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.

Mary Pat Lease
Iowa City, IA

My sister worked for 25 years at a job that she hated because she had a "pre-existing condition." Due to a work injury she had herniated discs in her back, and she feared that she could not get health coverage for her and her children if she left.

Another sister was put in an even worse situation. She was a dental assistant and her employer didn't offer insurance as a benefit. Her husband was self-employed and could not get affordable health insurance because he had diabetes, which eventually took his life. So my sister, a widow with two small children and no way to afford private insurance, ultimately had to file for bankruptcy due to medical debt.

Far too many people stay in unfulfilling jobs and marriages because they cannot afford to "divorce" their health insurance carrier. This country needs a public, non-profit option, such as an improved version of our current Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan or Medicare. It can be offered on a sliding-scale to cover income inequities.

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