Help Carrie get healthcare

 

Carrie is a trans woman in Richmond VA. She is in desperate need of healthcare coverage to address a spinal injury, which if left untreated could lead to lifelong disability.

 

Carrie works as a bike courier for a small local company. She has continued to work hard to deliver the goods despite the pandemic, unpredictable weather, and chronic back pain. She has no health insurance, has inexplicably been denied for Medicaid (appeal pending) and cannot afford an ACA Plan even with subsidies. 

 

Carrie first slipped a disc 15 years ago. Since then, she has had a series of physically demanding jobs. The injury has been aggravated again and again, but like far too many others in the same situation, Carrie has always had to power through, not having the savings or resources to pursue a long-term solution.

 

Last week, the pain in her lower back suddenly became intense. Carrie has been unable to go to work and can barely stand up straight. She paid out-of-pocket for an X-ray, which confirmed there was cumulative damage and a need for a CT scan/further doctor visits. 

 

As luck would have it, there is currently a way to get Carrie health insurance through the ACA. But the special enrollment period is brief. To get initial coverage only for one month, Carrie needs to raise $450 and then $250 every month after. This plan would ostensibly cover whatever diagnostics/surgery/PT is needed. 

 

This fundraiser hopes to raise $3200 to cover a year of health insurance. Any extra would go towards rent, making up for lost income. Having healthcare coverage would not only immediately protect Carrie’ health and future income, but could also enable her to seek further transition care, much of which is currently out of financial reach.