by Victor Acevedo, a Richmond-based Trump supporter
I am no stranger to the doctor’s office. I’m 62 years old and have had more life-threatening health scares than anyone I know. In my fifties, I was diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. That’s a disease that damages the liver even if you don’t drink. I also get CAT scans twice a year so doctors can monitor something they saw in my lungs that could develop into cancer. Beyond that, I have heart disease and had a heart attack four years ago. I’ve had surgery to remove part of my colon.
Those are all in addition to two knee surgeries, surgery on my left shoulder, getting my gallbladder removed, and extensive arthritis in my left ankle. I’ve been to countless doctors and sat in countless exam rooms.
But what’s made all of this even harder is the financial fallout. Medical debt from these emergencies has destroyed my credit score. Even though I’ve made payments, I’ve been denied housing and other opportunities because of my low credit score. A low credit score makes it hard to survive.
I didn’t see any of this coming. Most of my life, I had been in shape, took care of my body, and ate right. I played football and baseball and enjoyed exercise. Health problems like mine can hit anyone, at any time. The added impact from medical debt on your financial future makes matters worse.
Times are hard. Despite living in affordable housing, I am barely getting by. Rent keeps increasing, electricity costs are on the rise, and grocery bills are overwhelming. I am just like nearly 40 percent of Americans that, according to the Federal Reserve, cannot afford a $400 emergency. It’s why I don’t eat out or go to the movies. I haven’t been to my favorite sushi restaurant in years.
Still, I’m grateful for my life today. I’m partially retired and sell insurance when I can, health permitting, because I value hard work. I appreciate the opportunity to work hard and try to make extra income beyond my Social Security.
My health and low credit score take an emotional toll on me. I feel guilty despite knowing that none of this is my fault. I want to build a better life for myself. I voted for Donald Trump because of his experience as a businessman. I thought he would help the economy and lower costs.
Instead, Trump is stopping a new policy that would block medical debt from being included in credit reports. That policy would give people like me a fair shot. I would still do my best, as I have been, to continue making progress on my medical debt. But having good credit would make my life easier. Better credit stimulates the economy because more people are getting loans and buying homes.
I didn’t choose these health conditions, and I’ve done everything I can to manage them. But now, my credit score is paying the price. I hope that President Trump hears my story and changes his mind.
