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.

Iris Ayers
New London, IA

I am an uninsured college student. After my dad died when I was 13, our family didn't have health care. I have been without health care for 7 years. To do things for school, such as field trips and band trips, I would have to pay extra because we didn't have insurance coverage.

We had to get temporary insurance for the trips which were almost as expensive as the cost of the trip itself. Because I'm uninsured I haven't been to the dentist or had a physical since I was in middle school.

There have been several conditions I've put off because I'm uninsured. I hurt my back moving one day and couldn't afford the doctor visit, so I put it off. The pain got so bad I started having panic attacks until I finally went into get seen.

I am going without health insurance for a few more years until I can get a good paying job after school, which will most likely add up to 10 years uninsured.

This wouldn't be a problem if I simply had a plan available that I could afford.

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