Healthcare reform is high on the agenda, both on the state level in Lansing, and on the national level in Washington. D.C., where President Barack Obama is leading the effort.

Here in Michigan, both the House and Senate have introduced
legislation to address our state’s health insurance problems.

One thing both sides agree on is that reform is urgently needed. It must get done this year; we cannot wait for a national solution.

Health insurance is intended to provide security and peace of mind in knowing we have coverage when we need it most. But Michigan’s unfair insurance practices disregard these intentions and hurt people every day.

Most insurers can reject applicants for coverage due to a pre-existing condition, or they can significantly increase rates at renewal if a person’s medical condition worsens during their coverage period.These practices are causing thousands of people to become uninsured.

How can you help?

Contact the Michigan Chronicle’s Editorial department at (313) 963-5522 to tell us your story.

If you have had difficulty getting or keeping health insurance, we want to hear your story. Have you been turned down for insurance? Did you drop your health insurance because your rates were increased due to an illness or injury?

Michigan’s leaders need to hear real stories about real Michigan people who have been hurt by the status quo.