Social Media Star's Viral Rant Exposes Healthcare System's Profit-Driven Agenda
In an eye-opening TikTok video, financial influencer Kayla Kilbride (@kaykilbride) has unleashed a blistering critique of the American healthcare system, shedding light on what she perceives as its profit-driven agenda. Her viral rant has sparked conversations across social media platforms, reigniting the ongoing debate about the accessibility and affordability of healthcare in the United States.
In her video, Kilbride doesn't mince words as she boldly asserts, "Since the American healthcare system is the biggest money-making scam on the planet ... I'm going to tell you how to not get totally screwed over this year." While some may balk at her characterization of the system, the stark reality of exorbitant healthcare costs cannot be ignored.
According to data from KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation), a renowned source for health policy research, the average annual health insurance premiums in 2023 soared to $8,435 for single coverage and $23,968 for family coverage. These figures represent a 7% increase from 2022 and a jaw-dropping 47% surge since 2013.
The TikTok user aptly highlights the alarming trend of escalating healthcare expenses that burden individuals and families alike.
However, Kilbride doesn't stop there. She delves deeper into the intricacies of healthcare expenses, shedding light on deductibles and out-of-pocket costs that compound the financial strain on consumers. "I have to meet a deductible first before my insurance pays anything at all," she says.
Illustrating her point with a healthcare purchasing chart, she emphasizes the daunting reality of having to shell out thousands of dollars before insurance coverage kicks in.
But amidst the bleak portrayal of the healthcare industry, Kilbride offers a glimmer of hope for navigating this complex terrain. Recognizing that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, she presents a strategic approach based on individual circumstances.
"If I expect to go to the hospital often, I'd choose a low-deductible, high-premium plan. But if I have a good emergency fund saved up (and cross my fingers not to end up in the hospital), I'd choose a low-premium, high-deductible plan," Kilbride advises.
Her video garnered thousands of views and different reactions—some good, some bad. One user commented, "Healthcare system, no. Insurance system, yes." "It’s cheaper to not have insurance," said another.
After she delved into a Bankrate study, revealing that the average American believes they need a staggering $233,000 annually to feel financially secure, she drew criticism from viewers. Her analysis, however, overlooked crucial financial aspects like taxes, prompting scrutiny from the community.
"You forgot to factor in literally all types of taxes, health insurance, car payments, and most of all children," someone said. While another user stated, "Uhhh taxes? Emergency savings? Medical bills? LTS? Any self-care above a haircut from Supercuts?"
Another user chimed, "Who is only spending $250 a month on groceries?" "I want to live in her fantasy land," commented a different user.
However, amidst the varied reactions, her message serves as a beacon of hope, advocating for proactive engagement with financial advisors and sparking crucial conversations about the urgent need for healthcare reform in the United States.
@kaykilbride If I expect to go to the hospital often, I’d choose a low deductible, high premium plan. But If I have a good emergency fund saved up (and cross my fingers not to end up in the hospital), I’d choose a low premium, high deductible plan. #openenrollment #healthinsurance #learnontiktok ♬ original sound - Girls Talk Stocks
For more such content, you can follow Kayla (@kaykilbride) on TikTok.