April 2007
Independent Living Centers believe that each person is an expert about their own lives. People with disabilities are the experts about their own disabilities and what if anything they need. Unfortunately, our society does not reflect this value. We are often told that others are the experts and we must follow the lead of those who are in control. There is no better example of this than our current health care system. We are forced to look to huge insurance companies to make choices about treatment and costs because in our current system they have all the power.
The It’s Our Healthcare Coalition would like to change that. It’s Our Healthcare is a made up of consumer advocates, seniors, health advocates, communities of faith and labor working together to ensure that we are heard in the current fight for health care reform. They believe that you are expert on what is happening with your health care. Everyone has a story about how the current system of rising premiums and shrinking benefits has impacted them. Your story could be that you have to choose between insurance and other basic necessities, like food, clothing and housing. You could have good insurance but are struggling to pay for it. The point is, you don’t have to be uninsured to be facing hard choices about health care.
Thanks to the efforts of health care advocates throughout California, the time is right for change. The Governor and the Legislature have said that fixing health care is their top priority. You have the opportunity to make sure they follow through. Join the It’s Our Healthcare “Tell Your Story” Campaign. Share your story with elected officials and the public because you are the expert and you should have the power to choose high quality, affordable health care.
Contact the It’s Our Healthcare Coalition and tell your story in English or Spanish at 1-800-977-2067 or fax it to 1-866-773-0810. For more information on the Coalition log onto www.itsourhealthcare.org