My name is Asha Goodman, and I am a student at SUNY Purchase. I was prescribed contraceptives by a doctor at a SUNY school and was informed about some possible side effects. At first, I experienced emotional changes, which I was told could happen. But one morning, I woke up unable to see out of my right eye. This was a life-altering medical emergency I was never warned could occur.

When I returned to campus and sought help at the school’s healthcare facility, I was met only with apologies. I was told this side effect was not disclosed because the risk was considered “too low.” That explanation did nothing to address the fear, confusion, or harm I was experiencing. I immediately stopped taking the medication and went to CityMD for urgent care.

CityMD conducted an eye exam but told me they could not help further and referred me to a specialist. On my way to that appointment, I received an email informing me that I owed nearly $1,000 because my insurance did not cover the eye test. While I was trying to protect my vision, I was also forced to worry about debt.For months, I faced repeated billing notices and had to go back and forth with my insurance company. Eventually, my state healthcare insurance did cover the cost but only after unnecessary stress, fear, and time spent fighting a system that should have been supporting me.

This is why passing the New York Health Act matters to me. Universal, comprehensive healthcare would ensure that people can receive the care they need without fear of financial ruin. I have seen how medical costs affect not only me, but also the people I love. Watching someone suffer is painful enough, no one should also have to worry about whether they can afford to survive.