The Challenge

Working in the healthcare field, you would think that my job would provide excellent healthcare benefits. Wrong. Even with the “high option” my insurance is mediocre at best and once you add up all the co-pays you really are not saving as much as some of the insurance companies want you to think.

Lucky for me, last year when I married my hubby I got some pretty cool in-laws and some amazing health insurance. Insurance that was so wonderful that it even has a clause in it about congenital heart disease. Pretty cool, huh? I thought it was wonderful.

With the combined two insurances – which, yes, we do pay a lot for – I don’t have any co-pay at my cardiologist! And in August, when I had my cardiac cath, it was going to be $800 out of pocket with just my insurance. With the power of two insurances, $0!

Unfortunately, not everyone is as blessed as I am. Some people – maybe even you – don’t have any insurance. Some people have to pick between visiting their cardiologist and paying their mortgage. And you I both know what wins that battle. What about adult congenital heart patients who decide between dinner and our monthly meds?

I would really like America to consider some kind of solution to the insurance epidemic that affects not only cardiac patients but many other non-insured people with complex medical conditions. And, I challenge us cardiac patients to take care of ourselves! Just because you don’t have insurance does not mean that you don’t need to take care of yourself. Eat better, move more. Are you up to the challenge?