I am disabled, and both my husband, Mike and I are diabetic. When my husband Mike lost his job of 30 years in 2004, we lost our health insurance because we couldn't afford to pay the $748 monthly COBRA premium. We spent a year without any health care coverage or doctor visits. We stopped taking our prescriptions when our supplies ran out. Eventually when I needed to restart some medicines, I couldn't afford the $130 office visit fee to have the doctor see me to write my new prescriptions.

I now have Social Security Disability Benefits and Medicare and Mike is covered through his work plan.  but we don't feel secure. Due to the economy, the company Mike is working for is currently decreasing their hours. Even if Mike is able to keep his job, we fear that if his hours are decreased too much, he will still loose his benefits. Mike will not qualify for Medicare for another 7 years. In order for him to maintain proper control of his diabetes, he must have consistent care. As the system currently stands, I fear for Mike's health if he loses his job.

I strongly support the measure in HB 2009 that calls for sliding scale premium assistance for Oregonions up to 300% FPL.  People cannot continue to sustain the loss of health care along with salaries.  They need to be healthy enough to work and support their families. I encourage you all to act quickly to meet the current need of the ever expanding numbers of uninsured Oregonians.

Kathy’s Message to Legislators:

“We’ve got to get some sort of health care for everyone.   We have a desperate need in this state, and it’s not just the people who qualify for the Oregon Health Plan. It’s the people in the middle, who make too much for OHP, but can’t afford to buy health insurance.   At some point, everyone will need this.”