I get pretty good medical coverage from my work through the union while I’m employed and putting hours in, but that’s the catch… I have to actively be working.
Back In February my 2nd son was born, and since we’re entitled of up to 8 weeks of paid family leave, I took 6 weeks off. I didn’t take them off because I didn’t want to work, but needed too take the time off. My wife had a tough labor and was going to need help for a few weeks.
While it is paid leave through the state, I’m not accumulating any hours worked, which is the problem. The way my coverage works is that I have to have worked at least 80 hours the previous month to get medical coverage for the next month. For example:
– Worked 80 hours in January -> Medical coverage for all of February
– Worked 75 hours in February -> No medical coverage for all of March
The first month or 2 with a newborn, they have important appointments that we needed to go to that, guess what? Came all out of pocket. While in this time off, my older son had to go into the ER for some stomach pains going on in the middle of the night. Long story short, we were there for 2 hours. His vitals were checked, he was given a spoonful of Tylenol and we went home with a $480 bill because I had no coverage this month. On top of all that, I injured my knee pretty bad a couple weeks go while working out & I’m limping like a hurt dog. I’m dreading to go get it looked it because of getting stuck with a ridiculously overpriced bill just for the doctor to tell me to ice it.
I’m not trying to make the post all about ME ME ME or seeking pity. I’m just trying to give insight on a real example of the way someone can get healthcare in the US without having to pay a crazy amount, but you’re forced to work for it. I really do feel for those people who are needing to go to the doctors for checks ups and what not, but put it off a basic human need because of the healthcare system.