Today we are taking time to feature stories of every day Iowans who have struggled because of a lack of quality, affordable health care. Every hour, on the hour, we will feature a new story in the hope that these faces and their struggles persuade Senator Charles Grassley that true reform cannot happen without a public health care plan option, and that quality, affordable health care needs to be available to every Iowan.

Cindy Brown
Des Moines, IA

Many years ago Cindy and her husband Bruce were reasonably healthy and held good private insurance through Bruce's employer. As the years went by Bruce's private insurance carrier started charging more and more for coverage right as their health started to decline. Cindy started having trouble walking and Bruce developed severe osteoporosis and several kidney stones. They saw their monthly health care costs go from $20 per month to over $650 per month.

Eventually, skyrocketing costs drove them to bankruptcy, and they still have outstanding bills to Mercy Hospital. It seems like every time they almost pay off their debts another MRI or something similar pops up. Bruce still makes a decent wage, but said their medical bills force them to live at poverty level. They'd like to be able to donate to their church and help worthy causes, but feel their just one pay check away from becoming a worthy cause themselves.

Respond to Senator Grassley on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChuckGrassley

Write Senator Grassley and tell him that you want health care reform today:
http://action.seiu.org/page/speakout/24hrs