If you have ever wondered why some elderly people are still working past retirement, Gary Saling’s story will open your eyes.
Gary is an 80-year-old man from Utah who once designed homes for Hollywood stars and Wall Street elites. Now, he bags groceries at a local store four days a week. Why? Because he is still paying off $80,000 in medical bills—even though his wife, Carol, passed away four years ago.
He got the job about six months after Carol died, not for something extra, but just to pay down the debt left behind.
What caused the medical debt?
Carol was diagnosed in 2017 with Sundowner’s syndrome, a rare and aggressive form of dementia. After the diagnosis, the couple had to relocate to southern Utah to be closer to a neurologist.
Gary explained,
“The neurology was covered by Medicare. What was not covered was the promise that I would keep her at home and never put her in a nursing home.”
Because he took care of her at home, the costs piled up—medications, equipment, home health care—and they added up fast.
Despite everything, Gary never once regretted his decision.
Why did he refuse to place his wife in a care facility?
You may ask, Why did he not consider a nursing home to lighten the burden? His answer is simple: love and a promise.
“There is no way I am a hero. I am not an angel, and I am certainly not a saint. I made the promise to keep her at home and never put her in a nursing home because I took vows,” Gary said.
He made a personal commitment and stuck to it, even though it cost him more than just money—it cost him his retirement.
How are people responding to his situation?
Not everyone would notice a man bagging groceries and stop to care, but Duana Johnson did. She saw Gary at work and said,
“I saw Gary bagging groceries, and I thought, ‘What is this guy doing here? Why is this elderly man still working?’”
She launched a fundraising campaign and set up a Venmo account. So far, over $2,000 has been raised.
Her goal is simple:
“I am trying to raise enough money for him to be able to retire and not have to worry about working anymore.”
What does this say about the cost of medical care in America?
Sadly, Gary is not alone. Millions of Americans are drowning in medical debt, and it is a big reason why many people delay care or avoid hospitals altogether.
Here is what you need to know:
- Hospital bills can be negotiated – Do not be afraid to ask.
- Financial aid may be available – Many hospitals offer help based on income.
- Medicare and Medicaid – These can cover a good portion of care if you qualify.
- Charity care programs – Some facilities offer discounts through programs under the Affordable Care Act.
- Payment plans – You can often work out manageable monthly payments.
Andy Schoonover, founder of CrowdHealth, says,
“Many hospitals are open to negotiation, and you can request a discount based on your financial situation.”
Knowing your options can help you avoid the kind of financial stress Gary is still facing today.
Related article:
Are medical bills tax deductible and what is the condition to make it on IRS Tax Return?
VA Medical Benefits: What are the income limits to get healthcare if you’re a veteran?
