In the dimly lit corner of a famed discount store, a striking Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress caught my eye, its vibrant hues standing out even under the harsh fluorescent lights. From a distance, I recognized it as a treasure — marked down from $398 to an enticing $39.99, and in my size. My heart raced.
Raised in a family where frugality was a virtue — my grandmother was a Depression-era farmer and my father a minister — I learned early on to save and avoid overpaying. Juggling multiple jobs while pursuing graduate studies, I managed a meager budget of $1,200 a month for essentials, with only a small allowance for indulgences like gourmet coffee or budget shopping sprees.
With the dress in hand, I rushed to the dressing room, eager to confirm my find. Yet, as I slipped it on, I felt an uncomfortable tightness around my midsection. Dismissing it as a side effect of my fiber-rich lunch, I left the store elated, receipt in hand.
However, the dress began to fit less and less over time. Eventually, I discovered that my growing belly wasn’t due to dietary issues; a rare malignant tumor was silently expanding within me.
At 25, a vegetarian with regular annual physicals and a family history of longevity, I never imagined facing a medical crisis. Suddenly, I was frantically navigating the limited options of my basic student health insurance to find an in-network surgeon. Time was of the essence; without immediate treatment, my future was uncertain.
I found a surgeon willing to take my case, but the news was grim. “There’s more than a 50% chance you won’t survive the surgery,” he cautioned. He referred me to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, renowned for its expertise, but unfortunately outside my insurance network.
With a rare diagnosis like liposarcoma, access to specialized care is crucial. Only a handful of hospitals possess the necessary expertise, and their services come at a steep price. Luckily, these institutions often have resources to assist patients like me, who, despite having coverage, face insurmountable medical bills.
Ignoring the financial implications, I focused on my treatment. A lengthy surgery successfully removed the tumor without complications. However, as the bills began to arrive, I discovered my insurance coverage was far from adequate. Complicated terms and limitations left me responsible for tens of thousands of dollars, more than my annual salary.
In a panic, I called the hospital’s social worker, who provided hope. I navigated the daunting financial aid application process, which required extensive documentation and proof of income. After what felt like an eternity, I was approved, and the hospital alleviated most of my uncovered costs, allowing manageable payments for the remainder. My situation was a reminder of how charity can save individuals from financial ruin.
I completed my master’s degree, worked to cover my ongoing medical expenses, and enrolled in medical school that fall. My experience is not an isolated case. As a pediatrician in the emergency department, I witness the suddenness of illness or accidents daily. Patients often arrive perfectly healthy, only to be confronted with life-altering events.
Health is unpredictable, and while we can make choices to promote wellness — through diet, exercise, and preventive care — we cannot control when or how we will need medical attention. Unlike other consumer decisions, healthcare does not offer the same range of choices.
We cannot predict the cost of treatment for a broken bone or the potential complications of childbirth. Life-saving procedures often come with price tags that exceed the financial capabilities of most individuals. The only “discount” in healthcare usually involves foregoing necessary treatment, which can lead to dire consequences.
Lack of access to affordable healthcare affects not only patients but also families, communities, and economies. When healthcare is unattainable, the repercussions ripple outwards — families lose homes, businesses lose employees, and the potential of future generations hangs in the balance.
Given that we all will require healthcare at some point, it is imperative that we contribute to a system that guarantees accessible and affordable care for everyone. My journey through multiple cancer recurrences, protected by the Affordable Care Act and employer-based insurance, has enabled me to sustain my health and contribute to society, including practicing medicine and supporting organizations focused on cancer research.
While I held onto that dress for years, its significance has faded. Recently, I sold it online, creating space for clothing that fits my life today and funding a few of my medical co-payments in the process.
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In summary, affordable healthcare is not just a personal issue; it is a societal necessity that requires collective action. We must advocate for a system that supports every individual’s right to health.