My name is Trevor Coyne and I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My wife, Erica, has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over a decade and faces astronomical prices for the drug she needs to treat her condition.

Erica has taken methotrexate for her RA for years, but her doctor recently advised her to switch to Cimzia because it requires fewer injections and would allow for pregnancy. Cimzia, however, costs $4,500 for a month’s supply. Between paying for the medication and insurance, our out-of-pocket expenses will come out to about $10,000 per year. We’re currently looking into all possible insurance plans, patient assistance programs, and state-sponsored discounts that are available to us, but it’s looking like we will be forced to pay steep costs no matter what.

We don’t have any choice but to figure out how to pay for Cimzia — my wife needs this medication. RA is an autoimmune disorder that impacts joints, and without medication, the inflammation can get out of hand and cause physical bone pain and damage to the eyes, heart, and lungs. 

I’m a self-employed hardware and electronics technician, and I’m willing to work longer hours and be more creative as a businessman for my wife’s sake. But I can’t imagine what it’s like for people who are already doing the best they can and don’t have any room left in their budget for medications. 

Drug companies need to humble themselves and figure out another plan for the actualization of profit. I understand that research and development may cost a lot, but high drug prices are crushing everyday Americans. The average family can’t afford to pay over $10,000 for a drug they need. The middle class needs help.