I have been stuck in the health care mess for years. I suffer from very frequent migraines. I had Kaiser when I started going to ER for my migraines. I was told by them that they can’t do anything for them and they don’t run tests anymore for migraines since nothing shows up most of the time. They started raising my monthly premium so high that I could not afford it. I have been unable to work a regular full time job for years because I get migraines anywhere from once a month to three times a month and they last about 3 days at a time. In addition to this I also have had long standing joint issues that have never been diagnosed even though I have seen several doctors for it. I am told it is in my head and there is nothing wrong with me and I continue to get sicker. I decided to do my own research based on my symptoms and the most likely culprit is Lupus.

At this time I am unable to work and unable to afford the high premiums that private insurance companies want me to pay in order to get health care. I can’t get tested or find out what is causing me so much pain. So now I have multiple issues that impact my life in a huge way. I am so bad now that I am having trouble tying my shoes and getting dressed- yet I can’t see anyone for it because I have no health care and can’t get it. I can’t work so I can’t even pay even the smallest monthly amount. I am not young enough (not a minor) to qualify for charities and have no diagnosis so can’t qualify for disability. Luckily I have people that care about me so I have a place to live. I have been going to ER for years for my migraines and have not been able to pay (I am charged about 5 times more than the insurance companies and I make nothing while they make billions). My credit is shot to the point that I don’t think I can ever recover. I didn’t do drugs. I didn’t cause this. I have conditions that are beyond my control. I made no choice to have the health issues I have, yet I am punished for it by our system. If I WAS a drug addict there are programs for that- there are no programs for me – a 41 yr old with multiple disabling and painful health issues.

I hope that somehow some sort of single payer system is passed all over the country and not just here in CA. Many people need it. I know I am not the only one that has fallen through the gaps.

Josephine Biasi
Fremont, CA