Tim White

It’s mentally challenging to be a paramedic. Every person I’d see, every case is different. I had to really think on my feet.

The number one concern I would hear from patients since Obamacare was enforced was not: “What is going to happen to me?” It was: “What is this going to cost me?”

It was very frustrating for me to not be able to answer that question and for cost to be the motivating factor in whether or not a patient gets care. That should never be what stops you.

I spent a lot of time and energy not treating my patients but just convincing them to get treatment. A lot of times, especially if someone is having a heart attack or there’s been a severe car accident, seconds matter and minutes matter. That’s time I should be spending stabilizing that person or getting them to a hospital. It shouldn’t be spent convincing you to let me help you.

We all need to plan for the future as best we can and your best defense as a consumer is to educate yourself. I feel powerless and upset that I can’t give better advice. But you need to learn as much about your own body and the insurance you have.