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They reminded me of two things. Â First, it was exactly twelve years ago today that I underwent my cancer surgery and secondly, just how expensive health care was even twelve years ago.
I started my chemo in October, 2000, but these statements are actually for January, February, and March of 2001.  I concluded my chemo at the end  of March, 2001.  These bills are quite typical of the other months.
My Acct balance for January was $23,800.59; Â by the time I received my February statement, my insurance had cleared that balance; but I had accrued charges in the amount of $27, 253.82 for February. Â That was paid; however, in March, my bill was $36, 432.80. Â
And those were JUST my charges to my oncologist. I was hospitialized six or seven times at about $25,000 a pop; I had all kinds of fees for tests, x-rays, c-scans, nuclear studies, heart studies, lung studies, surgeon fees, anesthesiologist fees, drugs, Â and on and on. Â It was truly mind-boggling.
Had I not been one of the lucky ones who had really good health insurance, I would have been in a world of hurt. Â I still had a lot my insurance didn't cover. Â Since I had to quit my job, I went on COBRA to keep my health coverage. Â I began paying $350 a month; by the time I went off it, I was paying $1200 a month--just for me.
Then, I was faced with NO coverage for drugs once I was able to get on Medicare disability. Drug coverage came later. Â My drugs were running $750 a month. Â
I spent every penny of my savings during that period. Â When people say it only takes one catastrophic illness to bankrupt a person, I can relate.
Thanks to President Obama, now a good bit of my COBRA would have been covered by the government. Â People who are fighting his health care have no idea the many benefits it offers them.
