“I have to pay out-of-pocket, and I lose pay when I go to a doctor. Not having health insurance hinders life."
Living in the coverage gap without health insurance, Brandon Allred is always mindful of his health and if he has enough money to afford being sick or injured. "I call the clinic that works with me and ask for an estimate before I make an appointment. They give me a guesstimate based on my symptoms. Then I have to determine if I can go and still put food on the table and pay rent.”
Brandon doesn't need an estimate for a doctor's note - he knows it will cost him $200. "I know that I will need a doctor's note to return to work when I tell my supervisor that I'm not feeling well. That's a $200 visit that I have to pay out-of-pocket, and I lose pay when I go to a doctor. Not having health insurance hinders life."
2015 was the last time that Brandon had health insurance. He remembers the year; it was the same year he lost his father to cancer. Phillip Allred was 55. "My father was so strong. He was hauling off trees and storm damage after the 2014 tornado hit Tupelo. In a year he couldn't get out of his chair."
At 35 Brandon wants to feel better and be able to go to the doctor. To live a long and healthy life for his six daughters. He wants the peace of mind of having health insurance, for himself and others living in the coverage gap in Mississippi.