After college, I knew I was going to go to grad school but I didn't know when or for what. Fast forward a few years and I ended up being diagnosed w/ T1. That was my first experience with the REAL American health care payment system. Dealing with paperwork and hours of being on hold to inform my insurance company that insulin only lasts 28 days after opening so I need a new bottle every month, etc. Nothing that is unfamiliar to all of us people with diabetes or any other chronic condition. This eventually let me to the decision that I want to change our health care system. Since I'm a politics person and have worked in advocacy, I went a political route and am getting a Master's in Public Policy. My school is full time, so I have to rely on the school health insurance. Since this is MA, I do have one other option, of purchasing from the Connector, but I'm 26, so I can't get the cheaper, young adult plans, I can only buy the more expensive options. Anyway, this student insurance is absolutely AWFUL! We have a $2000 limit on prescription drugs. I'm 1.5 months into the year and have already spent nearly $700 on insulin and test strips. I haven't even filled anything for my eczema this policy year. This insurance really doesn't meet any requirements that other plans in MA meet due to the wording of the current law. There are changes afoot, some because of PPACA and some from the state regulatory agencies, but they will not help me. I really hope that my experiences as a patient will make me a good advocate for change (and future employers will recognize that).