Prominent influencer Dr. Mike recently shed light on the troubling insurance issues that affected former UFC contender Ben Askren during his life-threatening health crisis and subsequent double lung transplant.
“Insurance in the United States is a disaster,” Dr. Mike stated firmly in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani. “It’s a hybrid system. You never know who’s paying for what. You never know if you’re going to in-network or out-of-network hospitals.”
Askren faced a harrowing medical journey after developing a severe infection that devastated his lungs. What began as an alarming health crisis soon became compounded by insurance complications, according to reports.
Dr. Mike illustrated the broader problem by sharing another case: “I talked about a story of a gentleman who’s a teacher, young, healthy athlete, had a heart attack. Paramedics take him to an out-of-network hospital. He’s in crippling debt as a result. He was insured. He’s healthy. He’s doing the right thing.”
That patient’s bills were only addressed after media attention forced the insurance company to act. “We shouldn’t have to call our networks, meaning our news networks, in order to get insurance bills fixed. But that’s kind of the state of U.S. healthcare these days,” Dr. Mike explained.
Despite these systemic challenges, Dr. Mike emphasized that Askren’s eventual transplant success showcases the power of medical research and innovation. However, he expressed concern about potential funding cuts to critical health research agencies.
“While we might not be feeling it right now, in the next 10, 20 years when people go to the hospital and we don’t have an answer for them, you could point to these individuals and that’s the reason,” he warned.
Regarding Askren’s post-transplant journey, Dr. Mike noted the significant lifestyle changes ahead: “It’s going to be a drastically different life than before. He’s going to be on medications likely for the rest of his life.” These medications typically suppress the immune system to prevent organ rejection, which can increase vulnerability to infections.
Askren recently landed back in the hospital over concerns of a possible infection linked to his recent medical procedure. Support continues to pour in for Askren and his family, with fans hoping for positive news and a quick return home.
