Four years have passed since Kenny and Lisa Roberts last had health insurance. Although Kenny runs his own contracting business and Lisa is the director of the Athens County Food Pantry, the family cannot afford private coverage.
Nearly 18.8 percent of adults in Athens County are uninsured, compared to 17 percent statewide, according to the 2008 Ohio Family Health Survey. The survey also found that 5.1 percent of children in Athens are uninsured.
One problem that we have in Athens is a high number of working poor
said Nick Claussen, community relations coordinator for the Athens Department of Job and Family Services. Some people can still qualify for Medicaid but most do not.
Although the Robertses do not qualify for Medicaid, Lisa's 15-year-old nephew, Christopher Garlow, does. He is considered a foster child, and therefore is covered by Medicaid because he has lived with Lisa and Kenny since infancy, Lisa said.
But lately, even Medicaid will not cover the expenses of Garlow's diabetes, such as the $3,000 insulin pump his doctor prescribed, she said.
I think it is absolutely critical that we do reform the system because the number of people with no health care is causing serious problems for individuals
said State Rep. Debbie Phillips (D-Athens).
In a speech last week, President Barack Obama said a reformed system should include both private insurers and a public option to insure more than 30 million Americans struggling to get coverage.
Obama said his plan would also allow the government to prohibit private insurers from denying health coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, as well as from dropping or reducing coverage for clients who become ill.
Pete Couladis, executive committee chairman of the Athens County Republican Party, said he agrees with placing restrictions on insurance companies but disagrees with other aspects of Obama's plan, such as requiring everyone to carry health insurance.
It's not a good idea when you start having the government mandate something like that
Couladis said, adding that other reform options need to be explored before a bill is finalized.
Mayor Paul Wiehl says he supports a public option and suggests that lawmakers consider using components of working systems from other countries.
We could pay less for any other system and just improve it
he said.
For individuals who are uninsured, Obama proposed to Congress an insurance exchange where people can buy coverage at competitive prices, which would give insurance companies incentive to participate in the exchange, thus competing for millions of new customers.
Couladis said Obama should not have expected Congress to write him a bill about health care, adding that Obama should communicate more with all the people the plan would affect.
What they need to do is start talking to people who work in the system
like doctors
Couladis said. It's going to be a complete disaster to our health care system.
Obama's reform plan is preliminary, and the plan still must pass through at least one more congressional committee before Congress can review the potential bill.
As for the Roberts family, Lisa said she hopes Congress will make a move soon, so that she can afford health care.
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