It’s no secret that the United States has an expensive healthcare system. Insurance costs can easily eat up or exceed a person’s paycheck, and there are over 100 million Americans struggling with medical debt.
That number is so enormous, it’s hard to even conceptualize, which is why we need personal stories to really feel the impact. Stories like this Twitter thread.
Lori, or @iCounterSpin, shared a screenshot of the costs of healthcare plans available to her sick husband. The reality is devastating: Lori’s husband needs to stay covered so he can stay alive. But how can they afford coverage with prices like these?
As you can see from the screenshot, the only plans available to her are not only expensive, but they involve sky high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses as well.
$18,600 a year premium with a $13,000 deductible. Are you freaking kidding me???
— Lori (@iCounterSpin) December 15, 2019
Lori did everything she could to try to find ways to save. She tweeted out one her ideas:
One of my sons is also sick. But not as sick as my husband. Maybe if I just leave the two of them on the app and remove my other two kids and myself it will be better. Stay tuned.
— Lori (@iCounterSpin) December 15, 2019
Healthcare and illness are a sensitive topic in the United States today. Lori’s thread elicited plenty of responses from people who face similar struggles.
Understand your horror completely. I’m chronically ill and had to pay $858/mo prem, $7000 OOP with high copays JUST FOR ME last year. Not much better for 2020 either.
— ? barkway ? (@barkway) December 16, 2019
I’m going through this same with my parents this year, while my dad is going through treatment for pancreatic cancer. This system is rigged. And I cannot support anyone who wants to keep it.
I’m so sorry for what you’re going though.
— Rob (@robdaemon) December 15, 2019
Others promptly tried to help her find solutions.
See if you can get your kids on Medicare. You need to talk to the hospital social worker.
If you can afford (air quotes) that monthly plus the cost of the out of pocket, consider if you can pay 2x the premium to get much lower out of pocket. You may end up much better off.
— Kathleen Barry (@NotoriousKBJ) December 15, 2019
Another well-wisher tried to impart advice as well.
You have to pick a silver plan to receive tax credits if your family’s income qualifies! I hope that helps a little:( I’m so sorry this is happening to you and that our system is so broken.
— Sofia Labrecque (@SofiaLabrecque) December 15, 2019
I’m sorry I haven’t read through all but what about CHIP for the kids? Are any potentially Medicaid eligible? Through any of the waivers? Husband potentially eligible for any other programs? Call your local Social Services or Health Department. They may be able to help.
— dogma (@DogmaKinja) December 16, 2019
Others wanted to find ways to pitch in more directly.
Please open up a fundraiser.
— Lav (@Yrvinwastaken) December 15, 2019
People from other countries also showed their concern.
Wow I’m so sorry to hear this. How can this continue on? I don’t know why people in the USA are afraid of socialized medicine. A lot of misinformation probably? Health care should be a right, not a privilege. Wishing you well.
— ??? MinuteInTheLife ? (@minuteinthelife) December 15, 2019
Though the subject of Lori’s thread was serious, she chose not to accept offers to start a crowdfunding page. Instead, she encouraged people to support presidential candidates that have discussed their desire to change healthcare policies in the U.S.
People have asked about a gofundme. As tempting as that is, just read through the threads here and you see I’m not alone. We need to raise awareness and keep fighting for Medicare for All. So donate here! Not me, Us. https://t.co/3VJ8wQQGra
— Lori (@iCounterSpin) December 16, 2019
Airing out grievances can be a hit or miss on Twitter, but once again, people on social media showed that they have compassion and just want their fellow people to be OK. Good on Lori for sharing her story so others can understand how the backwards U.S. healthcare system truly affects people.
What are your thoughts on Lori’s thread? We’re all ears in the comments section!
