I have long felt that RA (and other chronic illnesses) are often getting the short end of the stick when it comes to healthcare. While the current focus of the U.S. healthcare system is to get everyone covered so they can pay for their doctor visits and preventative healthcare, what about those of us who are already sick? Being able to see a doctor is only a small part of treating chronic illnesses such as RA.
In order to function properly (and not be stuck in bed all day with joint pain), we need expensive medications. The latest and greatest RA drugs (aka biologics) are expensive. They can cost a few thousand dollars a month, which for a lot of people — even for those with healthcare — can be incredibly expensive.
I feel that those of us with chronic illnesses often are ignored by the healthcare system. And I don’t think that it is just this way in the U.S. I recently read an article from the Deeside Piper and Herald about people bringing these same concerns before the Scottish Parliament. This article touched on many points that struck me as so familiar. I am curious if people in other countries have felt slighted by the healthcare system as well, so please tell me about your own experiences.
Until next time,
S.P.
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