Missouri Residents Concerned Over Proposed Sales Tax on Doctor Visits and Medicine

Missouri health‑care advocate Leslie Ortbals, 27, and her husband are planning to start a family, but Ortbals says financial uncertainty over her health care costs is a major barrier. The couple, who live in Columbia, have discussed the possibility of having children, yet Ortbals worries that the expenses associated with her medical needs could make the decision unfeasible.

Ortbals manages several chronic illnesses and takes ten prescription medications each day. The daily medication regimen, combined with the cost of routine doctor visits, specialist appointments, and potential fertility treatments, has placed a significant strain on her budget. She has highlighted the broader issue of rising health‑care costs for individuals with complex medical needs, noting that insurance coverage often falls short of covering all necessary treatments and medications.

The advocacy group Ortbals works with has begun to address these concerns by providing resources on financial assistance and insurance navigation. While the couple remains hopeful about expanding their family, they are actively seeking solutions to mitigate the financial impact of her ongoing health care requirements.