Comments on: STORIES OF THE UNINSURED – JOHN KULIG

By: Pam Sheridan

Pam Sheridan — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:05:13 +0000

Mr. Kulig, thanks for your story. I assume that you probably are in your thirties by the premium rates you were quoting. Still I think those rates are high. I am over fifty and for me and my husband to purchase a decent insurance plan would cost us around $1200 a month or more. That person who told you that having two part-time jobs is a “lifestyle choice”, is very rude and out of touch. What does she think, that you choose to work numerous part-time jobs because you like variety?…Well hope things get better for all of us. Have a great Holiday!

By: AnnScott

AnnScott — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:55:51 +0000

(1) “I also spoke with a representative from Fallon Clinic. I was surprised when she stated that my working two part-time jobs was a “life style” decision. (It isn’t – I have not been able to find full time employment.)”

Fallon is primarily a MassHealth (Medicaid) provider. Her behavior was typical of the nasty, dismissive, arrogant behavior of those who work with the poor. They are judgemental and apparently presume that anyone who comes in their door is stupid, lazy and the cause of their own financial situation by choice. The cow should be fired for her rude and demeaning conduct.

I do a fair amount of charity work and have seen people like this woman in action. I will say that the local Welfare office has learned that they had bloody well better mind their manners if I am accompanying someone who has come to apply for a program – or they will be hearing from the agency director within 36 hours. (Helps to be inovlved in policy stuff at upper levels of state government – they pay attention to you.)

(2)”While at the October [2007]meeting I had the opportunity to speak with a Health Connector Official in the hall. I asked him why the health care reform law was based upon income only and NOT income vs. expenses. He just smiled and stated a person could file for an exemption. When I asked what the guidelines would be for an exemption, he said he didn’t know-they hadn’t been developed yet. His smirk made me feel as if I was being patronized.

You WERE being patronized. Once again the typical social services sort who assume that anyone (1) needing their services is thick as 2 bricks and/or (2) isn’t real worthy of their time.

You were also LIED TO. (Want to give us a name? They should be ousted from office for that.)

The affordability schedule had been out since June 2007.

Here is the affordability schedule for 2007 (tax returns 2008)

http://www.mahealthconnector.org/portal/binary/com.epicentric.contentmanagement.servlet.ContentDeliveryServlet/About%2520Us/Publications%2520and%2520Reports/Current/Connector%2520board%2520meeting%2520February%252014%252C%25202008/3A%2520-%2520Affordability%2520Schedule%2520Proposal%25202008%2520-%252002%252007%252008.doc

Here is the proposed affordability schedule for 2008 (tax returns 2009.)

By: Minimum Creditable Coverage is a tax

Minimum Creditable Coverage is a tax — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 01:19:34 +0000

Mr. Kulig,

I would almost guarantee that I know exactly what you purchased for health insurance. You actually purchased a basic hospital plan with riders that can be added on with an additional charge to make the plan look more comprehensive. I would advise you to read your policy in great detail. You will find that there are things in there that will limit your coverage.

For an extra $25 per month, you are probably better off with Fallon. If you want additional info, I can provide an email address. Just for the record, I’m an insurance broker.

By: Ann Malone, RN

Ann Malone, RN — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:52:45 +0000

Mr. Kulig – thank you for sharing your experiences. A major concern many of us health reform advocates have is that those who have the ultimate power and responsibility to set health policy in the state – our legislators and our Governor – do not appreciate the realities of day-to-day life for the average person in the Commonwealth.

We can, and must, do much better than the current health insurance law.

Visit http://www.MassCare.org/about to learn more about this work.