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

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803/ep-147-chronic-disease-is-expensive-here-s-how-to-save-on-medications-with-sally-figueroa
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803/ep-147-chronic-disease-is-expensive-here-s-how-to-save-on-medications-with-sally-figueroa.md
Podcast: [Type 1 In Midlife: Perimenopause, Menopause & Type 1 Diabetes](https://stenobird.com/podcast/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803)
Published: 2026-03-02T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://8a3e4cb9-6bb5-419e-af59-a9022a4482b0.libsyn.com/ep-147-chronic-disease-is-expensive-heres-how-to-save-on-medications-with-sally-figueroa
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/8a3e4cb9-6bb5-419e-af59-a9022a4482b0/T1IM_147_-_Sally_Figueroa.mp3?dest-id=4006335
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Duration seconds: 2713

## Resource

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 @Sallyfig…

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