In a recent CNN interview, Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) sparked controversy with his suggestion that individuals should sell their iPhones to fund their healthcare expenses. His remarks, which he later retracted, drew criticism from individuals who know firsthand that healthcare costs are not easily resolved by simply giving up a smartphone. One such individual, 24-year-old Emma Carter, lives with Type 1 diabetes and felt compelled to shed light on the realities of managing chronic illnesses through an informative infographic.
Emma, a librarian from Hays, Kansas, was inspired to create a visual representation of the financial burden of treating chronic conditions after hearing Chaffetz’s comments. “I wanted to illustrate the healthcare debate from the perspective of those grappling with ongoing health issues,” she shared. “His comments provided the motivation I needed to convey the true costs of illness in relatable terms.”
Using peer-reviewed studies and government data, Emma developed a series of infographics comparing the cost of treatment for various diseases to the price of an iPhone, which retails for $649. For Type 1 diabetes, Emma found that she would need 35.6 iPhones to cover a year’s worth of medical supplies.
Importantly, each infographic reflects the cost of treatment without insurance, a distinction Emma believes is crucial. “Insurance might reduce costs, but it doesn’t eliminate them,” she noted. Recently, Emma switched to a plan that limits coverage for blood glucose tests, which she needs to monitor her condition. Despite her treatment plan necessitating multiple tests each day, her insurance only covers five, resulting in out-of-pocket expenses that can range from $160 to $510 weekly for additional tests.
Emma’s experience is not unique. Many share her fears about healthcare costs, especially as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been a lifeline since its inception. “After my diagnosis, my mom and I sought advice online to prepare for a time when I wouldn’t have insurance,” she recounted. “We learned to stockpile essential supplies, but thankfully, the ACA made that unnecessary for me.”
Emma’s research revealed surprising figures, such as the staggering costs associated with HIV medications, which are already high even before the infamous price hikes by individuals like Martin Shkreli. “No one should have to pay such exorbitant prices for their life-saving medications,” she emphasized.
Her infographics also reveal that one year of treatment for lupus would cost 20 iPhones, while breast cancer treatment would require 80.9 iPhones. The reality of chronic illness is stark: one year of epilepsy treatment costs 21.5 iPhones, and IVF cycles can reach 66 iPhones.
“It’s been a tough few years, especially with the threat to the ACA,” Emma reflected. “Chaffetz’s remarks felt like a personal blow. It’s hard to understand how some politicians can be so detached from the realities their constituents face.”
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In summary, Emma Carter’s efforts to illustrate the real costs of healthcare for chronic conditions highlight the financial struggles many face, emphasizing that the conversation about healthcare affordability is far more complex than simply eliminating luxuries like smartphones.