Carlos Bernate

Photographer

www.carlosbernate.net/

Medical debt upended their lives. Here's what it took from them

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Location: Richmond

Nationality: Colombia

Biography: Carlos Bernate is a Colombian documentary photographer/videographer/writer, whose work is focused on human rights, identity, and social humanitarian-related issues. Currently, he is dedicated to documenting his community in Richmond, Virginia,... MORE

Focus: Filmmaker, Writer, Videographer, Politics, Travel, News, Creative, Video, Photography, Portraiture, Culture, Social Media Editor, International News, Journalist Investigative, Freelance, Digital Marketing, Assignments, Commercial, Communications, Cinematography, Human Rights, Multimedia Journalist, Editing, Storyteller, Social Media Manager, Commuity Manager, Content Manager, Digital Journalism, Communications Manager, War, Wildspaces, Community, Communications Coordinator, Digital Media Production, Portrait Photography, Breaking News

Sherrie Foy caring for her hors...Bernate For Kaiser Health News

Sherrie Foy caring for her horses at her home in Moneta, VA, on Monday, May 16, 2022. Ms. Foy had her colon removed at the University of Virginia's Health System in 2016. She later developed a dangerous infection from the surgery and her medical bills exceeded her insurance limit of $1 million. When she and her husband couldn't pay her bills, the University of Virginia sued her for more than $700,000, forcing her and her husband to file for bankruptcy. Photographer: Carlos Bernate For Kaiser Health News

Sherrie Foy and her husband Mic...Bernate For Kaiser Health News

Sherrie Foy and her husband Michael Foy pose for a portrait at their home in Moneta, VA, on Monday, May 16, 2022. Ms. Foy had her colon removed at the University of Virginia's Health System in 2016. She later developed a dangerous infection from the surgery and her medical bills exceeded her insurance limit of $1 million. When she and her husband couldn't pay her bills, the University of Virginia sued her for more than $700,000, forcing her and her husband to file for bankruptcy. Photographer: Carlos Bernate For Kaiser Health News

Sherrie Foy looks at a photo bo...Bernate For Kaiser Health News

Sherrie Foy looks at a photo book her daughter Sheena Gillispie ordered through Facebook's My Social Book at her home in Moneta, VA, on Monday, May 16, 2022. The book collects highlights from Ms. Foy time in the hospital and her subsequent recovery. Sherrie had her colon removed at the University of Virginia's Health System in 2016. She later developed a dangerous infection from the surgery and her medical bills exceeded her insurance limit of $1 million. When she and her husband Michael Foy couldn't pay her bills, the University of Virginia sued her for more than $700,000, forcing her and her husband to file for bankruptcy. Photographer: Carlos Bernate For Kaiser Health News

Sherrie Foy pose for a portrait...Bernate For Kaiser Health News

Sherrie Foy pose for a portrait at her home in Moneta, VA, on Monday, May 16, 2022. Ms. Foy had her colon removed at the University of Virginia's Health System in 2016. She later developed a dangerous infection from the surgery and her medical bills exceeded her insurance limit of $1 million. When she and her husband couldn't pay her bills, the University of Virginia sued her for more than $700,000, forcing her and her husband to file for bankruptcy. Photographer: Carlos Bernate For Kaiser Health News

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Public Story

Medical debt upended their lives. Here's what it took from them

Copyright Carlos Bernate 2024

Updated Mar 2023

Location Moneta, VA

Topics Documentary, Journalism, Photography, Portrait

In 2016, Sherrie Foy underwent surgery to remove her colon, but unfortunately, she developed a severe infection during recovery. Despite being insured, her medical expenses exceeded her coverage limit of $1 million, resulting in an overwhelming amount of medical debt.Medical debt is one of the most pressing issues in the United States, affecting countless families and individuals who struggle to cope with the financial burden. As part of a collaborative effort between NPR and Kaiser Health News, I had the opportunity to document Sherrie's story, which is just one of many examples from across the country featured in this report.