Guest Blogger: Erin Bennett, Idaho Government Relations Director
Do you know someone who falls in the healthcare coverage gap in Idaho? Do you fall in the gap? Do you, your family, your friends, and coworkers have access to the care needed to ensure you stay healthy?
Odds are, you know someone who currently falls in the healthcare coverage gap. With approximately 78,000 individuals in Idaho who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid coverage, yet earn too little to qualify for subsidies on the healthcare exchange, thousands of Idahoans go without healthcare every year. We want to hear your story.
When people don’t have access to health care, they ignore signs and symptoms that lead to more serious issues, or they don’t seek treatment at the first signs of a problem. For example, someone with high blood pressure could monitor it with regular check-ups and medication. However, without access to care, this same person may not be aware of the problem until it leads to a heart attack or stroke.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in Idaho is working with the Close the Gap Coalition to help improve healthcare coverage in Idaho, so everyone can take responsibility for their health. Through the Healthy Idaho Plan, those who cannot currently afford health insurance will be able to purchase affordable coverage in the private market. This can help lower costs to our healthcare system, save taxpayer dollars, and improve healthcare throughout Idaho.
Your story matters. If you or someone you know are currently in the coverage gap, we want to hear from you. We encourage you to share your story with your elected officials as well, so we can all solve this problem and close the gap.
Call 1.844.HELP78K (1.877.435.7785) or visit www.closethegapidaho.org/stories. You can also join Close the Gap Idaho on Facebook, or follow on Twitter, @closethegapID, and help show your support with #78000cantwait and #healthyID. To learn more, visit www.closethegapidaho.org. Your support helps improve health for all Idahoans.
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