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.

Sara Lang
North Liberty, IA

We need health care reform including a public option. I was fortunate enough to have my children covered by Title 19 until I was employed and could afford private insurance through my employer.

The strange reality is that my children received the best care under Title 19. Although I am reasonably satisfied with my current coverage for them, there are many limitations on the medical options available to us with the "full coverage" private insurance I carry. That feels like private insurers do not have my family's health and well-being on their priority list.

Our salaries have been frozen this year and we are taking 1 week of unpaid furloughs each quarter, due to the economic downturn. Our health care premiums have however increased. I am told by staff members who have had health issues that our medical out-of-pocket costs are increasing as well. I understand the challenge my employer faces in this economy. Though I also know that our health costs would be drastically lowered if we could choose a public insurance option. With would make life much easier as we navigate these changing times.

If Private Insurance Companies had to compete with a government's public insurance, I believe we would see the playing field leveled. With transparency in medical costs & charges and transparency in the reimbursements made by private and public insurers, we would finally see integrity in the industry.

Please, Senator Grassley, side with your voting constituency, not with the powerful private insurance corporations. We the people need your support to make quality health care available and affordable for all us. Save our town's small businesses that can't afford to offer health care coverage to their staff members. Save the our neighbors of all ages and all circumstances. At this time in your career, sir....please, cast your vote to support Health Care Reform with a Public Option Insurance.

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