[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 110 (Wednesday, August 10, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                              HEALTH CARE

  (Ms. SHEPHERD asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SHEPHERD. Mr. Speaker, in 4th grade, Teddy Gardner was diagnosed 
as manic depressive. His dad had two jobs and two health insurance 
policies. Despite treatment, Ted's condition deteriorated to the point 
where he needed inpatient mental health care. Neither of their policies 
covered it. Now Ted is 14. His parents owe $15,000 to Primary 
Children's Hospital in Salt Lake. Another $20,000 in bills has already 
been forgiven and transferred to paying insurers. They spent $7,336 for 
out-of-pocket medical expenses last year. They no longer have any 
credit. They no longer have any savings. If Ted is hospitalized again 
they will most certainly lose everything.
  This family could be any of us. The only way to make our families 
secure is to pass legislation that guarantees all our constituents an 
affordable health policy with comprehensive coverage that protects them 
against financial ruin. Teddy's life depends on it, and I will not vote 
for anything less.

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