Health: Bucks County Woman Gets Health Insurance Due To Affordable Care Act -- Just Before Cancer Diagnosis
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Eight million people have enrolled for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Many are getting some much overdo medical care.
3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl has the story of how it's helping a Bucks county family.
Three-hundred-eighteen-thousand people in Pennsylvania have enrolled for insurance now. We're fourth in the country for the number of people who've taken advantage of the Affordable Care Act.
Taking medication to help her breathe is now part of Michele Robertson's daily routine. But this time, it's not breaking her bank. After going two years without health insurance, she now has coverage through the government health exchange.
"I couldn't have gotten the insurance at a better time," said Michele.
Just two weeks after receiving her new insurance card, she was struggling to breathe and rushed to the emergency room. That's when she was diagnosed with inoperable, advanced lung cancer.
"I was numb. But I was very relieved to know that I had had insurance and that I had a chance. I had a fighting chance to get well. Otherwise, like I said, I would have never been diagnosed. I never would have went to the hospital," said Michele.
Michele is thankful she was able to get access to affordable health insurance just in time. She's urging others to take advantage.
"It doesn't matter what age you are, you should have it, because you never know that it could be you one day, and I would hope that that would never happen, but it happened to me," said Michele.
The Bensalem grandmother is trying to stay upbeat and is not letting the rounds of chemotherapy bring her down. It's the moments spent with her family that are more important than ever before.
"I am going to fight this, and I am going to beat it. I'm gonna live my life and enjoy my family, my grandchildren. I'm gonna watch them grow" said Michele.
Open enrollment for insurance through the Affordable Care Act will start again in November. If you sign up then, you'll get coverage starting next January.
You are eligible for coverage now if you experience a qualifying life event, which may include moving to a new state or getting married.
For more info on the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, visit: www.healthcare.gov