With critical state and federal funding decisions for health reform under consideration over the next 1 1/2 weeks or so, we want to make sure everyone understands the human dimensions of chapter 58. While us policy experts are discussing tens and hundreds of millions of dollars for this or that, real people are getting real health care, every day.
Over 10 days, we’re going to present a daily real-life example of how health reform is touching the lives of Massachusetts. All the stories (names are changed) come from recent callers to the HCFA Helpline, which receives some 700 calls every week from people needing help with the health care system. Here’s our third entry:
South Hadley resident Dan remained uninsured and uneasy for three years before he heard about Commonwealth Care in the news. He contacted the Helpline and now has comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance for the past few months. Three years ago, he had gone for a physical and they suggested a colonoscopy. Before he had a chance to get this taken care of, he was laid off. Dan hasn’t been able to find a full-time position since then, so he did not get the colonoscopy, nor care for an autoimmune thyroid condition that required office visits to a specialist. With his coverage, he was also able to get treatment for a severely torn ligament that was causing him progressive disability. He went to an orthopedist and was taught various exercises he needed to strengthen the ankle. Dan says, “This is all an example of the preventive medicine I’ve had access to since going on Commonwealth Care, which I couldn’t do when I was uninsured–small stuff, if nipped in the bud or watched, but potentially really expensive, devastating illness or injury if not. Were it not for Commonwealth Care, I would be uninsured. Have you ever tried to get a full-time job with benefits at my age? It’s a near impossibility. I totally cannot afford $400 per month.”
To reach our Helpline, call 800-272-4232, or click here.
