Alyssa Lane
In the United States, many people are unable to afford health insurance, which has led to fatal consequences. This issue has gained attention through tragic stories of individuals, particularly women, who have lost their lives due to their inability to access medical care. Susan Finley, Melissa Mia Hall, and Ashley Hudson's mother are among those who have passed away after avoiding medical treatment due to the high costs and lack of insurance coverage. The situation has sparked discussions about the impact of financial barriers on health, with studies estimating thousands of unnecessary deaths each year linked to a lack of health insurance in America.
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What You'll Learn
- People are avoiding going to the doctor due to fear of costs
- People are dying from treatable illnesses because they can't afford insurance
- People with insurance are still facing financial barriers to healthcare
- People are turning to crowdfunding to pay for healthcare
- People are rationing medication to save money
People are avoiding going to the doctor due to fear of costs
The high cost of healthcare is a significant concern for many people, leading some to avoid seeking medical help even when they know they should. This phenomenon has been observed across all ages and demographics, with people delaying or avoiding recommended medical tests, treatments, and doctor's visits due to financial constraints.
A national poll from NORC at the University of Chicago and the West Health Institute found that about 40% of Americans avoided going to the doctor when they were sick or injured in the last year because of cost. Similarly, a poll by CBS News found that nearly 40% of Americans skipped medical care in 2022 due to cost concerns, with 27% of respondents admitting they neglected treatments for "very" or "somewhat" serious conditions.
The fear of medical bills is so prevalent that it surpasses even the fear of serious illness. This is evident in stories like that of Susan Finley, who lost her job and health insurance coverage in 2016. She avoided going to the doctor for flu-like symptoms and was found dead in her apartment. Similarly, a mother named Lori Swanson lost her son, Alec, a Type 1 diabetic, because he couldn't afford the monthly cost of insulin after aging out of his parents' insurance coverage.
The rising cost of healthcare has severe consequences, not just for individuals but also for society as a whole. People are risking their health, and in some cases, their lives, by delaying or avoiding necessary medical care. This often leads to worsening conditions and increased costs of treatment down the road. It is a public health crisis that demands bold action to ensure people can access the healthcare they need without facing financial ruin.
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People are dying from treatable illnesses because they can't afford insurance
In the United States, people are dying from treatable illnesses because they cannot afford health insurance. This issue has been highlighted by various news outlets, with personal stories of those affected by the US healthcare system. One story tells of Susan Finley, who lost her job at Walmart and, subsequently, her health insurance coverage. Three months later, Finley passed away in her apartment after she avoided going to see a doctor for flu-like symptoms.
Similarly, Melissa Mia Hall, a Texas author, artist, and book reviewer, died of a heart attack after she couldn't afford health insurance. Hall's friends blamed her premature death on the "ghastly health insurance scam" in the US, which "punishes the poorest". According to a Harvard study, more than 44,800 unnecessary deaths each year are associated with a lack of medical insurance. This equates to one uninsured person dying every 12 minutes.
Another story tells of a mother, Lori Swanson, whose son, Alec, died because he couldn't afford his insulin. Alec was a Type 1 diabetic who needed to take insulin every day to survive. When he turned 26, his parents' insurance no longer covered the cost, and his monthly expenses for insulin and supplies rose to $1,300. Alec started rationing his insulin to make it last longer, but it wasn't enough, and he died alone in his apartment after falling into a diabetic coma.
The high cost of healthcare and insurance in the US has led to many people avoiding going to the doctor or seeking treatment until it is too late. Gretchen Hess Miller, a 48-year-old substitute teacher from Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2009. While she initially had surgery to remove the cancer, she is supposed to receive annual scans to monitor for recurrence. However, due to the high deductible and insurance classification issues, Hess-Miller hasn't been able to afford the scans for four to five years. She worries about her future and wants to be there for her children.
Amy Keeling, a 51-year-old paralegal, avoided seeing a doctor for over a year due to her partner's surgery costs. She was eventually diagnosed with Grave's Disease, an autoimmune disorder. Keeling regrets not seeking medical attention sooner, as alternative treatment options may have been available if the disease had been caught earlier. Now, she faces surgery as her only option.
These stories highlight the tragic consequences of the US healthcare system, where people's lives are at risk due to the high cost of health insurance and treatment. It is clear that the current system disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.
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People with insurance are still facing financial barriers to healthcare
In the United States, the high cost of healthcare is a burden for many families, with healthcare costs factoring into decisions about insurance coverage and care-seeking. Healthcare costs and the prospect of unexpected medical bills rank as the top financial worry for adults and their families, even above housing costs, transportation expenses, utilities, and food.
A study by KFF found that 38% of insured adults under the age of 65 worry about affording their monthly health insurance premiums. Furthermore, many adults with employer-sponsored insurance rate their insurance as "fair" or "poor" when it comes to monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs to see a doctor.
Even with insurance, people may face financial barriers to healthcare due to cost-sharing, high deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses. For example, insured adults with chronic conditions are twice as likely as those without to delay or go without prescription drugs due to the cost. In addition, insurance coverage may not always pay for expected medical bills, leading to unexpected financial burdens. Insurers may pay less than expected, not cover certain care or prescription drugs, or require high copays, contributing to financial strain and debt.
The financial barriers to healthcare are particularly pronounced for low-income individuals and families. Adults with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level are nearly twice as likely to delay or go without healthcare due to cost. Furthermore, those with lower incomes spend a larger share of their income on insurance premiums and cost-sharing, exacerbating financial strain.
The issue of healthcare affordability in the United States has led to tragic consequences, with some individuals losing their lives due to their inability to afford necessary medical care or medications. This includes stories of individuals like Susan Finley, who passed away after avoiding going to the doctor for flu-like symptoms due to financial concerns, and Alec, a Type 1 diabetic who died after being unable to afford the high cost of insulin once he lost his parents' insurance coverage.
To address these issues, some communities have implemented initiatives such as pairing dedicated health advocates (HAs) with community health workers (CHWs) to provide insurance and healthcare navigational assistance to those facing financial barriers. However, despite these efforts, financial barriers to healthcare persist for many insured individuals, underscoring the need for systemic reforms to improve affordability and access.
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People are turning to crowdfunding to pay for healthcare
In the United States, many people are unable to afford healthcare due to a lack of insurance coverage. This has resulted in numerous preventable deaths, such as that of Susan Finley, who passed away after avoiding seeing a doctor for flu-like symptoms due to financial concerns. Similarly, Alec, a Type 1 diabetic, lost his life because he couldn't afford the high cost of insulin after aging out of his parents' insurance plan. These tragic cases highlight the flaws in the US healthcare system, where access to essential medical care is often determined by one's economic status.
As a result of these shortcomings, an increasing number of Americans are turning to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, Give Forward, Indie Go Go, and You Caring to seek financial assistance for medical expenses. In 2020 alone, an estimated 8 to 12 million Americans started online fundraising campaigns to cover their healthcare costs. This trend is indicative of the desperation many feel when faced with the burden of medical bills, which is the leading cause of personal bankruptcies in the country.
The popularity of crowdfunding for medical expenses can be attributed to the gaps in health insurance coverage and the high cost of healthcare in the United States. Even those with insurance may find themselves facing substantial out-of-pocket expenses, as deductibles and copays can quickly add up. Additionally, certain treatments or medications may not be covered by insurance plans, leaving individuals with no choice but to seek alternative funding sources.
While crowdfunding can provide temporary relief, it is not a sustainable solution to the healthcare crisis in the US. It may even slow progress toward implementing a more effective and equitable healthcare system. As pointed out by Rebecca Dresser, a professor of ethics in medicine, crowdfunding relies on social networks and can perpetuate existing disparities in health access. Furthermore, it does not address the underlying issues of a flawed healthcare system that leaves many unable to access essential care without financial hardship.
The reliance on crowdfunding for medical expenses highlights the need for systemic reform in the US healthcare system. It underscores the urgency of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their economic status, have access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare. Until such reforms are realized, many Americans will continue to face difficult choices between their health and financial stability.
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People are rationing medication to save money
In the United States, many individuals are unable to afford healthcare and insurance, which has resulted in unnecessary deaths. One such tragic case is that of Melissa Mia Hall, a Texas author, artist, and book reviewer, who passed away from a heart attack. Hall was reluctant to seek medical attention due to her inability to afford health insurance, a common issue among Americans. Similarly, Susan Finley lost her job and her health insurance coverage, and ultimately her life, as she avoided visiting a doctor for flu-like symptoms.
The high cost of healthcare and medication has led to a significant number of people rationing their medication to save money. This practice is prevalent among those with diabetes, particularly those who require insulin to manage their condition. Over 1 million Americans with diabetes are rationing insulin, either delaying refills or reducing their dosage, putting their health at serious risk. The issue of insulin affordability has gained attention, with Minnesota's Attorney General, Lori Swanson, suing insulin manufacturers for deceptive pricing practices.
The problem of medication rationing is not limited to insulin but extends to other conditions as well. A study focusing on adults with obesity found that high out-of-pocket costs for treating obesity and related conditions like cardiovascular disease led to cost-related prescription drug rationing. Additionally, among uninsured individuals, 33.6% did not take their medication as prescribed to reduce expenses. This situation is unacceptable, as stated by AARP, emphasizing that no one should have to ration their treatment or skip medication.
The financial burden of healthcare and medication has forced people to make difficult choices, compromising their health and well-being. While some individuals avoid seeking medical attention altogether, others engage in medication rationing, hoping to stretch their supplies and save money. However, this practice can have detrimental consequences, as evident in the tragic cases mentioned.
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Frequently asked questions
Susan Finley lost her health insurance coverage after losing her job at Walmart in 2016. Three months later, she died in her apartment after avoiding going to the doctor for flu-like symptoms.
Melissa Mia Hall was a Texas author, artist, and book reviewer who couldn't afford health insurance. She died of a heart attack alone at home.
Alec was a Type 1 diabetic who couldn't afford his monthly insulin and supplies, which cost $1,300 per month. He died alone in his apartment after falling into a diabetic coma.
Some reasons include loss of job, pre-existing conditions, history of surgeries, and high prices set by drug manufacturers.
Not being able to afford insurance can lead to people avoiding doctors and medical care, which can result in serious health consequences, including death.
