A social media post about health insurance by Patrick Mahomes' mom has sparked a debate online, with some users confused or angered by her predicament and others voicing their support.
In a post to X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, Randi Mahomes (@tootgail) asked followers: "Why is health insurance so impossible and expensive."
"I need to get it!!!" she said in the post, which has been viewed more than 185,000 times. "Fingers crossed this lead works."
As she is the mother of the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, some followers questioned why her wealthy son couldn't help with the costs.
"You're kidding, right?" asked Chris Zule.
"Your son makes 50+ million a year and you're asking about how to pay for health insurance?" said Jeff Janda. "I'm highly confused on why this would be an issue for you."
"Your son can afford to buy an entire hospital network," joked Gooch, while Adam Trudell tagged the football star, writing: "you better get your mother some damn insurance."
Other followers wished her good luck.
"I know exactly what you mean," said Natalie Medina.
"It is ridiculous. The cost of healthcare is maybe the biggest problem in our country and unfortunately our govt is not very interested in trying to help solve. Its all about who 's getting the $'s," said blueboy8826.
In Kansas, people with work-based insurance face average premiums and deductibles of over $9,000 a year, according to a 2022 report by the Commonwealth Fund. It found that they pay 36 percent of such premiums themselves, compared with a nationwide average of 29 percent.
In 2020, Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year extension with the Chiefs, worth $450 million. With a $45 million annual salary, the 28-year-old is the NFL's 7th highest paid player.
Newsweek has reached out to Randi Mahomes for comment.
Patrick Mahomes is the son of baseball star turned podcast host Pat Mahomes. The 53-year-old played in the major leagues from 1992 to 2003, pitching for the Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Randi and Pat were married until 2006. She also has a 22-year-old son, Jackson Mahomes, and a daughter, Mia, 12.
The mom-of-three is active on social media, recently posting a photo with Mia at a Taylor Swift concert. However, the sexual assault allegations against Jackson Mahomes have led to trolling online targeting Randi and the rest of the Mahomes family.
In February, a bar owner accused Jackson Mahomes of "forcibly kissing her" at Aspen's Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas. The influencer has denied the claims, but was arrested and charged with three felony counts of aggravated sexual battery, along with a fourth misdemeanor count of battery on March 3.
He was film leaving jail after his $100,000 bond was paid, with his lawyer Brandan Davis releasing a statement denying the allegations shortly afterwards.
Randi Mahomes was recently praised by Kansas-based nonprofit Variety the Children's Charity for her fundraising work, and posted photos of herself with Jackson Mahomes during a visit to Kansas City in August.
Update, 9/20/23, 7:15 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional background information and comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Sophie is a Newsweek Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in Lincoln, UK. Her focus is reporting on film and ... Read more
