Healthcare Only Works When People Can Afford It

This year, as we celebrate the anniversary of Medicare, I'm grateful for the coverage it provides. But my experience also reminds me that having health insurance doesn't always mean healthcare is affordable.

Last August, I underwent a full-thickness cornea transplant to treat keratoconus in my left eye, a condition that affects my eyesight. A few months later, my doctor discovered my body was beginning to reject the transplant. To protect my vision, I needed a prescription eye ointment right away.

That's when I learned the medication would cost nearly $500. The place that carried it was in Kansas & it didn't cover the full cost of the medication or the shipping. My mom and I simply couldn't afford it.

Thankfully, my doctor prescribed a lower-cost generic, and after searching with GoodRx, I found it at a local Walmart for about $80. That was still expensive, but it was affordable enough that I could get the medicine I needed.

No one recovering from surgery should have to wonder whether they can afford the medication that protects their health.

My experience inspired me to travel to Springfield with Citizen Action/Illinois to advocate for policies that make prescription drugs more affordable. I know firsthand that the price of medicine can determine whether someone gets the treatment they need.

Medicare has helped millions of Americans live healthier lives for 60 years. As we honor that legacy, we should continue working to lower prescription drug costs so no one has to choose between protecting their health and protecting their wallet.

Healthcare only works when people can afford to use it.
— Michael Churchill, Lynwood Illinois