“I worked all my life in different capacities, and I should not be in this situation,” said Donna, a 63-year-old retired teacher living in Syracuse, New York. In 2006, Donna was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and received multiple forms of cancer treatment at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. She was not living in …
“Medical bills are going rampant” – Donna’s Story Read More »
“My story is complex,” said John*, a 50-year-old living in New York State. Over two decades, he’s gone through a series of health complications accompanied by high medical costs and other daily living expenses. At the age of 24, John was two years away from finishing his college degree in Alabama, but he had memory, …
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 …
