Lifting heavy objects and people led to a degeneration in her disks, which she needed a slew of treatment to repair: multiple surgeries, physical therapy, steroid injections and more.
Despite having good insurance through her job, Tonia could not afford the mounting medical bills that went to debt collection. Eventually, she was forced to file bankruptcy.
Now, Tonia is vocal champion for both patients and those who care for them as a member of NYSNA and advocate for We The Patients.
“At the top, they’re all getting very wealthy off of our backs. Off our pain, our suffering. They treat us like we’re [disposable].” Said Tonia. “This is not the way this wealthy country should handle any of its citizens.”
To learn more about the campaign to end medical debt in New York, visit cssny.org/EndMedicalDebt. Have a story to share about your health care experience? Contact us at wethepatients@cssny.org.