Every week we highlight the voices of real people that contact our HelpLine every day. Once a week you will be introduced to a family whose life has changed for the better due to health reform. If you or anyone you know needs assistance applying for free or low-cost health care coverage, please contact our HelpLine online, or call 1-800-272-4232. Here’s this week’s entry:

Carlos has always been a very healthy young man. He has always loved sports, and football has been his passion in life. What he never realized was that someday he might really need health care. About six months ago when playing football he severely hurt his knee. That’s when Carlos realized the importance of having access to quality and affordable health insurance.

While looking for emergency care, Carlos learned from a close friend about all the advocacy work Health Care For All does in Massachusetts and the health insurance options offered by the state. After a few weeks of applying for the MassHealth and Commonwealth Care programs with help from the Helpline counselors, he was notified about his eligibility.

Soon after, Carlos had all the best care necessary to fix his knee. He had a surgery performed and two weeks later he was under the care of a rehabilitation specialist with regular physical therapy twice a week. He says that this whole process happened incredibly smoothly, and today he already feels confident enough to walk and play again.

This is what he had to say:

“Life brings us unexpected surprises and I just feel lucky to happen to be in the right state to be able to find solutions for all my needs. Health reform happened just about the right time for me, and I can’t thank enough Health Care For All, and the helpline counselors for all the kindness and help given to me on this important moment of my life.”

Monika Lira Malhoit