Jessica and the lack of coverage for mental health services
Jessi, 29, struggled with depression and anxiety for many years. Although she was underinsured, mental health care expenses were not adequately covered. Her anxiety medications, even generic versions, cost $230 for a 90-day supply. Due to a lack of access to therapy and medication, her condition worsened, harming both her personal and professional life.
Kathleen McMurtrey (Executive Director): Ensured that the organization's services for mental health care were in line with its mission and vision, overseeing the integration of departments to address mental health disparities.
Niyae Virgil (Co-Executive Director): Identified and secured funding opportunities to subsidize mental health care costs for underinsured individuals like Jessica.
Lizbeth Martinez (Education Director): Developed educational materials and programs to raise awareness about mental health issues and the importance of access to affordable mental health care.
Estefania Sandoval (Language Director): Provided translated materials on mental health care options and resources to ensure Jessica understood her treatment options.
Mia Smith (Community Outreach Director): Organized outreach initiatives to connect Jessica with local mental health services and support groups.
Kamia Wright (Finance Director): Managed the financial resources to ensure funds were available to cover mental health care expenses and medication subsidies for individuals like Jessica.
Case Study 2: Barb and Uninsured Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Bankruptcy
Barb, from Austin, TX, faced a devastating financial crisis when she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome at age 20 without health insurance. Even a state program designed to help people like her wasn't enough, as insurance companies turned it into an HMO-type plan. The doctors who used to help her were no longer covered, and at times, they told her that her condition didn't exist. For Barb, the priority in health care is ensuring that those without access to insurance can obtain it, even through an organization's expansion.
Kathleen McMurtrey (Executive Director): Led efforts to develop partnerships with other organizations to expand coverage options for individuals with chronic illnesses like Barb.
Niyae Virgil (Co-Executive Director): Researched and implemented fundraising strategies to support programs that provide financial assistance to uninsured individuals.
Lizbeth Martinez (Education Director): Created awareness campaigns to educate the community about chronic fatigue syndrome and the importance of adequate health insurance.
Estefania Sandoval (Language Director): Ensured that all communication regarding Barb's condition and available resources was accessible in her preferred language.
Mia Smith (Community Outreach Director): Coordinated efforts to inform individuals like Barb about available state programs and community support resources.
Kamia Wright (Finance Director): Developed financial strategies to allocate funds effectively to support uninsured individuals facing financial crises due to medical conditions.
Case Study 3: Cristal and her family facing a lack of health insurance
In a family of 5, both parents work and make about 52k a year and get by paying their bills, no health insurance and make too much for Medicaid and the family.
Health and their jobs offer insurance, but they can't afford it, with their mortgage and electricity bill. They can no longer have health insurance, their children have gone to the dentist and have had checkups because they do not have insurance.
Kathleen McMurtrey (Executive Director): Directed the organization's strategy to address the insurance coverage gap for working families like Cristal's.
Niyae Virgil (Co-Executive Director): Secured partnerships with local employers and insurance providers to offer affordable health insurance plans to families with limited income.
Lizbeth Martinez (Education Director): Developed and provided educational resources to help Cristal's family understand their insurance options and the importance of regular health checkups.
Estefania Sandoval (Language Director): Translated educational materials and insurance information to ensure Cristal’s family could navigate their health care options.
Mia Smith (Community Outreach Director): Organized community events to raise awareness about health insurance options and connect families like Cristal's with necessary resources.
Kamia Wright (Finance Director): Managed the financial planning to ensure that affordable insurance plans were financially sustainable and accessible to families in need.
Case Study 4: Ana and the complications of cancer without adequate coverage
Ana, a 38-year-old mother, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Without adequate insurance, she was unable to access advanced cancer treatments and supportive therapies. Long waits and lack of specialized care worsened her prognosis, resulting in accelerated disease progression and diminished quality of life.
Kathleen McMurtrey (Executive Director): Oversaw the development of comprehensive care programs for cancer patients without adequate insurance, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission.
Niyae Virgil (Co-Executive Director): Identified funding sources and grants to support advanced cancer treatments for uninsured patients like Ana.
Lizbeth Martinez (Education Director): Provided educational sessions on cancer care, treatment options, and the importance of early detection to the community.
Estefania Sandoval (Language Director): Ensured that all information about cancer treatments and supportive therapies was available in Ana’s preferred language.
Mia Smith (Community Outreach Director): Conducted outreach to inform cancer patients about available resources and support services, including those provided by the organization.
Kamia Wright (Finance Director): Developed financial strategies to allocate funds effectively for cancer treatment programs, ensuring that patients like Ana could access the care they needed.
Susan G. Komen. (n.d.). Personal health care stories. Susan G. Komen. https://www.komen.org/uploadedFiles/Content/GetInvolved/Legislation/Public_Policy/Personal_Health_Care_Stories.pdf
