m a cancer survivor) that make it impossible for us to find private insurance. We bought it for our three kids, but it’s expensive and the loopholes and deductibles are so crazy, sometimes it feels as if we’re not paying for anything, really. Next year it’s time for my cancer scan, to make sure I’m still in remission. I can’t get it. I also can’t afford all but the most critical drugs to keep myself alive. I also worry that myself or my husband will be in a car accident. Trying to private pay a hospital bill would destroy our family. –Nancy, Florida

I have been in and out of the hospital since March of 2008. I have had three surgeries, meningitis and encephalitis, and am looking at a fourth. I have to see a pain specialist on a regular basis and I have to have epidural injections and sciatic rhizotomies done. We owe thousands in medical bills and will probably be facing bankruptcy within the year because of them. In the “wealthiest” country in the world this should not be allowed to happen.— Elizabeth, Michigan

I have a 5 year old little boy with hydrocephalus. He has a shunt that drains the fluid from his brain down to his belly. With that said, he is a healthy, smart, and extremely happy little boy. Our neorosurgeon says he is truly “best case scenario” – very healthy! However, no insurance company will take us... no quote, no interest in looking at his medical charts, nothing!!! So we are left with truly no options for healthcare unless my husband or I close downone of our small businesses and go to work for corporate America.. So much for the American Dream! – Renee, Ohio

“We are sharing these stories with Members of Congress. We hope that if they will not listen to our President, that they will listen to their constituents and do the right thing, by passing healthcare reform that will lower costs, ensure that no one is denied coverage because of illness, and provides access to affordable healthcare for all.”

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MomsRising.org is an online and on-the-ground grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to achieve economic security for all families in the United States. MomsRising is working for paid family leave, flexible work options, affordable child care, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes so many mothers. MomsRising also advocates for healthcare for all, toxic-free environments, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families.