When she booked her appointment using ZocDoc, Queens-based Wendy Z. made absolutely certain the provider she chose was in-network. After she received care, she thought nothing more of the visit until she got a bill in the mail three years later. “At first I thought it was spam sent to my email. ” When Wendy …
David Smith was in the towing business in West Monroe, New York for 30 years, until diabetes struck eight years ago. David’s leg began to deteriorate with infection and started dragging behind him. When he went to SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse for treatment, the doctors decided to amputate his leg up to the …
Hear from seven New Yorkers on the need to #EndMedicalDebt in NY. Have a story to share? Drop us a note at wethepatients@cssny.org.
Francesca is covered by both Medicare and Medicaid. Still, she cannot afford care for her multiple life-threatening health issues — including TTP, a rare blood disorder that blocks the flow of blood to the kidneys, heart and other organs.
Nancy Rodriguez, a 66-year-old Queens resident, struggles with a number of life-altering cardiopulmonary medical conditions. She works at a doctor’s office despite her disability, to supplement her modest Social Security benefits. Nancy’s total income is about $30,000 a year, including Social Security — too much to qualify for ordinary Medicaid. Since 2017, she has used …
Expanded Medicaid Would “Be A Godsend” – Nancy’s Story Read More »
“The stress that I feel, the anxiety, all of these things result from the constant harassment from the debt collectors. I know that there’s a certain amount of money allotted to low-income people – I have never been offered any financial relief, I only get threats.” To learn more about the campaign to end medical …
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 …
Bankrupt Over Medical Bills, With Insurance – Tonia’s Story Read More »
While still in the ICU, Michael began receiving calls from the hospital’s billing department. The bills totaled $1.5 million dollars. After negotiating with insurance and Mt. Sinai, the bills were reduced to $20,000. The amount depleted Michael’s family’s savings, which he planned to use for his two young daughters’ college and his retirement. He is …
After working 23 years as a nurse at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, Pablo Moncada is well-versed in New York’s health system. Still, he struggles to pay bill after bill for medical care for his potential prostate cancer. Now retired, Pablo’s only income comes from social security. He lives on a very limited budget, forcing him …
A Retired Nurse’s Mounting Medical Bills — Pablo’s Story Read More »
When 18 year-old Anthony Calafiura was admitted to the hospital for fourteen days after a mental health crisis, he was grateful for the support he received. Until bills started rolling in. Now, Anthony is $2,000 in debt. “It makes me really anxious, and it’s really not good for my mental health. Which is why I …
