Mohan Varghese

When I was first asked to testify to the South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee about why we direct care workers need the state to expand Medicaid coverage under the new health care law, I wasn't sure I could afford to go. It's a two-and-a-half-hour drive, and I only had $60 to last until the end of the month. If I went, what would I use to buy the gas I need to get to work after I got back home?

But I wound up deciding I couldn't afford not to go.

As a home care worker for a man who is quadriplegic, I don't get health insurance through my work, and I don't earn enough to buy insurance on the open market. That creates some very serious problems. Read more from Mohan.

States closer to launching insurance exchanges: The Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as health care reform) calls for the creation of state-based marketplaces known as exchanges. Through these exchanges, people who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, don't have a job, don't have health insurance through their employer or want to start their own business can purchase private health insurance. Each state exchange will include an easy-to-use website, a toll-free number, and trained staff to help individuals and small businesses compare plans and figure out which one best meets their health care needs. Every state has now decided whether to build and operate its own exchange, partner with the federal government, or have the federal government operate an exchange in the state.

Open enrollment in the exchanges begins in October, and the marketplaces will launch in January 2014. Many direct care and other lower- and middle-income workers who purchase insurance through an exchange will receive assistance with the cost of premiums, copays and deductibles. Read more about direct care workers and the ACA.

Brenda Nachtway

We direct care workers are so busy doing and caring for others that we often don't have time to take care of ourselves, especially if we have children or aging parents of our own at home to look after. But there's one quick thing you can do to help yourself and your family while also standing up for your profession: Become a member of Direct Care Alliance.

Your DCA membership provides benefits that help you provide for your family's needs. You get a medical and prescription discount card, which you and anyone who lives at the same address can use to receive discounts on prescriptions and services provided by participating health care professionals. The card also gives you discounts on doctor visits, dental and eye care, prescription drugs, surgical centers, MRIs and other imaging services, lab tests, hearing tests and services, diabetic services and more. Read more from Brenda.

• Join DCA 
• Donate to DCA 
• Learn about the home care rule 
• Our personal care and support credential 
• Past issues of this newsletter 
• Visit our Voices blog 
• Our search for a new executive director 

The Direct Care Alliance is the national advocacy voice of direct care workers in long-term care. We empower workers to speak out for better wages, benefits, respect, and working conditions, so more people can commit to direct care as a career. We also convene powerful allies nationwide to build consensus for change. 

If you have comments on this issue of The Direct Care News or ideas for future issues, please contact Elise Nakhnikian at 646-823-7434, enakhnikian@directcarealliance.org.