CommuniCare Provides Resources For the Working Uninsured

In a perfect world, all employees would have access to health insurance. But in reality, more than 360,000 residents in South Carolina are working but uninsured. Many of them are too young for Medicare; cannot afford health insurance, or are not "poor enough" to qualify for Medicaid. All it takes

From an employer's perspective, sick employees translate into lost productivity and profits. Fortunately, there is an innovative approach to health care that promotes a healthier work force. CommuniCare, a nationally recognized prescription assistance program in South Carolina, is part of the solution.

CommuniCare is a unique private-public partnership of non-governmental health care providers who help thousands of working uninsured residents in South Carolina each year by providing medical referrals, prescription assistance, and pediatric dental services to children from limited income families in rural communities.

Ken Trogdon, chief executive officer of CommuniCare, says the organization improves health in South Carolina by providing the preventive care that enables patients to maintain their health and prevent chronic illness that can lead to job loss.

"CommuniCare offers an attainable health care network for patients who fall between the cracks of the health care system," he said. "It is part of a proactive solution that allows employees to treat common health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, before they become chronic and life-threatening. When employees stay well, they can continue working and contributing to our state's economy."

The organization works because it provides a single source through which health care providers, health care facilities, and pharmaceutical companies can donate their resources. CommuniCare has established unparalleled partnerships with medical providers, free clinics, hospital-affiliated clinics, pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies to create a network that makes health care accessible and affordable. Their 11 pharmaceutical companies donated 371 types of name-brand prescription medications, valued at $30 million, which was then dispensed to more than 14,000 working uninsured in 2006.

More than 2,500 volunteer health care providers donated an estimated $1 million in services to patients, diverting preventable health emergencies from South Carolina emergency rooms and saving tax dollars that would have been applied toward uncompensated care and other social services. CommuniCare also keeps things simple for patients, giving them a single place to turn when they need help.

As the number of people in South Carolina working without health insurance continues to rise, CommuniCare is on a mission to expand its reach, enrolling more eligible patients, helping them receive essential prescription medications before they need emergency care or expensive surgery.

It's not simply a problem of employers not offering health benefits. Clearly many do. But often, workers choose not to participate because they consider it unaffordable, even with the company's contribution toward their premium. That is why CommuniCare is making an appeal to businesses, asking for their help educating employees about this valuable resource for their health.

"CommuniCare offers prevention and treatment options for South Carolina workers without health insurance," Trogdon said. "We are a resource employers can offer to their employees who cannot afford health insurance. The more hard-working South Carolinians we can reach who might qualify for our services, the greater impact we can have on their health and productivity today and in the future. We need the support of businesses to help us create a healthier, more productive South Carolina."