Assistant professor of surgery in the division of multi-organ transplantation at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Joshua Mezrich, shared the story of a 41-year old man who was suffering from a life-threatening liver problem.
The Atlantic reported Mezrich's story, "Any patient with end stage liver disease who does not have insurance (and is not eligible for Medicare) has the option of trying to qualify for state-funded Medicaid (which includes demonstrating both poverty and disability), stealing moisturizing cream from a department store, or dying."
Mezrich's patient, found two aneurysms in his liver's hepatic artery and when a follow up scan was done, it showed that the prisoner needed to undergo surgery in a hurry.
But, the patient was released before he could undergo surgery. Knowing that he had no other option to afford his operation, he then decided to commit a crime so he would be sent back to prison where he could have his operation for free.
The doctor said to The Huffington Post, "He explained his thought process, and he knew he could do the time because he had done it before. The fact that he had to do this highlights the gap in being able to provide for patients who don't have resources."
Huffington Post reported, "I'll remember this patient for the rest of my life," Mezrich said. "The way he didn't blame people and the way he has a positive attitude. I think he's gonna do really well when he gets back on his feet."
It was known that the patient who was expected to get out of jail shortly, was doing well after the successful operation.
Source: http://www.sickonews.com/man-suffering-liver-problem-commits-crime-so-he-can-get-surgery-in-prison/
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