As a long-time member of IBEW Local 2320, I am intensely focused on the issue of protecting and preserving health care accessibility for all. I have worked for years in New Hampshire. During that time, the quality of my health care benefits has grown increasingly important to me. My current benefits are the foundation of protecting my well-being. It gives me great comfort to know I’m covered.
My health insurance provider does a lot of wellness care. I receive a free annual check-up. Over the years, I’ve been screened for all kinds of potential illnesses. It isn’t always fun getting checked, but I realize I’m better off getting diagnosed and treated immediately if there is something wrong. My health plan covers the prescriptions and other treatments I need. Over time, I’ll be less susceptible to expensive complications because I’m receiving proper care now. There’s even an advocacy component to my health insurance, just like with the union. My health plan makes sure I get the right care and I’m not charged for unnecessary procedures. The best part, I’ve got a real human to talk to about any questions or concerns I have about my coverage or my care.
Recently, I have read news stories about the value of the current system and the importance of adequate funding for the Medicaid expansion program. Funding to reimburse treatment for substance abuse is inadequate and must be increased. There are thousands of people who don’t have the same health care security I have today, but through Medicaid expansion, we can extend that sense of security if it’s appropriately funded. Our current system isn’t broken, it just needs adequate resources.
For long-term success, we must make sure all parties are at the table for conversations about accessible and affordable health care. It’s critical that we hear from families, from doctors, from insurance companies, from lawmakers, from various providers and from the non-profits who work with all involved to guarantee access to quality care. Our goal should be to ensure everyone has equal and easy access, especially those struggling to pay for care. We know from our own medical coverage that it’s cheaper to have a plan that protects everyone versus making the local emergency room a catch-all for any ailment.
There aren’t too many of us who don’t have a few aches and pains, and all of us are susceptible to heart disease, cancer and other conditions. The difference is that with a great health plan, we can do more to take care of ourselves, manage the medical issues we’ve got, and remain on the job and active in our free time. Smart plans benefit all of us.
I’m union for life and will never regret it, even when I retire. In fact, I expect to be in excellent health when that day comes, thanks to the insurance I enjoy today. It’s good to see that more people, regardless of their trade or profession, have access to this kind of coverage and care. Let’s make sure that opportunity is extended to everyone.
Peggy McCarthy
IBEW Local 2320, NH
