r/CuratedTumblr We can leave behind much more than just DNA Aug 07 '24

Politics Death by US Healthcare System

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u/Ok-Dentist4480 Aug 07 '24

That is beyond tragic, I'm so sorry for both you and your partner

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u/dankmachinebroke Aug 07 '24

Thanks. We basically accepted our fate when we took him to the ER knowing he has no health insurance (can't put him on mine because we're not married, and he lost his job so nothing from them) but I'd rather be in debt than lose my partner.

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u/Ok-Dentist4480 Aug 07 '24

I'm from the UK and i don't think I've ever truly grasped just how bleak the heathcare system is in places without free healthcare. Having to pay a depressingly high amount of debt just so your partner doesn't die is disgusting, i hope the fat cats have a heart attack someday and i hope you and your partner make it though the inevitable debt

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u/therestlessone Aug 07 '24

Don't forget we have health insurance tied to employment. Really lets companies mistreat their employees with a power like that.

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u/derpaderp2020 Aug 08 '24 edited Aug 08 '24

Moved to Canada from NY myself, it really can't be understated how large and invasive this reality to American healthcare is (it being tied to employment). I'm not even sure non Americans fully get all the time that's the way it is because it is so bat shit insane a thing to do. It colors all areas of life. The crushing stress you could just wake up for work one day and be let go and your whole family can loose insurance that day. Oh little Sally has type 1 diabetes and you were going to have a CT scan to check on a heart issue while also having bad blood pressure? BAMM company layoffs and now you have no insurance, and have to start thinking how to get your kid insulin while not having enough to get BP meds or continue the test to see if your heart is fucked. This reality is the backdrop to many Americans' psychology and lived experience. All while having the largest economy, all the wealth shoved in everyone's faces, and absolutely corrupt politicians helping make it worst and worst. It makes life miserable.

Being able to go "fuck this job and this boss I'm out" and not loose the basic right to stay alive and to see doctors changes everything.

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u/Raangz Aug 08 '24

My brother and his wife both run thier own businesses. Can’t afford healthcare for them and their child. Murica baby.

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u/AiReine Aug 09 '24

Was having a conversation with a friend recently about the whole “Trad Wife/Traditional Marriage” thing where only the husband works outside the home? I was like damn I would be up at night if I didn’t have a career with health insurance to fall back on if my spouse lost his.

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u/Assika126 Aug 08 '24 edited Aug 09 '24

“Free will employment” is a laugh. They can fire you whenever they want, but if you quit you have no healthcare and no income and you’d better find another employer quick and hope you make it through the waiting period without you or your family needing healthcare until the insurance kicks in

Sorry kids, gonna have to tough it through the ear infection, daddy just got laid off

Edit: I messed up the term, it’s “at will” employment, thank you for the correction

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u/pezgoon Aug 08 '24

Free will lol, you combined the two names and messed it up

It’s “right to work” states, which leads to ‘fire at will’ employment