Darci's Story

I started adding health (s)care stories to the blog because I feel this is our most pressing social issue we face. Please express your feelings or add your own story by going to our ULCMAforum.

My husband and I are both in our 20's, and in June of 2008 he was diagnosed with a primary immune deficiency called Common Variable Immune Deficiency, or Hypogammaglobulinemia. Thankfully there is a treatment for this deficiency, but that treatment costs around $1500/week. It is an infusion of antibodies called IVIG which he can administer at home, but he will be doing it the rest of his life, or until another method comes about to treat his immune deficiency. This was overwhelming news for us as we started our life together, and just thinking about the health/physical side of it is enough. But when you add on all the medical costs; the infusion, all the doctor appointments for the symptoms of his immune problem, as well as surgeries, and the cost of a health insurance that will cover him, it seems like an impossible thing to face. Luckily, we live in Oklahoma which is one of about 30 states that provides a high risk pool. We were able to get him onto this insurance, but the premiums are about $350/month, along with a $500 deductible, and $2000 out of pocket amount each year. Roughly, we will still pay $6700 each year just to have health insurance that will pay the medical bills. Our total yearly income is somewhere around $40,000 which means his healthcare alone costs us nearly 17% of our income. I just think this is outrageous. We make ends meet, and we were lucky enough to both get college educations and decent jobs that we enjoy. But my heart goes out to people who were not born into the same priveleges as we both were, who have had an uphill climb their whole life in order to make ends meet and find a way to take care of their families. It isn't right that drug companies and insurances are making an ungodly amount of money off of people who are just trying to live a life that is healthier and productive. I believe that the US could have a MUCH better healthcare system, that would take care of MANY more people if the big money makers of our current healthcare system would let go of their greed. Or if our government would simply stand up and say that they will find a better way to make America healthy no matter whose pocket books it may hurt. I do believe our country's healthcare is the most expensive for the amount of care we receive. So many other countries have found a way to provide great healthcare for so much less than what Americans pay, so there HAS to be a way to improve our system. PLEASE reform this current broken system, and do so with clear consciences and good hearts, looking out for the well being of the citizens you represent.