Lincoln's Amanda Gershon testifies in support of LB 472 to the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee on February 25, 2015. Amanda is one of 54,000 working Nebraskans without insurance who fall into a coverage gap that would be fixed by LB 472.
"I've worked since I was 16. I've often worked two jobs and long hours to cover medical expenses. Being uninsured creates a cycle of poverty. My medical expenses fluctuate and the price of prescriptions vary so it's difficult to create a budget. Often money that was intended to pay for bills has had to pay for unexpected expenses which leads to late fees, reconnection fees. Vehicle maintenance must be postponed. Every medical issue becomes a major decision. I must ask myself, can I afford to be seen? Can I afford the medications?"