[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 107 (Friday, August 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    FACES OF THE HEALTH CARE CRISIS

  Mr. RIEGLE. Mr. President, I rise once again in my effort to put a 
face on the health care crisis in our country. Today, I would like to 
share the story of the Steve and Kathy Krahner and their 7 year old 
daughter, Kari, of Highland, MI.
  Kari was born prematurely in 1986 after a difficult pregnancy. Kathy 
had to spend the last 2 months of her pregnancy in the hospital with 
pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure, and accumulated a $20,000 medical 
bill. Fortunately, her hospital stay was paid for by the health 
insurance policy Steve received through his job at a local auto parts 
supplier.
  Little Kari experienced repeated infections and medical problems as a 
toddler. Then one morning in October 1991, Kathy discovered Kari lying 
on blood soaked sheets with blood seeping from her left ear. Kari was 
rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with Primary Immune 
Deficiency Disorder, a condition in which the body is unable to fight 
off germs and infections. Since then, Kari has had to receive 
intravenous gamma globulin treatments every 4 weeks to keep her immune 
system operating. The cost of the intravenous treatments was $2,500 a 
month, and again it was covered by Steve's workplace insurance.
  Suddenly in April 1992, Steve was laid off from the job he had held 
since he was 17 years old, almost 25 years. On top of the stress of 
being laid off during Michigan's harsh recession, the Krahners were 
terrified over losing health insurance coverage for Kari's lifesaving 
treatments. Continuing the coverage on their own would have cost $421 a 
month, almost 50 percent of what Steve would collect through 
unemployment.
  Fortunately, Kari's serious medical condition made her eligible for 
assistance through a State program for disabled children. The State of 
Michigan took over payments of the health insurance premiums from 
Steve's employer for 18 months and then converted the policy into Blue 
Cross/Blue Shield coverage for hospital services.
  Because it is cheaper for the State to buy family insurance than to 
provide the care directly to Kari, Steve, and Kathy have coverage for 
hospital services along with their daughter. The State also pays for 
Kari's outpatient treatments and medications. But Steve and Kathy have 
no coverage at all for their outpatient care and prescription drug 
needs.
  Kathy, 41, and Steve, 42, are relieved and grateful that their 
daughter's medical care is covered. But they themselves are not covered 
for the care they need.
  Kathy has diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure, and Steve 
suffers from high blood pressure as well. They both require constant 
medication and regular medical visits to monitor their conditions. 
These pre existing conditions make it impossible to find affordable 
health coverage on their own. Between the two of them, they pay 
approximately $350 per month for medical expenses. This is over 40 
percent of their monthly income.
  Unable to find work in the Detroit area during the recession, Steve 
learned the tilting and stone masonry trade and has started his own 
stone masonry business. Although he has secured some free-lance 
contracts, Steve doesn't have a consistent flow of business. The 
Krahner's income is $11,000 a year, or $846 per month. Kathy was once a 
licensed paramedic, but a back injury she sustained from a work 
accident disqualifies her from working in the field. She now earns 
minimal income from sporadic babysitting jobs and work in a deli, but 
the demands of caring for Kari during her frequent illnesses mean that 
Kathy cannot commit to a full-time job. After paying their housing and 
medical expenses, the Krahners are left with $11 for food and other 
household necessities every month. Clearly, the family is forced to 
rely on family and friends. They are now at risk of losing their home.
  Mr. President, Steve and Kathy are victims of economic hard times. 
They want to provide for their daughter and take care of their own 
health. Both of them have conditions that can be controlled with proper 
preventive care, but they cannot afford to pay for the medical 
treatment that would keep them healthy. Ironically, they only have 
coverage if their conditions worsen to the point that they must be 
hospitalized. All Americans should have access to affordable health 
care that provides the benefits they need. Mr. President, I will 
continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to pass a health care 
reform plan that guarantees access to affordable health care for all 
Americans.

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