The cost of disability and chronic illness

Giving birth costs an average of $18,885 nationwide before insurance. If you have a medical emergency, you can expect to spend hundreds on your ambulance ride — and that doesn’t even include the cost of the medical care itself. In fact, medical debt is the leading type of debt on credit cards in the U.S. But… if you live with disabilities or chronic illnesses, those medical costs are significantly higher. On top of that, the sacrifices you might make in order to afford the medical care can come at the cost of one’s social life, or even basic needs. Today, we’ll hear from disabled Nashvillians and their caregivers about the cost of care, financial and beyond. But first, WPLN’s education reporter Alexis Marshall joins us to talk about her in-depth reporting on Tennessee’s 3rd grade retention law. Guests:  Ashton McGrady, social media content creator McKenzie Tuckson, student and advocate for disabilities Tamara Tuckson, caregiver, special education advocate, and IEP consultant Jackie Kancir, caregiver and disability policy advocate Lauren Pearcy, Executive Director for Tennessee Council for Developmental Disabilities  This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to Tom Jedlowski, Leisa Hammett, Tyler Samuel and Cathlyn Smith.