Governor Schwarzenegger,

Please give a few minutes to explain my situation to you.  I have been employed since 1975 in Early Childhood Education.  After 29 years at First Baptist Day Care I was offered an opportunity in 2004 to be director of a privately owned preschool.  As the director I was responsible for the everyday operation of the preschool.  I successfully completed my responsiblity of increasing enrollment from 3 little boys to over 95 children.  After much soul searching I decided to end my childcare career and become a part time merchandiser for American Greetings Company.  This new position is very part time with minimum hours varying weekly.  I had health insurance coverage provided by my employers till March 2007. On April 1st I was to be on my husband’s insurance policy with payment from his salary.Just days before my policy was to begin the premiums took a gianatic jump in cost to $895.00 per month.  My husband was generous and offered to pay for these monthly premiums but I couldn’t agree to that amount of money to come out of his salary, so I said NO WAY and have been without insurance since May 1, 2007.  Our household income has dropped severly and no long has two full-time incomes.  I’ve searched and applied for full-time employment positions.  I am NOT just sitting home eating chocolates and watching soap operas. 

I applied for an affordable policy with a life insurance company and was denied coverage based on medical information received from my physican (medical risks).  My physican and my Walgreen’s pharmacist assisted me in contacting pharmacueltical companies to attatin patient assistance with my much-needed prescriptions.  Once again I was denied because of income regulations (not mine) my spouse.  I’ve appealed my denials with my physicans assistance stating I am have no medical insurance, not able to afford medications, and my medical conditions require that I take these medications long term, I am awaiting replies. I have sought possible help such as: Canadian Drug Programs and Mexico for low cost medicines.  Wal Mart has a $4.00 Generic Program and I’m able to purchase a 30-day supply of two of my medications which I am most grateful!  My other medicines are: Lexapro, Welbutrin XL, Advair diskus, Nasacort, Albuterol, Omeptrrrrazole, Gabaaapentin, these are maintaining medicines that keep me out of the Dr. office.  I have heard and read in the news of your concern for Californians to have health insurance.  The bottom line to my plea is “I am not alone” in this crusade for affordable health insurance and prescriptions for all people.  My search has shown me there are thousands and thousands of people who are struggling with no health coverage.  This is a BIG concern to so many people; we all experience stress in our daily lives but to add the real fear of medical problems makes for added panic.  All information I’ve received I’ve shared with my physician for other patients.  My hope and desire is to help others.  Now you know my situation and what advice can you give to me?  I will mail and fax copies of this letter to your offices in Sacramento and Fresno, I want to be assured my letter isn’t lost in your fax, email, mail piles, or tossed in the trash before you are award of my request. Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthly letter and I wait to hear from you or someone in your administration.

Myra Sisk