Asian American Visiting Ancestral Country Tired of Explaining What Medical Debt Is

‘How much could an ambulance be, $10?‘

February 17, 2022

KYOTO 一 A Japanese American woman reported feelings of exhaustion and depression after explaining the concept of medical debt to her family in Japan.

“At first, I thought explaining American culture was a fun way to connect with my family. They couldn’t believe that red solo cups were actually used in America and there were so many questions about Groundhog Day, which I don’t fully understand either. But then, my younger cousin asked me if medical debt was actually real and that’s when my misery began,” said an unraveling Erika Sato.

“They thought it was some propaganda bullshit and that there was no way the American government would force its citizens to choose between their health and poverty. Now my family has me explaining what a deductible is to random strangers,” said a teary-eyed Sato. “What the fuck. I’m going to need therapy when I get back to the states. I just need to check with my primary care physician and ask them for a referral and make sure my insurance covers mental health and then hope there are therapists that are local and in network before I can set an appointment 6 months from now. Jesus fucking Christ, why did my parents immigrate to a shithole.”

A nearby Japanese man overheard the public conversation about medical debt and was shocked to learn more.

“What? I don’t get it. You have to pay for the ambulance? Sure that’s ridiculous but I mean how much could it even be, like $10? I mean, I don’t think it should cost an arm and a leg to be driven to the hospital to save your arm or your leg,” said Akio Naganuma. “Then I overheard her say that the average cost of an ambulance in the US was $1,000 and I nearly had a stroke. Which would be fine, because I’m in Japan and all. Well, at least they can get life-saving medicine at low prices because there is no way the American government would ever let greedy pharmaceutical companies abuse the free market system for profit and monetary gain over human life and health,” said a totally oblivious Nagamuma.

Sato was later found crying in the bathroom after her family had some questions about student loans.