Magic Johnson Helps Uninsured Americans Find Health Care
By Jeremy James
Many have heard the horror stories of uninsured Americans struggling to make ends meet. Some have had to choose between buying much-needed medication and paying for the necessities of life.
For those without medical coverage, the quality of life can be greatly diminished as prices for medical care skyrockets and the economy continues to plummet towards a recession.
However, many uninsured Americans are unaware that 11 million Americans are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance programs like Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP). Therefore, Aetna’s public education program Plan for Your Health and Magic Johnson Enterprises have launched an initiative to educate eligible Americans about these programs.
“Lack of information should never be a barrier to better health. Yet, that’s exactly what is occurring with the 11 million Americans who are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance programs, yet remain uninsured,” said Aetna Chairman and CEO Ronald A. Williams. “That’s why Aetna and Magic Johnson Enterprises are committed to reaching these individuals, educating them about their options, and providing them with information on how to access the health care services they need. Connecting eligible individuals with available programs can have an enormous impact on their health and quality of life, while helping to reduce the number of uninsured in this country.”
Aetna and Magic Johnson Enterprises created Insure Your Health: A State-by-State Guide to Finding Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance Programs to inform the public about available programs that can provide health care to the millions of uninsured Americans. The book contains health care basics, defines key terms, and includes contact information for publicly available health care programs.
“Maintaining good health is easier said than done for millions of Americans who are living without health insurance,” said Earvin “Magic” Johnson. “If you or your family qualify for coverage, you really owe it to yourself to find out about the available programs. That’s why I’m excited to play a role in delivering the message that free and low-cost health insurance programs are available to many Americans in their own communities, you just need to know where to look. Individuals who take advantage of our resource guide are taking a first step on the road to better health.”
The guide can be ordered for free at www.PlanforYourHealth.com or 1-877-GUIDE-14.
James is a writer for Regal Black Men’s Magazine.
