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A Kansas Librarian Demonstrates How Many iPhones You’d Need to Cover Medical Costs for Various Chronic Conditions
In a rather eyebrow-raising CNN interview, Rep. Kevin Rhodes (R-KS) suggested that people could save money on healthcare by skipping their iPhone purchases. Naturally, this sparked outrage among those who know that managing chronic illnesses is a whole lot more complicated than selling off a smartphone. One such person is Lucy Bennett, a 24-year-old librarian from Hays, Kansas, who lives with Type 1 diabetes.
Motivated by Rhodes’ remarks, Bennett decided to take matters into her own hands. “I felt a burning desire to help clarify the healthcare debate for those of us battling chronic conditions,” she shared with The Mighty. “When I heard Rhodes’ comment, it was like a lightbulb went off. He unwittingly provided me with a way to illustrate the real costs of living with illness in a relatable manner.”
Bennett set to work creating a series of infographics that compared the price of medical treatments to the cost of iPhones. Each infographic used the price of the iPhone 7, which retails at $649, to show how many would be needed to cover treatment for various diseases. For instance, a year’s worth of supplies for someone with Type 1 diabetes would require 35.6 iPhones.
Bennett emphasized that her infographics reflect treatment costs without insurance, which is a crucial distinction. “Sure, insurance can lower the costs, but by how much?” she asked. She recently switched to a plan that views more than five blood glucose tests a week as “excessive.” For her, testing three to eight times a day is a necessity. Without coverage for those extra tests, each one could set her back an additional $10, adding up to a staggering $160 to $510 per week based on her needs.
“It took me a month of relentless calls to both my doctor and insurance company just to convince them to cover five tests a day,” Bennett recounted. “There are still days when that’s not enough, but at least it’s something.”
Bennett’s infographics revealed some shocking figures: one year of lupus medication would cost 20 iPhones, while a year of breast cancer treatment would require a whopping 80.9 iPhones! The most staggering find, however, was the cost of HIV medications. Even before the notorious Martin Shkreli raised prices, the cost was already sky-high. “No one should have to pay that much for their life,” she lamented.
As someone with chronic illnesses, Bennett has faced her share of challenges. “When the Affordable Care Act was threatened, I felt devastated,” she said. “Rhodes’ comments were like a punch to the gut. It’s hard to believe a politician could be so out of touch with the struggles of their constituents.”
If you’re looking for more information, check out this interesting post about home insemination kits. Bennett’s work sheds light on the healthcare crisis faced by many, and it’s a reminder that affordable healthcare is essential for everyone.
In summary, Lucy Bennett’s infographics make a compelling case for how the costs of chronic illness can be more relatable when compared to something like the price of an iPhone. By illustrating this point, she hopes to spark a broader conversation about healthcare accessibility and its dire importance.