04/04/2025
Gross income is not what we take home.
This has been on my heart for a long time, and I want to speak on it.
As someone who works directly with families, immigrants, and low-income individuals every day, I keep seeing the same issue: people are getting denied healthcare just because their gross income is a few dollars above the limit. But what about the rent they pay? The taxes they never see? The childcare, transportation, food, bills? Gross income is not real life.
We should not be determining people’s eligibility for healthcare based on numbers that don’t reflect what’s actually in their pockets. It’s unfair, and it’s pushing people to give up healthcare altogether.
I’ve seen hardworking single moms in tears because they were told they make "too much"—but they can barely afford groceries. I’ve helped elders who are trying to survive on limited income and are told they don’t qualify. It’s not right.
I believe we need to start talking about net income—what people actually bring home—when we talk about access to healthcare. We need real policy change. We need systems that reflect reality.
Until that day comes, I will continue doing this work, speaking out, and supporting our community however I can.
Have you seen or experienced this too? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
