I recently heard my wife's uncle commited suicide a few hours ago.
I dont know him well but have heard of his situation. He had been diagnosed with a failing liver from his years of drinking; After his family finally convincing him to give up drinking he was starting to follow his doctor's advice but was still slowly getting weaker.
A few minutes ago my wife called and told me he didn't have health insurance, applied for medicaid but it was not yet approved along with other complications with paperwork, etc.
He had been paying out of pocket but could no longer afford the medications and treatments so instead of being a burden on his family he went to an old peice of property where he used to live, wrapped himself in a blanket and shot himself in the chest.
I dont know the man too well and I dont sympathize for people who slowly kill themselves, but when I heard he commited suicide to ease the burden on his family it really broke my heart.
It has truly gaven me a different perspective on the healthcare debate.
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