I Would Not Be Here if I Didn’t Have Access to Mental HealthCare — But That Access Came At a Cost.
By Ogechi Ike
A year after I graduated from college, I still didn’t have a job. I was overwhelmed by student loans. I felt completely hopeless about my future so I tried to commit suicide.
Fortunately, I survived my suicide attempt and my parents took me to a good hospital in my hometown of South Bend, Indiana. I stayed there for four days, and they helped me get back on track.
My entire stay cost $6,000. Even though I was covered by my mom’s insurance, my parents still had to pay $1,100 out of pocket.
I wouldn’t have been able to go there at all without my parent’s health insurance.
When I was a young child, I was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. I went to a lot of speech pathologists that helped me to learn how to speak.
That wouldn’t have been possible without health insurance.
Like many people with autism, I have struggled with anxiety and depression for many years. I see a therapist and a psychiatrist.
That wouldn’t be possible without health insurance. In fact, if I didn’t have insurance I probably wouldn’t be here today.
No one should have to choose between their health and financial ruin. But for too many people in America today, that’s reality.
Healthcare, including mental healthcare, is a right — not a privilege.
We need Medicare for All to ensure that every American has access to the healthcare they need, and deserve.
