Despite Health Reform, Some Remain Uninsured
By Michael Iorfino, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The 24-year-old hasn't been to a doctor's office in five years, fearing the ensuing medical bills would dent his family's budget.
His father's
"It's terrifying (being uninsured) and something that's always on my mind," said
Starting in January, about 600,000 Pennsylvanians, including the Karimovs, will gain access to subsidized health insurance via the Healthy Pennsylvania plan. Approved by federal officials, the plan overhauls the state's existing
Enrollment is expected to start
About 18,500 residents across
"This is really helping people who don't qualify for subsidies in the exchange or
Eligible individuals who are between the ages of 21 and 64 can choose from at least two approved health plans offered by participating commercial insurance carriers in their region.
Blue Cross of
Similar to all qualified health plans available via the marketplace, the plans must include the minimum essential health benefits, such as maternity and newborn care, hospitalization and emergency services.
Adults earning above the poverty line in 2016 could have to pay premiums up to 2 percent of their household income, though they could receive discounts for healthy behaviors, such as seeing a doctor for a check-up.
Expanding access to affordable health insurance is critical for the state's uninsured, who often delay seeking treatment to avoid paying steep medical costs, said
"You don't have insurance so you don't fill your prescription, or you don't go back and check with the doctor to see how things are going," she said. "And when you look at various diagnoses -- heart disease, diabetes, asthma and mental health -- the ongoing continuity is really important to prevent new flare ups."
"If we had just expanded
Since federal officials approved the plan in late August,
He knows he will no longer feel compelled to ignore the occasional body aches and pain. He will seek treatment.
Seated at a
"The first thing I'm going to do is go get a check-up," he said.
Contact the writer: [email protected], @miorfinoTT on Twitter
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