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Rising Costs
A College Degree Doesn’t Guarantee Health Insurance
Chicagoan Brian Packer* never anticipated the current reality of his post-college days. Despite having a graduate degree, his life has been filled with the frustration and pain of not being able to access medical care. Brian really loves his job. Unfortunately, his employer cannot afford to offer the whole staff health benefits. Instead Packer’s boss works him, and many other co-workers, just below the number of hours necessary to get employer-sponsored coverage. Because Brian is young, he still accepted the position in hopes of remaining healthy until he could move up in this career. Unfortunately, it’s impossible for anyone to plan when they will or will not get sick.
Packer did get sick — a recurring infection that required a doctor visit and antibiotics. On top of that, he knew this condition would cost him at least a day or two of missed work — a sacrifice he could not afford. Brian says, “I had to wait and think, am I sick enough yet or can I last another day?” Eventually when the symptoms of his illness became unbearable, Packer braced himself for a full-day at Stroger Hospital. Because of the financial and emotional cost of this whole ordeal, Brian is leaving his job. “One day I want a family and stability. I’m so sad but I have no choice but to leave,” Packer said, who has been securing job interviews as of late.
With the rising cost of healthcare many businesses are feeling overburdened.
Many employees are feeling the sting and some qualified workers, like Brian, have no choice but to leave. This is a huge issue but too few people are rallying for change. Illinois recently came out with a proposal to expand health coverage to those whose employers don’t offer health insurance. With the Illinois Covered health plan, Brian will have access to the health care he needs.
*Name changed to protect confidentiality
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