With critical state and federal funding decisions for health reform under consideration over the next week 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. All of the previous stories are collected at www.hcfama.org/consumerstories. Here’s our fifth entry:
Samuel lives near Worcester. Before Commonwealth Care came into being, Samuel’s family was paying over $1,000 each month for a plan through United Health Care. His co-pays were so high that he did not have a colonoscopy that his doctor ordered. He also did not get treatment or take his medications for a seizure disorder because he couldn’t afford it. Since he signed up for Commonwealth Care, he has had a colonoscopy and is able to treat his seizure disorder. Samuel says, “Commonwealth Care is a godsend and has saved my family’s health!”
To reach our Helpline, call 800-272-4232, or click here.
