I've been a nurse for over 18 years and I have seen patients go through a lot between their health, their finances, and the rest of their lives.  They worry about so many things, and how to pay for the medical care they need shouldn't be one of them.  Deciding between buying a blood pressure cuff to monitor their blood pressure because their medication was adjusted shouldn't be balanced against buying groceries.  Paying for food or medicines should not put them at risk to lose their home.  And coverage for life-sustaining medications shouldn't change because they switched jobs, or chose a different Medicare product that had a lesser premium.

Unfortunately,  this is the reality for many people every day, and it doesn't look like it is going to get any better.  Just a few weeks ago, a younger patient mentioned not eating as much because the price of food had gone up so much they had to restrict their diet.  Another patient's medication co-pay went up 1000% and they were needing to find some sort of medication assistance program so they could continue to get their prescription filled. 

With the signing of the “Big, Beautiful Bill” these issues will only grow.  My goal in joining the Vermont Worker’s Center is to shine a light on healthcare disparities and help patients rally together to create real, meaningful change.