Heat, Bills, and Health: Deadly Results In Bad Weather Situations

Anna Mae, an elderly woman with chronic respiratory conditions, faced a heartbreaking decision: pay for her medication or her electric bill. Living through a brutal Miami heatwave, she had been running her air conditioner day and night to manage her asthma and COPD. But now, with a high electricity bill due, she could afford neither.

This dilemma is all too common for low-income individuals who are struggling with post-pandemic inflation and rising energy costs. Extreme heat, the deadliest effect of climate change, can exacerbate existing health problems like asthma, cardiovascular issues, and diabetes, putting lives at risk. In cities like Miami, the heat season now stretches from May through October, leaving vulnerable patients without the relief they need.

While some states have enacted measures to prevent utility shutoffs during extreme weather, protections remain inconsistent and inadequate. For example, a new Virginia law stops power cuts during heat waves, and groups like Catalyst Miami are advocating for similar laws in Florida.

Healthcare providers can help by identifying at-risk patients, supporting outreach efforts, and advocating for stronger protections. As the climate crisis intensifies, protecting patients from extreme heat must become a priority to prevent unnecessary illness and death.