Member-only story
What it Costs to Break Your Ankle in America
Even with insurance, it’s not pretty
During a hike last year I fell and twisted my ankle. It dislocated and broke in three places. Because I live in America, land of expensive health care, one of my early thoughts was that this was going to cost me some dough.
It’s sad that money was on my mind at all in that moment. All I should have needed to focus on was the pain and basic first aid while waiting for emergency services to reach me on the trail. But I knew looking at my leg that I was going to be heading to the hospital and to surgery. (I’ve had two surgeries on it in the six months since, in fact!)
My situation was about as good as it gets. I have a high-quality health insurance plan through my spouse’s employer. I knew what my emergency room copay would be. I’ve had surgeries on this insurance and knew that they’d cover a good portion of whatever was about to happen.
I could also expect minimal interruption in my income. I’m self-employed and work from home nearly exclusively. Being off my feet and unable to drive for an extended period would not mean losing much, if any, work.
In the six months since my injury, I have spent nearly $2,000 on direct medical bills.
