Care We Can Count On: Raye’s Story
By: Raye Perez
Last spring, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, in addition to diabetes, which I have been working to manage for a while. It was a difficult time, but I was able to get on the right medication and manage both my physical and mental health.
After finding the medication that worked, I was able to keep working and going to school without feeling burnt out, exhausted, or sick. When I started to feel better, I was able to give back to my community even more by becoming involved in politics and campus organizations.
Without my care, I wouldn’t be who I am and my life would be dramatically different.
I’m enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield through my parents’ employer. I can go to the doctor and get the medications I need at little-to-no-cost upfront. If I didn’t, I don’t know how I would afford my medications. I already work two jobs, and I rely on my medications to be able to work in the first place.
Despite the privilege of having health care, the constant worry of losing coverage looms over me. We deserve stable, affordable health care we can count on.
I have coverage now, but when I turn 26, I could lose that coverage. I’m worried about what will happen.
Will I be able to find a job that offers health care? Will I have to change medications or doctors? Or worse, go without because of cost? Will there be an affordable option for me?
These questions keep me and many people my age awake at night. The idea that I could lose my health care and lose access to the medication I need is terrifying.
In the age of GoFundMe health care fundraisers, it’s difficult to see people in my community cross their fingers and rely on the goodwill of others just to access the health care they need to survive. It’s not right.
Nobody should crowdfund their right to be alive or be burdened by overwhelming medical costs simply trying to access the health care they need.
Despite the privilege of having health care, the constant worry of losing coverage looms over me. We deserve stable, affordable health care we can count on.
We have enough for all of us. Our government should be taking steps now towards universal health care, so we can have a health care system that actually works for all of us.
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We all have a health care story, because health care is a basic, fundamental need. This is part of a weekly series during Minnesota’s legislative session where we share the health care stories of Minnesotans like you. Share your story here.
