The clinic has been serving as a Certified Application
Counselor designated organization for several weeks now. Connie and I have
worked with a number of individuals and families. It is so exciting to be able
to help them purchase healthcare coverage for the first time in years. It is
affordable, comprehensive, and there are no questions asked about their health
status. So, people with diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure are
able to buy healthcare coverage.
With the tax subsidies available, some have had premiums of
$0. These tax subsidies are ONLY available to people with some income – so
these are working individuals, who make so little that they are barely able to
put food on their table. They now have healthcare coverage. That means if they
end up in the hospital, they won’t have to file bankruptcy. It is huge.
The premiums have ranged from $0 to $125 for a family of two
for the people I have worked with; Connie has seen about the same range.
Many of the clients from the clinic will qualify for the
Medicaid expansion once that is in place in Michigan. Because our legislators
did not act in the best interest of the people of the state of Michigan, this
expansion will not take place until probably April.
But, we are excited to see people enrolled in healthcare
coverage that will be real and meaningful in their lives. No one should have to
go through life without healthcare coverage.
So, 2014 will be filled with challenges and with changes. We
will be here to help individuals and families find their way through the maze.
Happy New Year!
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