The Surgeon General under Trump Takes On Expensive Medical Bills

Jerome Adams, the former U.S. surgeon general, faced a costly medical bill of nearly $5,000 for treatment of dehydration during a hospital stay in Arizona last January.

He is now advocating for reforms to the country’s health care system, including greater transparency on costs and an independent arbitration process. Adams is using his platform to speak up for the 100 million Americans burdened with medical debt.

Although the number of uninsured Americans has been decreasing, The Commonwealth Fund reports that 43 percent of working-age adults are “underinsured,” limiting their access to care and leaving them vulnerable to financial hardship.

Adams shared his experience of becoming dehydrated after hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix and needing medical attention. Despite having enough water, he began feeling lightheaded and was advised to seek medical help. This led to an overnight hospital stay and a subsequent bill of $4,800.

Recognizing the commonality of his situation in a country where medical expenses can lead to bankruptcy, Adams, a Black physician, sees an opportunity to advocate for others in similar situations.

He acknowledges the limitations of completely eliminating private health insurance, proposing instead a set of reforms to regulate the free market and improve transparency in pricing. He also calls for an arbitration process to challenge exorbitant bills from hospitals like the Mayo Clinic.

Adams highlights the need for legislation ensuring insurers cover a larger portion of costs for individuals with high deductible plans, like himself, who may struggle to afford unexpected medical expenses early in the year.

Having experienced financial challenges with health care costs in his own life, Adams brings a personal perspective to his advocacy work. He questions the balance in America’s health care system and urges for a reassessment of priorities.