On March 7, Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) faced criticism for suggesting in a CNN interview that individuals could save money for healthcare by selling their iPhones. His remarks sparked outrage among those who understand that health care costs extend far beyond the price of a smartphone. One such individual is 24-year-old Emily Roberts, a librarian from Hays, Kansas, who lives with Type 1 diabetes.
In response to Chaffetz’s comments, Roberts created an infographic to shed light on the actual financial burden associated with managing chronic illnesses. “I felt compelled to convey the realities of healthcare costs, especially for those with chronic conditions. Chaffetz’s words ignited a spark in me to showcase this issue in a relatable way,” Roberts explained.
Roberts meticulously researched the costs of treating various chronic illnesses, referencing peer-reviewed studies and official documents to produce a series of infographics. Each infographic illustrates how many iPhone 7s, priced at $649 each, would be necessary to cover medical expenses for ten different diseases. For instance, managing Type 1 diabetes requires the equivalent of 35.6 iPhones annually just for medical supplies.
Each infographic highlights treatment costs without insurance, an essential distinction for Roberts. “While insurance can reduce costs, it often doesn’t cover enough,” she noted. After switching to a new insurance plan, she discovered that it deemed more than five blood glucose tests a week as “excessive.” For Roberts, whose treatment demands testing three to eight times daily, this policy meant additional out-of-pocket costs for every test beyond the first five, amounting to $160 to $510 weekly.
Roberts recalls the anxiety she felt prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), worrying about how to manage her healthcare expenses when she would no longer be on her parents’ insurance. “After my diagnosis at 13, my mom and I gathered insights from diabetes support forums, where many shared strategies for stockpiling medications for when insurance was no longer available. Luckily, thanks to the ACA, I never had to resort to that,” she shared.
The data Roberts compiled revealed startling figures: one year of treatment for lupus would cost 20 iPhones, while breast cancer treatment could reach 80.9 iPhones. She was particularly shocked by the high cost of HIV medications, which, prior to price hikes by pharmaceutical companies, were already exorbitant. “No one should have to face such financial burdens for their health,” Roberts emphasized.
The implications of Chaffetz’s comments resonated deeply with Roberts, especially in light of ongoing discussions regarding the ACA’s future. “It’s disheartening to see politicians overlook the real struggles faced by their constituents,” she lamented.
Roberts’s series provides a powerful visual representation of the costs associated with various chronic conditions. For example, treating epilepsy for a year would cost 21.5 iPhones, while in vitro fertilization (IVF) could amount to 66 iPhones.
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In summary, Emily Roberts’s infographic series serves as a poignant reminder of the significant financial demands placed on those living with chronic illnesses. Through her work, she aims to educate the public about the true costs of healthcare, ultimately advocating for greater awareness and understanding.