I live in university subsidized housing and am more fortunate than many of my colleagues in that I have a non-student partner who is able to bring in some income, although our rent burden is still 31% even after counting both of our second jobs.
Unfortunately, I also have a chronic medical condition that requires frequent specialist physician appointments, bloodwork, and daily medication. Of my prescription medications, the most important costs $50 per month after insurance. This might not sound like a lot of money, but $50 is literally make-or-break for my family. Last year I started taking this important medication only half as often as prescribed, just so we could make ends meet. Over the summer, I sold my deceased grandfather’s wedding band for $74 so I could buy my medicine.
Last year I started taking this important medication only half as often as prescribed, just so we could make ends meet. Over the summer, I sold my deceased grandfather’s wedding band for $74 so I could buy my medicine.
As a result of not being able to afford to take my medication as prescribed, I suffer from severe chronic exhaustion. My committee chair has recently commented that I’ve been poorly prepared in class, but I can’t concentrate on my coursework when I’m ill and unable to afford medical treatment. I don’t know how to find a balance between managing my chronic disease, TA responsibilities, weekly reading, and making rent. Something has to give.
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