Daniel Hamburg: “we do have a health care crisis and a constituent of mine, Tom Robson from Windsor, CA, lives with it every day. Six…”

“we do have a health care crisis and a constituent of mine, Tom Robson from Windsor, CA, lives with it every day. Six years ago, Mr. Robson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. A forestry specialist, Tom had to quit his job and lost his health benefits. Later, Tom found a job as a swimming pool technician, which offered health insurance. But then the company changed its carrier to lower its health costs, and Tom was dropped from coverage. Tom has since been denied coverage from several insurance companies because of his condition. Mr. Robson's prescription drugs for November and December cost $2,000. Their church paid $800; Mr. and Mrs. Robson are struggling to pay the rest. Tom does not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. Mr. Speaker, the Robson's are a hard-working couple. As best he can, Tom helps his wife run her window washing business. But their combined income is modest, and for years they could not afford to buy health insurance for Mrs. Robson. Last month, she purchased insurance for herself, but her husband again was denied coverage. Mr. Speaker, Tom Robson and millions of people like him are living proof that we have a health care crisis. I urge my colleagues to not break faith with Americans who live with the crisis every day of their lives.”