CLEVELAND — More than half a million Ohioans lack health insurance, and when they need care, hospitals often shoulder the cost.
In a year and a half, Cheryl Holodnak will be eligible for Medicare.
“I can’t afford to go without insurance because I have a lot of preexisting conditions, and I take a lot of medications,” said Cheryl Holodnak, a participant of the MetroHealth’s total care connection.
Until then, she must find her own health insurance, and she said it has been very expensive for her. When she first retired from her job, she found a plan on Cobra that she said cost her $800 a month. Her insurance will expire in February, and it increased to $1,100 a month.
On Saturday, she took part in MetroHealth’s Total Care Connection. An event created to sign people up for health insurance, give them access to doctors, information and various types of health care assistance. This is the third event, and their first one was held in November.
“We know lots of folks are very nervous or are afraid they experience high costs, and for some folks that will stop them from seeking health care,” said Romona Brazile, the Executive Director for Government and Community Relations at MetroHealth.
Romona Brazile said they brought these events to the community because they saw a problem. MetroHealth provides more than a million dollars a day in charitable care. That’s care to the uninsured or those who can’t afford to pay their medical bills.
“We have seen an increase in the number of people without health insurance, which adds to a high amount of charity costs that over long term is unsustainable for us,” said Brazile.
Between the last two events, Brazile said they have helped over 200 people. She said these events are not just about helping with health insurance but also about meeting people where they are with what they need.
The event on Saturday was in an area populated by many Ukrainian people. The event was held at a Ukrainian church, and MetroHealth had several Ukrainian speakers available.
Lyudmyla Mudra is a Doctor of Nurse Practice at MetroHealth. She is also from Ukraine. Her biggest concern is Ukrainians’ unfamiliarity with local healthcare.
She said there is also a language barrier. Dr. Mudra speaks Ukrainian, and she often translates for the patients.
Holodnak needed help to find cheaper health insurance, something she says she could not have done without MetroHealth.
“I got a plan for under $500,” said Holodnak. “I was eligible for financial assistance, so they signed me up for that, and I also signed up for insurance through the health markets plan.”
If you missed this event, you can contact MetroHealth at 216mymetro or 216 697-3876 to get help.
The last day to sign up for insurance through the marketplace is January 15th.
Rose Todd
Source link