Testimonials

Fisherman’s Wife Worries, But Not About Health Coverage

“Our family is very thankful that there is a Fishing Partnership Health Plan, and that we belong to it.

“In November of 2000, I became pregnant for the second time. My husband and I were overwhelmed with joy. Unfortunately, problems arose almost immediately. In December, I rushed to the doctor fearing the worst news when, suddenly, we got the best news: we were expecting twins, due in July, 2001.

“Over the next few months, we encountered one medical scare after another until, finally, I was put on home bed rest. With an 18-month-old toddler in the house, this was especially hard.

“After five weeks of bed rest, I went into labor on Mother’s Day -- ten weeks early! Panicked, we rushed to the hospital where they began halting the labor, but as they did, they transferred me by ambulance to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, 40 miles from our home. They felt that would be the safest place for me to give birth to premature babies.

“Fortunately, my contractions stopped, yet I was half-way to giving birth, so they could not let me go home. I had to stay on bed rest in the hospital in Boston until the babies arrived. It seemed like an eternity, but five weeks passed and we gave birth to two healthy, beautiful daughters.

“During this entire process, not once did we have to worry about how we would pay for all of this. Not once did we have to worry about insurance. For this we are incredibly grateful to the Fishing Partnership Health Plan.

“Without the Fishing Partnership Health Plan, this joyous time would have been a nightmare of debt.

“As a fisherman’s wife, I worry. I worry about my husband’s safety. I worry about the weather and the catch. I worry about the boat and the gear. I worry about the many unforeseen expenses that come with this life. I worry about the price of the catch. I worry about rivalry at sea. I worry about the kids, the car, the bills and the cat. But one thing we never have to worry about is health coverage and access to high-quality health care. We know that, if we ever need immediate medical attention, we can get it, no questions asked. That’s a wonderful feeling.

“We have peace of mind thanks to the Fishing Partnership Health Plan. And that is something we will always appreciate.”

MICHELE OUELLETTE, Beverly, MA