Doing Better: Stuart’s Story
By: Stuart Orlowski
Why is health care reform important to me? Because I’m afraid.
I’m afraid of unexpected, unpredictable costs that will hurt my livelihood. Last year I broke my hand. I had insurance, so I assumed that most of the costs would be covered for my care. Surgery was not required for my injury, just an x-ray and a splint. Still, I was surprised to find that my out-of-pocket expenses were over $400.
That was on top of other, smaller incidents. Like paying $250 for a strep test after having a sore throat for two weeks.
I felt financial pain on top of these injuries. And while I managed to pay these bills, studies have shown that 57% of Americans can’t cover a $500 emergency. Health care costs can easily snowball—and the majority of us can’t keep up.
I’m afraid for my uninsured friends and family—that they will become sick or injured and what that would mean for their economic stability and health.
Also last year, I got food poisoning while traveling to Chicago.
The pressure on my chest was unbearable. My friends advised me to go to the hospital. After all, chest pain could mean a number of things. But I felt overwhelmed with anxiety over the financial risks and out-of-state coverage. I was worried about going to the wrong hospital and losing my financial independence. The pain got worse, but financial anxiety kept me from seeking care.
The last thing you should have to think about while in unbearable pain is if you can afford care. But for too many of us, it’s the first thing we think about.
I’m afraid for my uninsured friends and family—that they will become sick or injured and what that would mean for their economic stability and health. Last summer, when playing basketball at the park, a friend had his tooth knocked out. Clearly distraught, I asked him if he had insurance. He said he didn’t. I didn’t know what options he had for emergency dental care, and I felt helpless as he left and went home.
Our system is far too complicated. There are so many financial risks to caring for an illness or injury, and it often dissuades people from getting the treatment they need. It can quickly become a financial minefield.
I’m sharing my story to show the tough choices people in our state are facing every day, simply trying to access the care they deserve. We need real health care reform in this state. Minnesota doesn’t have to wait for our federal government to improve health care. We have been a leader in the past—let’s continue by providing universal, affordable public health care.
We can do better. And we can do it now.
***
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.
