I worked many years working in Human Services working to get health insurance for adults with no children. It was difficult to say the lease. They had to apply for Medicaid and Social Security Disability (clogging SSA's system), even though their health care needs were not permanent.
These were adults who worked but had no health insurance. They needed medical so they could return to work or preventive care so they could continue working.
With the advent of the ACA it gave people accessible, affordable, quality health care. UHCAN OHIO was in the forefront of that push. And that is what UHCAN OHIO continues to advocate. They are the voice of thousands of citizens whose voices are not heard. They take the leadership coalescing with other organizations to continue advocating for affordable, quality accessible healthcare.
The unique and complex healthcare needs of people with disabilities and chronic illness are often misunderstood or completely disregarded. This often leads to the development of inadequate policies that fail to meet the needs of those they are intended to serve. Fortunately, UHCAN Ohio has proven to be the much needed game-changer.
As a member of this underserved population, I learned early on that self-advocacy is a necessary survival skill. As a result, others in the community of people with disabilities and chronic illness have come to rely on me for support in getting their own healthcare needs met. This was an absolutely overwhelming task that I felt ill equipped for until I gained the support of UHCAN Ohio.
UHCAN Ohio maintains ongoing relationships with consumer advocates like me by providing outreach, support, and advocacy training so that nobody is left out of the decision making process.
Now, I am more confident in my advocacy skills and am able to empower others within the community. UHCAN Ohio truly cares about all Ohioans and never backs down from complicated situations.