Guaranteed Healthcare

I saw a clip of the California’s Nurses Association, and I was compelled to write my experience with the health care system. I am a 40 year old nursing student not to mention I have a learning disability too. Ever since I lost my job in 1999, I have not had insurance or been able to go to the doctor until recently. I know a lot of people have problems with the same issue I have and I am not saying my story is better or worse, it is what it is.

I do not want a free hand out -- I just ask the state for a little assistance with living and doctor expenses so I can be self-sufficient someday. Salt Lake City is a city where refugees are brought in so they are not all congregated within the costal areas of North America. I am really not minimizing their plights, however I have terrible luck getting a job which will work with my schooling and give me a substantial wage. According to the welfare office here in Salt Lake City I do not qualify for any assistance because I am a student, and they think I should be working 40 hours a week and attending nursing school at the same time. I know that there are plenty of single moms that do it, and please know it is just that they are single moms and they qualify for all the benefits I do not. I have been forced to take out loans to hopefully pay for an education which I am not even sure if I will be able to obtain should something happen.

I got a job a couple of years ago at the orange home improvement giant and even when they paid me $5.60 hour I did not qualify because I was and am single. Oh my, after taxes my take home pay was $600-500 a month and then my if I had insurance it would have cost me 20% more of my income and rent being $490 a month for a one bedroom apartment, I just don’t see how I can make it. I feel as though I am one of those unfortunate souls that’s caught between the cracks.

I can tell you I am so grateful for my experience and the people I have met in my life. That is my story. Thx