Testimonials

Potentially Fatal Health Problem Detected And Fixed, Thanks To Plan

“My wife and I have been members of the Fishing Partnership Health Plan since it was first offered in 1997. It has truly been a lifesaver.

“In 1995, before we joined the Plan, my wife and I lost a child. One of the valves in our son’s heart was fused over at birth, and in spite of three open-heart surgeries to repair the problem, he did not survive. Our grief was compounded by the fact that we were left with huge medical bills because our health insurance at that time was completely inadequate.

“Our surviving children were covered by Mass Health, but partly because of our previous experience with health care costs, my wife and I joined the Fishing Partnership Health Plan as soon as it became available. The Plan offers much more complete coverage than we would otherwise be able to afford.

“I have been fishing for over 30 years, and now dive for scallops and haul 600 lobster traps. When I joined the Fishing Partnership Health Plan, I considered myself in the top 10 percent, health-wise. However, in February of 1998, shortly after joining the Plan, I went in for a regular check-up for the first time in 15 or 20 years. If I hadn’t booked that routine visit, I might not be here today.

“With a stethoscope, the doctor detected an irregular heartbeat. He encouraged me to have some more tests done, and, assured that the Plan would cover those tests and any subsequent care I might need, I took his advice. Much to my horror, the tests revealed a mitral valve prolapse, with severe regurgitation.

“I, the father of two young children, an apparently healthy, active fisherman, was at high risk of a fatal heart attack! For two years, the doctors monitored my condition. Then, in February of 2000, I had open-heart surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. I’m pleased to say that I made a complete recovery, and since I started diving for scallops and hauling traps again, in May of 2000, I’ve had no real setbacks to my health.

“For all the care I received on account of my heart – doctor visits, testing, hospitalization and surgery – I never received a bill. That’s how good the Fishing Partnership Health Plan is. Without the Plan, even if my heart condition had somehow been discovered and treated successfully, I would have been ruined by medical bills. The Fishing Partnership Health Plan saved my life in more ways than one.”

RAYMOND BATES, Marblehead, MA