Care plan gap seen for many workers (30,000 low-wage workers face a Catch-22)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/05/19/care_plan_gap_seen_for_many_workers/

By Alice Dembner, Globe Staff | May 19, 2007

Low-wage earners who can't afford company benefit ineligible for aid

As many as 30,000 low-wage workers face a Catch-22 that could leave them uninsured, despite the state's new healthcare initiative.


Sandy O'Brien has chronic back pain, but no insurance, and is often immobilized on the sofa in her Hopedale apartment. (DAVID KAMERMAN/GLOBE STAFF)

They can't afford the insurance offered by their employers, yet they aren't eligible for state subsidies because their employer offers coverage.

"It's totally and completely unfair," said Sandy O'Brien, 53, who hasn't had insurance for years.

After being out for two days last week with severe back spasms, O'Brien dragged herself back to her counter job at Dunkin' Donuts in Milford, where she is on her feet all day. Without insurance, she doesn't have the money to see a doctor for treatment or to get the doctor's note that Dunkin' Donuts requires for an absence of more than two days.

Dunkin' Donuts offers her insurance, but on a yearly income of about $15,000, she can't afford the monthly premium of $98. She sees other people with equally low wages signing up for the new state- subsidized insurance plans. But she's not eligible.

FULL story at link.