I Am A Pre-Existing Condition And I Am Hurt | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I Am A Pre-Existing Condition And I Am Hurt

If Trump doesn't think Americans will fight this, he is wrong.

18
I Am A Pre-Existing Condition And I Am Hurt
Chicago Tribune

As someone who is a pre-existing condition, I am not only furious but terrified.

I have never been someone who cares much for money. Thinking about my future, I want to have a job where I can have a positive affect on people’s lives. I rarely think about how much money I will be making.

When the GOP plan to overhaul the US healthcare system passed, I began to think about money. What if my insurance doesn’t cover my medicine? What if I decide to have kids one day?

I am a pre-existing condition.

Anorexia, depression, mental disorders and seasonal affective disorder are the categories I fall under. As I continue to grow, I may unfortunately fall under more categories. If I decide to have kids, I fall under yet another category.

It’s scary knowing illnesses you can’t control may not be covered by insurance.

It’s scary knowing the medicine that continues to keep you alive may not be covered.

In all honesty, it’s sickening. I am not one to talk politics, I typically pick and choose my battles and who I discuss issues with. However, this is the first time since Donald Trump has become president that I feel personally affected.

Think of all the millions of people out there who’s conditions require medicine that keep them alive. Now think of having to pay a ridiculous amount for that medicine instead of a reasonable co-pay amount.

For example, if I personally was turned away by my insurance, and I had to pay for my medicine out of pocket, I would be paying around $382 a month. That is $4,584 a year, all because of a number of illnesses I can’t control.

My conditions happen to be mental health specific. This community in general receives a lot of backlash and stereotyping, now, insurance companies have the power to refuse to cover our medicine. This could result in an increased suicide rate, an increase in violent crimes and a number of other tragedies.

It is already difficult enough to get mental health treatment and drugs covered by insurance.

Cancer as a broad illness is listed as a pre-existing condition. Now personally I know a few people who suffer from all types of cancer and are on five different pills a day, sometimes even 10 or more.

Without insurance the average treatment cost out of pocket would reach a ridiculous amount of over $100,000 in an 8 week period.

There are a number of different outcomes that could occur if insurances decide to deny coverage of necessary drugs and treatment. Reports show that currently it is effecting about 52 million Americans and that number will only continue to grow if we don’t put up a fight.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1082
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16014
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3335
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments