Tammy Baldwin: “I have several additional letters from constituents that really, I think, emphasize the crisis that we are in right now…”

“I have several additional letters from constituents that really, I think, emphasize the crisis that we are in right now, and their voices are so powerful in this debate. This is ultimately what is going to make the difference in this debate, what will ultimately bring us to pass effective legislation, not just things with feel-good titles to them. One letter, Norm from Mazomanie, Wisconsin, Norm writes: ``I had short-term coverage through COBRA, but that was cut short when my last employer reorganized. With that change came a loss of coverage, without notice. For some this would be a case of purchasing private coverage. For me it was a crisis as my medical records include treatment for skin cancer, angioplasty with two stents in my heart, and one episode of a transient ischemic attack (ministroke). I was lucky in all three cases as early detection and proper treatment left me able to work without limit and able to carry on life normally. However, it also made me uninsurable. I am grateful for living in Wisconsin as I was able to secure coverage through the Wisconsin Health Insurance Risk Sharing Plan. The coverage is expensive and has a high deductible. It is, in fact, best described as an asset insurance rather than health insurance. ``My bottom line is that if one can get the insurance, many can ill afford it.”