HEALTH REFORM: A Cancer Tragedy Reminds Us Why We Need Coverage for All

We get so caught up following the health reform goings-on in Washington that we sometimes forget how desperately important it is to real people -- like cancer patients. Health reform will only be as good as its ability to improve the health and welfare of all Americans -- including those who are sick or who have been sick.

Emphasizing patients over politics, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network asked Dan Brodrick of Gainesboro, Tennessee to tell his story. Watch it here:

Dan and his wife, Sharon, lost their health insurance more than 10  years ago when Dan lost his job. Sharon tried to find health coverage but was denied by several companies due to a pre-existing condition unrelated to cancer. Uninsured, she didn't get the timely medical care she needed. She was then diagnosed with stage IV cancer of the small intestine and passed away just over a year ago. Her husband lost his wife -- and their life savings. 

The health care system fails sick people like Sharon. It fails the people that need it the most when they need it the most. And it fails their families and loved ones. An ACS CAN study of national health spending data found that only 7 in 10 cancer patients had "adequate" insurance. Nearly 10 percent were uninsured, and 18 percent underinsured.

Health reform wouldn't wipe out cancer. But it would make sure that people have coverage, regardless of their age, income, job status or health history. Health reform would ensure that people can get preventive care to reduce the risk of cancer and get appropriate screenings for early detection of cancer. And then the treatment they need if they do get cancer.

Health reform means fewer tragedies like the Brodricks'.