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I am disabled. I have survived blood cancer. I have numerous mental health conditions. I have numerous physical health conditions (most of them are predominantly joint problems). I also have a condition that affects my immune system, which means overall I am more likely to get sick than my peers.
In the average week for me, I am spending about $80 on copays. Depending on what’s going on that month, it can easily go up to $800+ between all medical expenses (copays, medications, what my insurance doesn’t cover, etc.). I make $10k a year if I am lucky. The only reason I am not drowning in debt is that my parents help out where they can. Some doctors' offices I have made a deal with where if I contribute some money (even if it’s as low as $10 a week) during each week, they will not send it to collections. However, not all are this understanding when it comes to money.
I have a graduate degree in public health. Part of that degree was taking a class entitled “Healthcare Finances” where we explored every possible in and out when it comes to money and healthcare in the American healthcare system. The short and simple version? It’s needlessly complicated and completely corrupt. Hospitals constantly are upcharging patients, regardless if they have insurance or not. A “routine imaging scan” (for example — MRI or CT) can easily cost upwards $800–1200+, despite how there’s nowhere…
