Profiles in Survival: Reid James
"There are three or four thousand dollars worth of medical bills at Grace Community Church that are probably not going to be paid," says Reid James. "I'm going to have to talk to Moses Cone and tell them to put me on their charity plan; otherwise I'm going into default."
A diminutive woman rarely seen without a backpack and a large to-go cup of coffee, the 44-year-old James presents a demeanor that is equal parts headstrong determination, measured compassion and nervous energy. As a former substance abuser in recovery, she is one step off the street. She also faces some mounting health challenges. And while she harbors no illusions that reentry into the job market will constitute a complete remedy, James has thrown herself into the search for work with single-minded focus.
Read the rest of Jordan Green's profile of Reid James at Yes! Weekly.
posted by Jill Williams at
5:39 AM
4 Comments:
I understand her situation far too well. My stroke in 2004 (age 48 at the time) came on the back of a broken ankle and other medical issues. It's been 3 or 4 hospitializations without insurance and some without adequate insurance for me thus far and each time I go in I know I'll never be able to pay the bill.
And for those who want to make it the victim's fault: substance abuse was never an issue for me. My health issues stem from a lifetime of 100 hour work weeks.
One of the perks of living in the most powerful country in the world is Darwinian health care. Plus, you reside in an employer's "right to smirk" state. YAY !! Don't fret though. You could be in Paris Hilton's shoes right now. She's going to endure JAIL HELL....an unpopular and life changing experience. See, life's not so bad after all.
Billy, you make a good point. With health care as expensive as it is in this country, just what the hell is it that the uninsured and underinsured folk are supposed to do? When I broke my leg last Fall, in three weeks (two hospital visits, four surgeries) I ran up a bill totaling just over $70,000. How is an uninsured person who makes $16,000/year going to pay that?
Here's how; you have faith and put it in the hands of a higher power...the NC Gaming Commission.
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