Newly Insured Californians Wary Of Costs But Embracing Coverage

Many Californians who obtained health insurance last year said they struggled to pay their premiums, although having coverage made them more confident about affording future medical care, according to a survey released Thursday. Nearly half of newly insured adults in the state said it was difficult to afford the monthly charge and more than a third delayed or went without care, according to the survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Kaiser Health News is an editorially independent program of the foundation.) The data highlight that health care costs continue to be a worry for many low-income Californians, even with more affordable insurance options available through Obamacare. “Most of them are still in somewhat precarious financial positions,” said Rachel Garfield, senior researcher at the

For Millions In Georgia, A Toothache Not Treated By Obamacare

It’s barely past opening time, and the waiting room at the Mercy Care clinic in downtown Atlanta is standing-room-only. Bruce Williams, 53, grimaces. He has a gum infection and needs surgery. But he doesn’t have dental insurance, or a job, or money. So he gets by as best he can, eating soft foods in tiny bites. “I have headaches all in the front of my head,” said Williams, trying to talk without moving his lips and mouth too much. “I’m just here to see what they can do.” Williams, who lives in Atlanta, is one of the estimated more than 4 million Georgians without dental coverage. Many haven’t seen a dentist in decades. Places like Mercy Care offer free dental clinics, but resources are limited

Toronto rocker who suffered 2 strokes may not get OHIP help with rehab

A Toronto musician who is in hospital struggling to regain his speech and mobility following two devastating strokes is facing another hurdle: the province may not pay for some of his rehabilitation. Ronnie Morris, 37, who played bass for local bands Controller Controller and Lioness, recently suffered two separate, consecutive strokes at the base of his brain which required life-saving surgeries.