For Beyssa Buil, navigating the health care system has been a lifelong battle. As a self-advocate on the autism spectrum living with multiple sclerosis (MS), she knows firsthand the devastating impact of a system that prioritizes profit over people. 

Beyssa was an exceptional student, earning top honors at Florida International University, but despite her academic success, her chronic illness made traditional employment impossible. “I would love to work an eight-hour job,” she says, “but even on my best days, it’s just not feasible.” 

A woman with black hair speaks in front of a background of plants. She is wearing black glasses and red lipstick and a white sweater. A caption at the bottom of the screen reads as "And Medicaid has given me the tool to be able to seek treatment."
For Beyssa Buil, navigating the health care system has been a lifelong battle. A self-advocate on the autism spectrum living with multiple sclerosis (MS), she knows firsthand the devastating impact of a system that prioritizes profit over people.
A System Designed to Fail Patients 

Beyssa has relied on Medicaid for most of her life. But when she lost coverage at a critical moment, the consequences were catastrophic. During a hospital stay, doctors discovered 25 lesions in her brain—evidence that she had likely been living with undiagnosed MS since childhood. The cost of that hospitalization alone? $110,000. With ongoing treatment, her medical debt quickly ballooned to $580,000. 

Determined not to be crushed by the system, Beyssa spent months advocating for herself, forcing insurance providers and Medicaid officials to correct billing errors. And her relentless efforts and self-advocacy seemed to pay off when the hospital agreed to eliminate her entire bill to zero dollars. But this win was short-lived because the hospital stopped responding to her communications and her bill remained at $134,000 owed—an impossible sum.  

It wasn’t until Beyssa connected with Dollar For, an organization that helps patients access charity care, that the hospital resumed communication with her.  

“I reached out to Dollar For to be my ally,” Beyssa said.  

Dollar For advocated on her behalf and sent the hospital a letter asking why her communications were being ignored and why they were not honoring their agreement to eliminate her balance to zero dollars. Shortly after, her debt was finally erased as initially agreed. 

A Call to Action 

Beyssa’s story is not unique. Nearly 100 million people in the U.S. are burdened by medical debt, often forced to choose between essential care and financial ruin. In Florida, one critical solution is expanding Medicaid, ensuring that people with chronic illnesses aren’t left without the care they need. 

“I cried tears of joy when my debt was erased,” Beyssa shares. “But also tears of sadness, because not everyone has the time, energy, or knowledge to fight the system.” 

Beyssa refuses to be silent. Instead, she is using her voice to advocate for change. “It’s not about shrinking back—because that’s exactly what they want. It’s time for more advocacy, more activism.” 

Thank you to our partners, Dollar For and Florida Health Justice Project.