Does Israel’s Healthcare Cover All?

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Eliyahu Gushinsky lives in Eretz Yisroel with his family. A father of eleven children, chasdei Hashem, he hails from the working-class-town-turned-upper-middle-class-suburb of Beit Shemesh. To date, he always supported his family: “My whole life, I never asked for anything – not even a trace of kimcha d’pischa.” Even with eleven children, seven of whom he married off, he managed to attain the parnassah to make ends meet.

But now is different. This past year, he was diagnosed with abdominal cancer: colon, pancreas, and liver. To make matters worse, his medication costs are astronomical: $8000 per month. And that’s the part not covered by Israeli health insurance. Not something the average American salary can pay for – all the more so an Israeli salary.

Despite Gushinsky’s hesitation to ask for help, he is humbled: His family and his rabbis insist that this time, there is no choice. Because the alternative is not something he nor anyone in his family wants to entertain.

Effectively, when medical insurance does not cover medications, people turn to family and friends to help. But with a monthly bill of $8000? More help is needed.

Gushinsky is a believer. A sprightly, active, and learned man, loved by his community, he wants to continue on living as fully as anyone. And furthermore, two more of his children are recently engaged. Will he be with them under their chuppas?

Find out how to help Mr. Gushinsky and his family.