This article was posted on cleveland.com (http://www NULL.cleveland NULL.com) by Michael K. McIntyre / February 8, 2010
No immunity: Zac Ponsky started MedWorks, a nonprofit that seeks to provide free medical care for the many who need it in Cleveland. The support from doctors, foundations and others has been astounding, as has the need.
Ponsky recently got a glimpse of the need up close. Laid off in December from his job as director of real estate and community affairs at AmTrust bank, Ponsky said he had trouble finding suitable and affordable insurance for himself, his wife and his infant son. Two insurance companies rejected them because, they told him, there was an increased probability they might have twin babies in the future.
The family went uninsured for a month, he said.
“You’re driving around and it’s a wake-up call for all of us relying on employer-based health care,” said Ponsky, who was quick to note his problems with insurance in no way compare to those of people who are ill and desperately poor with no coverage at all.
Eventually, Ponsky bought insurance that has a high deductible, big premium and no maternity coverage. As the nonprofit continues to thrive – a dental care clinic is set for later this month – he’s still searching for a job.
“Something good comes out of every situation. It opened my eyes even more to the patients we’re trying to serve through MedWorks and the need for health reform in this country,” he said. “The big picture here is, nobody’s immune.”
first of all i want to thank you mr ponsky,the dentists that worked on me,and all the lovely nurces that helped them.I tried all day 2 16 10 to make an apointment by phone, no luck,so i took a chance and showed up as a walk in ,in no time at all i was waited on,tooth puled,sceduled for follow apointment,and on my way.thank you.thank you.thank you dale hunady