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John,
My name is Phil Ateto, and I’m a community activist and member of Our Revolution Maryland.
I just spoke at the introduction of the Medicare for All Act of 2021 in Congress with Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Debbie Dingell and other progressive champions.
This is my story: I was a healthy 30-something guy who went to the gym and ate right. But in 2010, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. It was devastating news for my family.
Today — after 11 years battling this cruel disease — I’m still fighting for my life. But my fiercest battle hasn’t been with my cancer; it’s been with my health insurance provider.
Last year — after a long battle by my doctor’s team and community advocates — my insurance company finally approved coverage for a new drug. This drug worked far better than expected - my cancer went into remission for the first time ever.
But when I tried to renew my prescription this year, the insurance company told me that the drug I need to stay alive isn’t “medically necessary” and denied it. After several rounds of appeals, the company finally approved it - but then said they would not pay for it.
That meant my wife and I would have to pay $23,000 every month — or $276,000 per year — for my life-saving medication.
No person should have to face financial ruin or death because they can’t afford outrageous costs to stay healthy. Rush a donation here to help Our Revolution members like me join with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal fight to pass Medicare for All and ensure that healthcare is a human right!
No person should have to face financial ruin or death because they can’t afford outrageous costs to stay healthy. Rush a donation here to help Our Revolution members like me join with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal's fight to pass Medicare for All and ensure that healthcare is a human right!
After more appeals, and almost two stressful months without the drug when my body went into a steep decline, I learned this week that the insurance company would do what it’s supposed to do: pay for the medication I need to stay alive.
My story isn’t unusual. Too many people like me are sick and dying because of a healthcare system that makes decisions based on what saves money instead of what saves lives.
How many more of us will they sacrifice to maintain their bottom line? What will it take to create a healthcare system that puts people first?
I’m grateful to get the chance to tell my story and be part of announcing the introduction of Medicare for All in Congress. But it’s going to take a lot of work to make MFA the law of the land.
That’s why I’m committed to fighting alongside Our Revolution members across the country until we are all guaranteed we will get the lifesaving care that is our right as human beings.
We can build a healthcare system in this country that actually prioritizes health. It’s called Medicare for All, and it’s well past time to make it the law of the land. Pitch in here to help Our Revolution members put pressure on corporate-funded politicians until they act to prioritize our health over the interests of their wealthy donors!
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In solidarity,
Phil Ateto
Our Revolution member
Annapolis, MD 
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