Celeste Flores okay, i took a deep breath. i'm sure you didn't intend that the way it sounded Josh but as grateful as i am for all the joys in my life some days i don't feel like i got such a great deal when i get these statements in the mail. i got cancer at 16 (through no fault of my own) and the treatment that was used to *cure* me put me at very high risk for lots of other cancers (among other costly things like heart disease, thyroid problems, cognitive issues among others). the way i see it i have two shitty choices: have NO health coverage (and pay thousands and thousand out of pocket for my annual healthcare) or pay a rate that is significantly higher than most everyone else's so that i can STILL pay thousands and thousands for healthcare. of COURSE my life is worth $750 dollars a month. my insurance company got an $68,000 discount on that bill. you know what i would have paid? $92,115.57. there has GOT to be a better way.
Michael James Clark Pro-tip: don't tell people with absurd insurance rates because they had the misfortune of getting cancer by no fault of their own that they "got a deal". Unless you mean a "shitty" deal. Then go for it.
Josh Nudelman Don't split hairs: your unlucky to have had cancer. No doubt about it. But you're very very lucky to be alive! ...and for $750/month!? Most people pay double that for a mortgage! A mortgage is worth less than a life... I see that, in respect from the value that you are getting from your money, as getting a great deal.
Josh Nudelman You're unlucky that this happened to you. That's one thing. You're lucky to have gotten treatment. And I think you got a lot of bang for your buck. Your a smart crafty individual and you will be able to pay this $ back. It's the best investment in term of return on investment. From that perspective, you are lucky to have the opportunity to get treatment for services rendered.
Josh Nudelman You've been blessed with so many people who love you and opportunities like this that so many others go without. Don't look at this price tag as a curse: it's a blessing. I believe you are the strong role model your friends see in you.
Josh Nudelman Please believe this is a blessing and let it empower you to not be a victim but to be the true captain of your destiny because that is the true reflection of the strength and determination in your heart that we all see.
Josh Nudelman If you accept the premise that your life is not worth $750/month and you're being financially victimized, you take power away from yourself and I can not bear that. I am not your close friend and I don't know the intimate details of your life, but I see your love and strength and am in awe of it. And I don't want to see you any other way.
Josh Nudelman You're justified either way you want to look at it, but when you refuse to be a victim, you exceed the expectations of the victim, and that is your true identity in my eyes.
Celeste Flores I appreciate the sentiment of your statements and understand better what you were trying to say. I don't consider this heroism and I'm certainly not playing the victim card. My whole point in posting this isn't to whine about how this is affecting me financially. I can survive the financial burden. But not everyone can. And nobody should be forced to put a monetary value on their life. There is something very very wrong with the system. My point was political not personal.