I’m an elementary school teacher in Santa Cruz. In 2008 and 2009, I paid about $400 out of pocket to ensure my family, in addition to my school district’s contribution. In October of 2010, my rate increased 200% to $1,200 per month out of my pocket with an additional $650 per month paid by my district. This is a grand total of about $20,000 per year for a crappy Anthem Blue Cross policy with a copay of $40! I had to drop my family from my insurance policy. I cried for weeks and had to find a policy for them on the open market. I found a comparable policy for my family for $255 per month. They will probably raise it, but this still doesn’t compare to $20,000 per year. Insurance companies are gouging our school districts in California!! We cannot take this laying down!

Kimberly Dudley