Blink-182 star Mark Hoppus has urged politicians to speed up policies aimed at giving all Americans health coverage after a caterer on the reunited band's tour fell ill without adequate insurance.
The bass player and singer has written an article for the Huffington Post website, demanding that healthcare bosses solve the problems of millions of Americans and figure out a way to help those struggling to pay huge medical bills.
Hoppus explains he was inspired to speak up after an uninsured employee, Ali Vattar, was handed a $48,000 bill following emergency surgery to remove her appendix.
Hoppus writes, "My initial reaction was disbelief. Why would you not have insurance? Especially while on tour? Turns out I was asking the wrong question. The real question is: Why are you unable to get insurance."
He explains that Vattar was unable to get coverage due to a pre-existing medical condition.
The rocker has started a website, the Ali Vattar Matter, where Blink-182 fans can donate money to help the caterer pay off his debt. Hoppus has promised to match every dollar fans donate until the bill is paid.
And his charity push has prompted him to do more to help other struggling Americans.
He writes, "Every day, while our elected officials and corporations argue over the best way to fix the problem of health care in America, more people like Ali are falling through the cracks, into bankruptcy and inadequate care.
"Mr. President, members of congress, hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies, there has to be a better way. When a person’s best option to pay for health care is to take to the internet and ask for small donations from strangers, bold changes need to be made."