Minnesotans are struggling under the weight of prescription drug costs. We have a choice this session: allow our health care money to go to profits, or pass legislation to make sure our health care money goes to care. This week, we’re sharing stories of how the rising cost of prescription drugs are affecting every day Minnesotans.
HEALTH IN JEOPARDY
“I lost my job last month. My first fear wasn’t how am I going to eat or pay rent. My first fear was, ‘How am I going to afford my mental health medications that will help me survive during this extremely challenging time, when my mental health is in most jeopardy?’ Even before I applied for unemployment, I applied for MinnesotaCare. I thankfully was able to get on a program to keep my medications.” -Andy, Minneapolis
25 KIDNEY STONES
“I’ve had over 25 kidney stones in my life, but I stopped taking a medication prescribed to prevent forming new stones because it costs more than $1000 for three months’ worth of pills. When I was first prescribed the medication, I had great employers sponsored insurance which covered the costs. Now, I have to buy my insurance on the exchange and there is no way I can afford the cost. Hopefully I stop making stones, because the ER is also more than I can afford.” -Sunshine, Maple Plain
MEDICATION & WORK
“I take Adderall, and my three-month prescription is about $1500. I need it to function. I have insurance through my spouse, but if I lost a job and lost insurance, I wouldn’t be able to afford it. Without Adderall, I doubt I’d be able to get a new job at all.” -Jane, St. Louis Park
RISING COST OF INSULIN
“My 5-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November. Our out-of-pocket costs for her insulin and other supplies is about $500 per month, and this amount will only increase as her insulin needs go up when she gets bigger. We can’t afford it now and I’m worried about what happens when things get more expensive.” -Aileen, St. Paul
COST OF AGING
“The estrogen that I need for quality of life after menopause is not covered by my insurance. This isn’t considered ‘necessary,’ but without it, intercourse is extremely painful (and so impossible). If I want the estrogen, I have to pay $90/month for it, which is just not affordable for us.” -Joan, Eden Prairie
AFFORDING MENTAL HEALTH
“Four of my medications bill out at $7,368/month. If I did not have coverage through Medicaid I would not be able to afford my mental health medications, which are necessary for me.” -Heather, Duluth
SURVIVING
“My 22-year old son ends up in the hospital with ketoacidosis at least every other month because he has to ration his insulin. He is not only seeing increased health decline because he’s not getting adequate treatment, I am fearful that he’s going to lose limbs or die. No mother should have to worry that her children aren’t able to get the health care they need to survive.” -Cherise, Duluth
We all have a health care story, because health care is a basic, fundamental need. This is part of a weekly series during Minnesota’s legislative session where we share the health care stories of Minnesotans like you. Share your story here.
