My self-identification as a patient stems from me being diagnosed with asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and atrial fibrillation, (Afib), a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat. Because of this diagnosis, I am using Trelegy inhaler samples that I got for free from my asthma doctor, but they are not enough to use the medication properly like I should.

My name is Cindy and I live in Richmond, Vermont. I am working as a data analyst and researcher. I serve as the Chairperson on my union’s benefit advisory committee where I provide input to our HR office on subscriber decisions. As such, I see firsthand what the costs of healthcare and prescription medication can do to a plan, and how these costs impact premiums.

I am Sandra Williams, a 75 year old retiree from Lynchburg, Virginia living with atrial fibrillation (Afib).

I am insured under a Humana Gold Plus Medicare plan and due to my condition, I have to take and adhere to an Eliquis prescription routine. The problem, however, is that even though I am insured, my medical plan considers Eliquis, which has a list price of $594, a tier 4 drug and therefore am expected to pay nearly $500 a month for my monthly supply, after insurance coverage (or lack thereof).

My name is Catherine Benitz and I am from Greeley, Colorado. I am a 70-year-old retired educator who has lived with psoriasis since the age of three in 1956, Sjogren’s syndrome since 2013, and several other immune conditions diagnosed in 2021 and 2022 after getting COVID-19 vaccines.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and prescribed Jardiance. I am currently on Medicaid and my Medicare health insurance coverage plan is expected to kick in in February. Under Medicaid alone, I would be paying $282 a month just for Jardiance, and still don’t know what that total might be under Medicare. This might not seem like a lot to pay for a necessary medication, but that is a lot for me to pay as someone who is retired and living on a fixed income.

My name is Jacqueline Garibay and I’m a 22-year-old college student from Austin, Texas. The last time I shared my story I was 19, now three years later some changes have been made but I am still being subjected to Big Pharma’s never-ending greed.

Hello, my name is Robyn Hutchison, I am 63 years old and live in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am a patient with diabetes and am now retired via disability after working in retail for 35 years. I have been diagnosed with many health conditions that have not been easy to live with.

My name is Melissa Tavares, I am 31 years old and from Edgewater, Maryland. I am a mother of two, with both my son Victor and daughter Nina diagnosed with epilepsy. Parenthood has thus remained a blessing but it has come with its tremendous challenges as no one ever expects to have two toddlers with medical conditions that require expensive medications.