Heartbreaking Testimony at Massachusetts M4A Hearing

 

A Mother's Nightmare Our for-profit medical system forces us all to make painful choices, but at the Massachusetts Medicare For All hearing last week organized by our friends at Mass-Care, legislators heard from a mother who was forced to make the most painful choice of all: giving up her son in order to get him the medical care he needs.  Five years ago, Candice's son developed severe mental health issues that required an urgent intervention in order to keep him from harming himself. Unable to afford the extensive treatment necessary to save their son's life, Candice and her husband were advised that the only way to keep him safe was to report him to law enforcement. As she put it, "We gave up our rights as parents for mental health care."  With the help of Healthcare-NOW, Candice was able to find the words and the courage to speak up for families like hers. (You can explore our online course on how to tell your own healthcare story here.) In her brave testimony last Tuesday, Candice -- now a passionate advocate for healthcare justice -- made an eloquent and heartbreaking plea for legislators to vote yes on Medicare for All, so that in the future, working families wouldn't have to make this kind of impossible decision. You can hear the rest of Candice's story in her own words here. A warning though: it is difficult to watch.

In addition to Candice, legislators heard testimony from more patients, nurses, and other advocates -- including our own Ben Day, speaking on the dental crisis for America's seniors that could be solved by Medicare for All. You can check out more highlights from the hearing here. In solidarity, Ben and Gillian Healthcare-NOW staff Healthcare-NOW 1534 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02120-2929 United States