Sick and Unemployed in America

CEBU, Philippines - It’s not easy being unemployed in America.

I am waiting for authorization from the U.S. Immigration to resume work; so, in the meantime, I am not allowed to work. But naturally, bills keep coming every month: rent, utilities, credit card, car insurance. The worst part of being unemployed is not qualifying for health insurance.

A friend of mine told me in 2004, “do not get sick in the U.S. if you don’t have health insurance.” I was a tourist at that time. Her words proved to be an omen, because I ended up needing emergency surgery just a few weeks later. But that’s a different story.

You cannot command your body not to get sick. But in my case, it’s the opposite. It’s as if all the bacteria and viruses in my body are lying dormant, waiting patiently. As soon as they find out I don’t have health insurance, they spring to life and conjure whatever disease they can. This time, it’s herpes zoster, a reawakening of the varicella virus. This is the virus responsible for chicken pox. (I first had chicken pox in 2002 while I was reviewing for the Philippine Physical Therapy Board Exam—again, another story.)

I was in relatively good health and even exercising five days a week. I was trying to make good use of my time while waiting for my work authorization. Then I suddenly felt itchiness and redness down the side of my trunk which subsequently formed small blisters. It became more painful.

When the pain kept me from sleeping (I discovered what “stabbing pain” actually felt like), it was time to see a doctor. This would have been no problem if I had health insurance, but I knew how expensive health care gets without it. I called an urgent care clinic, and I was told the flat rate was $300 just to see me, plus an additional $100 for MD fees. If paid within 30 days, I would be given a discount of 40% for the $300. I explained I did not have health insurance.

They referred me to the Jewish Community Free Clinic. I called on a day they were operating (they were only open twice a week). So that at least was a lucky break.

I showed up forty-five minutes early, since I anticipated many people would be there. There were 5 people ahead of me. A woman who claimed she just came from Nevada was turned away because they were full for the day. They only operated a few hours each time.

It was Charlie, a med student who examined me (his mom’s Filipina, he told me). He interviewed me on my medical history, and asked if I used drugs or alcohol (the only thing I’m addicted to is frozen yogurt). He then gave me a whole physical, and examined my blisters. He diagnosed me with herpes zoster. He explained the disease to me and even gave me a little anatomy lesson. He was excellent. The supervising doctor agreed with Charlie’s diagnosis, after looking at my blisters. They gave me free medicine too.

Everyone in the clinic was compassionate and very helpful. For example, the social worker was a young woman who always wore a smile as she walked around the clinic. She made everyone feel welcome. People who went there did not have health insurance for one reason or another, and were not at their most positive states. The staff’s attitude was one way of helping the sick. I’m very grateful to the Free Clinic and will make a donation to them as soon as I’m able.

Being sick at an inopportune time such as this taught me a big lesson. I used to grumble about having to work. I was a fool to do so. Just appreciate what you have, such as a job, and good health. Don’t wait until you lose something before you realize how precious they are. (FREEMAN)