In the corner of a discount store, amid the fluorescent lights, a stunning Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress caught my eye. The rich hues of blue and green were alluring, but it was the red price sticker that made my heart race: $39.99, marked down from $398. At that moment, I felt triumphant, as if I had snagged a rare find. Growing up in a family that valued frugality, I learned to save every penny and never pay full price.
As a graduate student juggling multiple jobs, I managed to scrape together $1,200 monthly for essentials while treating myself only occasionally — a meal out or a visit to a discount store. I grabbed my new treasure, headed to the dressing room, and anticipated a perfect fit. However, the dress fit too tightly around my middle, and I dismissed the discomfort, attributing it to my healthy lunch.
Little did I know, the reason for my growing belly was not just a temporary bloating; I was harboring a rare malignant tumor. As a 25-year-old vegetarian with no health issues, I believed I was invincible. But soon, I found myself on the phone with my basic student health insurance, desperately searching for a surgeon who accepted my plan.
After a quick appointment with a local surgeon, I was met with grim news. “There’s more than a 50% chance you won’t survive this surgery,” he told me, suggesting I go to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center instead. Unfortunately, that prestigious hospital was outside my insurance network. With a rare diagnosis like liposarcoma, treatment options were limited, and expertise was scarce.
Thanks to the hospital’s commitment to research and community support, I was able to receive life-saving treatment, albeit at a significant cost. While I focused on recovery, I was soon inundated with bills that my insurance didn’t cover. I had racked up tens of thousands of dollars in medical debt—far beyond what I could afford.
In a moment of panic, I sought help from a social worker at Sloan-Kettering, who guided me to the hospital’s financial aid office. After months of paperwork and frustration, I was granted assistance that relieved most of my debt. Without that charity, bankruptcy would have been inevitable.
I completed my master’s degree, took on summer work to manage medical costs, and eventually entered medical school. Now, as a pediatrician, I witness the unpredictability of health crises every day. One moment, my patients are perfectly healthy; the next, they face life-altering circumstances—accidents, illnesses, and surgeries.
Everyone needs medical care at different points, and while we can make healthy lifestyle choices, we cannot control when we fall ill or the costs associated with our treatment. Healthcare expenses are unlike regular consumer purchases; you can’t simply shop around for the best deal when facing a medical emergency.
Life-saving procedures, from surgeries to long hospital stays, typically exceed what most people can afford. The only so-called discount option often involves forgoing necessary care, leading to crippling debt or worse outcomes. When people do not have access to affordable healthcare, the repercussions extend beyond the individual; families face financial ruin, businesses lose employees, and society as a whole suffers.
Since we all will require healthcare—often unexpectedly—it is logical for us to contribute to a system that ensures access to affordable care for everyone. I have faced several health challenges, but thanks to the Affordable Care Act and my employer-provided insurance, I have managed to secure the treatment needed to stay alive. I can now contribute to society and raise my daughter without the burden of medical debt.
Recently, I sold that bargain dress, which no longer suited my body, on eBay. It felt symbolic—an opportunity to create space for a fresh start while also covering a few co-payments.
For those interested in the journey of home insemination, you can read more about it in our other blog posts, such as this one. If you’re considering a family, Make a Mom is an excellent resource for understanding the intricacies of this journey, while News Medical provides valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The author reflects on their personal health journey, emphasizing the unpredictability of medical needs and the importance of accessible healthcare. They share their experience with a rare diagnosis and the financial burdens that ensued, highlighting the necessity for a system that supports affordable care for all.