I just found out that Rep. John Dingell is hosting a town hall meeting in Romulus, MI at 6 pm this evening. The event will take place at the Romulus Athletic Center, 35765 Northline Rd. According to other sources (http://michiganmessenger.com/ )trouble is anticipated.
This is killing me, because I just found out and I can't attend the meeting. Is anyone in SE Michigan able to attend?
I know three families/people who don't have health insurance. One man was laid off from his job in March. He job-hunted the whole time he was off. Finally in May he was called back to work, but discovered that his small company had quit carrying health insurance for their employees. He and his wife are in their fifties and are not able to get any health insurance. It's not that they can't afford it. They can't find any company who will sell them a policy at any price - I suppose that's better than selling them a policy and then denying them coverage, though!
Another woman has been constantly employed but is paid by government grants. She's always considered a temporary employee and doesn't qualify for health insurance. She hasn't had insurance for 10 years. She either pays for procedures herself, or more often, doesn't see a doctor at all.
Another couple is living on social security and whatever money the wife can make working as a self-employed beautician. Both worked all their lives but neither made enough money to save up a nest-egg. The husband owes a local hospital about $2000 for an emergency room visit. He offered to pay a small amount weekly, but the hospital turned him over to a collection agency. He is no longer able to go to that hospital for any reason - he's on their list.
I would go and try to speak at the meeting but I am obligated until 7 p.m. this evening. I hope some people see this call to action and are able to attend. If this is diaries - of course I'll delete, and please help with tags!