The Cost of Care
4. The Million Dollar Baby
Apr 29, 2021
Lauren Bard, a dedicated nurse at Dignity Health, shares her heart-wrenching story of facing a shocking $1.7 million medical bill after her daughter Sadie's premature birth. Dr. Ashish Jha, a public health expert, joins to unpack the systemic issues that led to such a financial burden. They discuss the emotional toll of navigating insurance enrollment, the stark realities of nonprofit hospital operations, and the disconnect between compassion and overwhelming medical costs. It's an eye-opening conversation about the struggles families face in health crises.
43:47
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Quick takeaways
- Lauren Bard's experience illustrates the shocking financial burdens of healthcare, where even insured families face catastrophic medical bills amid emergencies.
- The podcast critiques the healthcare system's complexities, revealing how miscommunication with insurance can devastate families despite proactive efforts to secure coverage.
Deep dives
Navigating Midlife Challenges
The podcast reflects on the feelings of uncertainty and questioning that often accompany midlife for many individuals. It explores the idea that even those who appear successful can find themselves pondering the question of whether there is more to life than their current achievements. The host, Reshma Sajani, shares that despite her accomplishments—including writing books and launching nonprofits—she still grapples with feelings of incompleteness. This serves as a catalyst for discussions around personal growth and finding purpose in the second act of life.
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