Health Bills, Family Bills: A Real Life Money Fight

Jean Franklin saved a lot of money before she became a mom. She and her husband, Charles—who calls himself Chaz—were ready to live comfortably in their house near Sacramento. But a health scare changed everything. In May, Jean felt shaky and went to the hospital after her speech got slurred. She lost use of her right side by August, and doctors were still unsure what was wrong. At the same time, a letter arrived saying that from January 1 their health insurance would jump from $540 a month to almost $4, 000. The rise happened because the extra federal help that lowered premiums had ended. The couple scrapped a cruise and looked at their savings. “We’re no longer thinking about where we can travel; we’re asking if we can stay at home, ” Chaz said. Then, in October, Jean was diagnosed with ALS, a disease that will eventually stop her from speaking or breathing on her own. The diagnosis also meant she could join Medicare, which cut about $1, 600 a month in costs. Still, the new premiums—$2, 300 a month including supplemental insurance—are more than their mortgage and take up over 25% of their budget. Jean and Chaz are part of a national group that lost federal subsidies after Congress stopped them. The loss could leave 2. 2 million more people without insurance in 2024, especially early retirees, middle‑income folks and those living in expensive states. Experts say people who just missed the threshold for subsidies now face huge price hikes.Some politicians argue that the subsidies mainly helped insurance companies, not people. Others say they made health coverage too cheap for those who could afford it. Patient advocates warn that people are skipping care, medicines and food because they can’t pay the higher premiums. Chaz has had to postpone a tooth crown that would cost $1, 000 because of the extra bills. They have also asked their sons to buy a motorized chair and a handicap van for Jean. The couple will need $36, 000 more from their savings this year just to cover insurance. Despite the strain, Chaz focuses on keeping his wife comfortable. He says he wants to enjoy the rest of their life together, even if it means making tough financial choices. Jean loves watching chickens on the patio and laughs at her sons’ jokes, even though she can’t go hiking or travel anymore. When Chaz turns 65 in December, he will qualify for Medicare himself, which might ease the burden a little. The Franklins’ story shows how sudden health problems and policy changes can quickly turn a secure retirement into a financial fight. It reminds us that health care costs are more than numbers—they affect families, dreams and everyday life.