Project Access is a model program

I wish to express my kudos to the wonderful work Project Access is doing to help people gain access to needed medical care [“Wellness,” Jan. 25 Xpress]. I am currently benefiting from the program as I injured my shoulder last summer and it consequently "froze" up to where I became basically disabled and very challenged in my ability to work in my pottery business, or lift children and babies in the side work I do caring for children.

I have been looking for part-time work for nearly a year, since leaving a job that had benefits and health insurance (it was a first for me in all my working days). Unfortunately, circumstances at that job made it impossible for me to stay there. Finding part-time work at a living wage with benefits and insurance is not easy around here. I make too much income for Medicaid, but I am far from being able to afford medical care — even the basics. I can't tell you how grateful I am to Project Access that I was able to get an MRI done and am now getting physical therapy for my shoulder, without the added worry of how I will pay for it.

I believe strongly that all Americans should have access to health care in this country, just as all should have access to an education. These are measures that benefit the country as a whole and help prevent more expenses to the country later, as it would have a healthier population. Again, I have much gratitude for Project Access. I pray it can expand further and further to help more people in this area with medical needs while our politicians continue to bicker with each other and fail to get legislation in place that will at least get the soaring costs of medical care back in check with what most people can afford.

— Troy Amastar
Alexander

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