In listening to you, we’ve found, time and time again, that outrageously high medical bills are not a rare occurrence in this country. Many glitches and loopholes in today’s American health care system often leads to unexpected, mysterious billed amounts that threaten individual families and force many Americans to the brink of bankruptcy or worse. But too often, those with serious medical financial problems have no outlet for their rage and consternation.
Now, a non-profit consumer advocacy group called Costs of Care is sponsoring a contest that’s based on listening to the American patient - yes, you! Anyone who has ever had to deal with a surprise high-dollar bill for medical care is invited to participate.
The Costs of Care 2012 Essay Contest provides a listening ear for struggling Americans, and even a chance to win a portion of $4000 in cash prizes. Contest creators seek “anecdotes,” not policy positions, about big medical billing problems, and “high value healthcare decisions.” Judges include former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala and other panelists, including doctors and health care officials. The deadline for this contest is November 15, so would-be contestants have just a short time to send in their stories of up to 750 words for consideration.
What’s behind the Contest
In soliciting stories from American patients, Costs of Care and other participants are seeking to put needed pressure on today’s community of medical providers. “As a presidential election looms and the American economy struggles to recover, the spiraling costs of healthcare have become a contentious political focal point without an obvious solution.” reads a September 5th press release that advocates more proactive participation by providers in coming up with solutions for many of the medico-financial problems that are straining us as an economy and individuals.
While these public venues are a great first step, there’s a lot left to do in getting people talking about solutions to America’s broken health care system. Get involved to keep medical bills from sinking so many Americans in debt as all of us walk, together, into the future. For contest details, go to http://www.costsofcare.org.