Monterey County Democrats Celebrate Historic Health Care Reform Vote
As they finally began to see the fruits of a year of very hard work, local volunteers reflected on what the historic victory means to them.
"I am ecstatic that the Democrats came together to accomplish something so important for the American people," said volunteer Liz Ward. "I am self-employed and would not be able to afford insurance at all if not for my husband's work. Even with that, our rates went up 40% last year and another 30% this year - all for a high-deductible plan with $12,000 a year of out-of-pocket costs! I also have a sister who is a student and can't afford any insurance, and another sister with total kidney failure who is on Medicare and Medicaid. We will all benefit from this bill, as will most working and disabled Americans."
"This has been an emotionally draining day for me," said volunteer Daniel McCormick. "The feelings that are attached to being a person of 'pre-existing conditions' can be overwhelming enough, but when tied to the refusal from health insurance companies when trying to purchase insurance because of my condition, it brings tears to my eyes even now. I have felt like a second class citizen & have endured financial & physical hardships that are unreal. Financial in that my medications alone cost close to $1000 a month. This doesn't count doctor's visits & blood tests & medication that I skip from time to time due to financial restraints. That is the physical part, as I shorten my life each time I am putting my body through hardships because I can't afford it.
This moment now, as Speaker Pelosi finishes her comments tonight, is beyond exciting for me, it is potentially life saving & definitely life extending. I am so happy for myself & so many people that this is saving. Thank you to all who helped get us here."
The chair of the Monterey County Democratic Party, VInz Koller, had this to add: "The unsung heroes who made this happen are the volunteers who have continued to believe that - despite the pressure by the insurance industry - this was a fight worth fighting. They have included folks with insurance and those without, healthcare providers and patients, who all agreed that the status quo was not acceptable. Today we all won because of them. They deserve our thanks."
