In Puerto Rico, the cost of medicines, treatments and medical equipment adds a financial burden on top of the emotional and physical challenges patients and caregivers already face, especially when they lack a health plan that covers treatments and medications. Karla Ortiz, a multiple sclerosis patient, described how the disease arrived unexpectedly after she experienced symptoms during a vacation.
She said the injections she needs can cost up to $10,000 a month for a person without a health plan, on top of other expenses required to address her needs. Mónica, an interior designer and mother of Luiggy, a young man born with multiple health conditions, said she and other relatives have taken on the role of full-time caregivers since his birth.
Mónica described the family’s financial challenges, from the cost of the tools and materials they need to the difficulty of earning income.