Ep 147 - Chronic Disease Is Expensive — Here's How to Save on Medications with Sally Figueroa

Living with chronic illness is exhausting enough.

Add denied claims, surprise bills, $500 copays, and confusing insurance rules—and suddenly managing your health becomes a full-time financial battle.

In this episode, I sat down with Sally Figueroa, a mom of four, chronic illness advocate, and founder of Health Savings Expert.

Sally lives with Type 1 diabetes (diagnosed at age 12) and Rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's disease, chronic sinusitis, and the long-term impact of multiple surgeries

She's also supported loved ones through endometriosis, Lyme disease, and amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS). For over two decades, she's been navigating the healthcare system—not just for herself, but for others.

And what she discovered?

Many of the ways to lower medical costs already exist. They just aren't widely shared.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Manufacturer copay programs that can reduce prescriptions to $0
• Prescription discount cards like GoodRx and how to use them strategically
• Why insurance doesn't always mean affordable
• What to do when your medication is denied
• Organizations that advocate for patients behind the scenes
• The emotional weight of chronic illness + financial stress
• Why community storytelling can save families thousands

Sally created Health Savings Expert as a hub where patients share real-life savings stories—so no one must figure this out alone.

Because while we wait for policy reform or future breakthroughs, we still must manage today.

💻 Visit Sally's website:
HealthSavingsExpert.com

Explore the resource hub, read savings stories, and consider sharing one of your own. Saving $20 on supplies matters when you're living with a condition that never takes a day off.

You can also find Sally on:

Website: HealthSavingsExpert.com

Instagram @Sallyfigfry

YouTube @Health Savings Expert

Every shared story creates a ripple effect.

Join the Type 1 in Midlife Circle for weekly support, hormone clarity, gentle accountability, and a place to stop guessing about your midlife health.

https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/joingroupcoaching2025

Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode.

What to do now:

*Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause.

*Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.

Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.