A Dominican woman in the U.S. shares how a panic attack ended up costing her more than she ever imagined, and her story quickly went viral on TikTok. With over 83.5K likes and thousands of comments, the video from @itscarolindaa has sparked a debate about the healthcare system in the United States.
In the clip, the young woman explains that she started feeling unwell and, unsure of what to do, decided to call an ambulance. She was taken to the hospital, where she was treated with an IV, an aspirin, and some water before being discharged. "I spent two hours with a little IV," she recounts, until she received the bill: $10,126.73.
The amount left him in shock. "When that bill arrived, that's when I wanted to die... We're talking about half a million Dominican pesos. I said: no, no, no, what is this?", he expressed in the video. Without health insurance, he now faces that debt.
The content creator took the opportunity to send a message to those who have just arrived in the United States: “It’s very important to have health insurance. Here, if you don’t have insurance, you’re in trouble. Don’t even think about going to a hospital or calling an ambulance if you don’t have insurance,” she said, adding that after this experience, she prefers to take a taxi in the future to avoid another situation like this.
The reactions in the comments were a mix of humor and criticism of the system. Many users, particularly from Europe, emphasized how fortunate they are to have public health systems. “Thank God I live in Spain, where all of this is free,” commented one user. Others joked: “You’ll never have another anxiety attack again”; “That’s to make you think twice before calling an ambulance.”
However, there were certainly serious recommendations. Several users suggested requesting a detailed breakdown of the bill to reduce it, which, according to some, could lower the amount by up to 70%. Others warned, “Here, even those with insurance don't call an ambulance because the costs are outrageous.”
The case of @itscarolindaa serves as a reminder of the high cost of health care in the United States, especially for those without health insurance. Her story has reignited the debate on access to healthcare and the need to be prepared for unexpected expenses.
Frequently asked questions about the healthcare system and medical costs in the United States.
Why did the medical bill of a Dominican in the U.S. go viral?
The video of a Dominican woman in the U.S. went viral after she shared her experience of receiving a bill for over $10,000 for an anxiety treatment that included saline, aspirin, and water. The amount shocked many, especially those who are not familiar with the high costs of the U.S. healthcare system.
Is it common to receive high bills for medical services in the U.S.?
Yes, it is common for medical services in the U.S. to be costly, especially without health insurance. Bills can be very high even for simple procedures or treatments, which has sparked a debate about the need to reform the healthcare system.
What do you recommend doing in response to a high medical bill in the U.S.?
Many users and experts recommend requesting a detailed breakdown of the bill to identify potential errors or unnecessary charges. This could reduce the amount by up to 70%. It is also advisable to negotiate with the hospital to establish a payment plan or seek financial assistance.
How does the lack of health insurance affect immigrants in the U.S.?
The lack of health insurance has a significant impact on immigrants, who often face exorbitant medical bills and difficulties accessing healthcare services. This can lead to avoidance of necessary medical care out of fear of costs, negatively affecting their overall well-being.
What alternatives are available for those without health insurance in the U.S.?
For those without health insurance, it is important to explore options such as community clinics that offer low-cost or free services. It is also advisable to research state medical assistance programs that may be available depending on the state of residence.
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