Helen Hanson
“I firmly believe: what is good for direct-care workers is good for America,” said Helen Hanson, a Maine direct-care worker who had a guest column on health care reform published recently by the Portland Press Herald.
In the editorial, Helen shares her personal story of living without affordable, comprehensive coverage. “To buy a health care plan that would protect us from bankruptcy we paid $3,200 per year, with a $10,000 deductible per family member, Hanson explained.
Hanson, loving her direct-care job, always feared that she would need to leave it to find employment that offered health insurance if she became ill. Almost 30% of the direct-care workforce faces the same problem.
“That’s why health reform matters so much to direct-care workers – and those they assist,” Hanson wrote. “A health care system that denies care to workers who are providing daily health-related services to millions is a system that needs fundamental change.”
Hanson urged Congress to pass reform that is:
- Accessible to all individuals regardless of their family status, their employment status, or how many hours they work.
- Affordable for workers, their families, and their employers.
- Adequate, with a full range of benefits to protect older workers, those with chronic health conditions, and injured workers.
- And the coverage should be simple, easy to understand and enroll in.
- A public option, along with a regulated insurance exchange, is essential to meet these goals.
Congress reconvenes today and tackling national health care reform continues to be a primary activity.
Allison Lee
National Campaign Manager
HCHCW
alee@phinational.org
In a significant victory for the fight for health care coverage for direct-care workers in Maine, the Governor’s office announced last week that the state has been awarded a grant of $8.5 million to provide expanded coverage to 3,500 Maine residents — including direct-care workers.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will provide $8.5 million a year for up to five years for the state to expand the Dirigo health program to part-time, seasonal, and direct-care workers.
Starting in 2010, workers employed by firms that offer health insurance and have over 50 employees will be eligible to receive vouchers to make their employer-sponsored insurance more affordable. The grant also will allow the Dirigo program to develop a special coverage product for workers who are not offered employer-sponsored coverage. Continue reading ‘Maine Grant Brings Coverage to Direct-Care Workers’
…when no direct-care worker has to worry about staying in a job they love because it doesn’t offer health insurance
…when no direct-care worker has to worry about managing their diabetes or any other illness because their health plan doesn’t cover prescription drugs.
….when all direct care workers can be rewarded for the work they do caring for our family members by ensuring that they too have good health care.
That day can be now. Congress is back in session and will have the chance to reform our health care system by enacting legislation that will provide quality, affordable health care to all Americans, while also guaranteeing choice of insurance plans and doctors for consumers, reining in costs for employers, families and government; and making an investment in the future by increasing support for the services provided by direct care workers.
Make this a reality by taking time to call your Representative and Senator today and ask them to pass legislation that will provide affordable, quality health care for all.
Call 1-800-828-0498 and you’ll be connected to the right office. Take the time today to make that call.
Allison Lee
National Campaign Manager
HCHCW
alee@phinational.org
Recent Comments