I have just been in Maine now for two years and in two auto accidents to which I find myself with no health insurance because MaineCare has restrictions on “over-the-limit” qualifications which is where I fall under the category of “working poor.”

Some families do need to keep up their children’s booster shots whether the students are in grade school or higher education, which MaineCare doesn’t pay for. Therefore, the parents have to pay.

Also, with visits to the doctor, physical therapy, X-rays, other tests and the emergency room for auto accidents, the auto insurance doesn’t cover all payments. So, of course, the injured must pay.

I feel that this Dirigo health plan would be good for the state’s economy and budget as well as the only way to lift the burden of health insurance off the shoulders of Maine’ economy by helping to cover many who are currently falling between the gaps. I feel that there is terror within our country whenever someone gets ill or in an accident and is not able to go to the doctor because of costs. Costs have gone up while the pay rate hasn’t increased.

People tend to put off what they can’t afford until it gets so bad that they really need to go, thus ending up in debt.

Kim Pound, Auburn

Copy the Story Link