Tell Congress Why You Want Health Care Reform for People with Arthritis!

On Wednesday, June 10, 2009, the U. S. Congress told the Arthritis Foundation that they need to hear from people like us about health care reform.  The Arthritis Foundation sent out a message the same day that read in part:

“It is very important that you tell your Members of Congress about the unique health care needs of people with arthritis.  If you are currently experiencing challenges accessing or paying for health care, please tell Congress your story.  If you don’t tell them about the problem, Congress can’t include a solution in the legislation.” 

Now, I am asking you to take a few minutes to let your Congressional representatives know how you feel.  Tell them your story.  Tell them if you struggle to get quality health care at an affordable price because of your arthritis.  Tell them if you have to decide whether to buy groceries or pay for your medications.  Tell them if your mounting debt is due to medical bills your insurance provider refuses to cover.  Tell them your story.

People who don’t have a chronic condition do not know how inadequate health insurance or lack of health insurance affects us.  Now is the time for you to tell them. 

Don’t delay on this one.  According to the Arthritis Foundation, Congressional committees will start discussing health care reform legislation this week (if they haven’t already).  This is your chance to tell them your point of view while it is still in committee and before it goes to the Senate or House of Representatives for a vote.

Get started now.