I got my health insurance bill yesterday—up 15% more. I stared at it, stunned. I’d just pulled my daughter out of after-school classes last month; now I even ration my blood pressure meds.
Last election, every candidate swore to “cut healthcare costs.” But now? I pay over $300 monthly for insurance, still fork out $80 for a regular doctor’s visit, and a basic checkup nearly costs half my wage. Neighbor Old Zhang had a heart attack—ambulance alone was $2,000. He refused hospital stays, saying, “The bill’ll break us.”
Worse are gas and electricity prices. A gallon’s almost $5 at the station. I drive a beat-up car delivering food; $20+ on gas daily—half my earnings go to the tank. Electric bills soared too. I dare not use AC at night. My daughter asks, “Why’s our house dark?” I lie, “Saving electricity helps the planet.”
I asked the community center about subsidies. The worker rolled their eyes: “Quotas filled.” Then I saw a senator’s car outside, driver carrying gift boxes. TV talks of “economic recovery,” but I can’t afford beef now. Near-expired groceries vanish faster than sale items.
We don’t want wealth—just affordable meds, gas, and no penny-pinching. But the government? Either bickers or caters to the rich. They’ve long forgotten us.
