Today we are taking the day 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.

Melinda Myers
Cedar Rapids, IA

One of the hardest things to see as a nurse is someone who's put off seeking care simply because they didn't have the money to pay for it. It is then we see a simple condition balloon into a costly hospital stay and the possibility of long term effects to the patient's health. We see this more and more as Iowans continue to lose their jobs and their health insurance with it.

At work a patient was recently admitted with a severe brain abscess. Months earlier he'd had a cold that turned into a sinus infection. He knew he needed to see a doctor but he didn't because he didn't have insurance and didn't have the money to pay out of pocket. So, he just tried to ride it out. He developed a fever with severe headaches. Finally, when he could no longer take the pain he came to the emergency room, where I work. He needed a brain surgery to drain the abscess. Instead of having a $100 doctor visit and prescription, he ended up with a bill that was 20 times as expensive.

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