When Maggie Talarico was working to open her small business, Foresight Construction Services, she was committed to being able to offer health coverage for her employees. “I had dreamt of starting a business for years, but wanted to be sure I could secure health care for myself and offer it to my employees before getting off the ground,” she said. “The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made that dream a reality, eliminating a barrier to growing my business.”
As a small business owner who prioritized employer-provided health care coverage when she was starting her business, Maggie says the coverage she obtains through the ACA Marketplace offers peace of mind for herself and her employees. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 crisis showed Maggie just how important employer-provided coverage is for her employees. In 2020, a member of Maggie’s staff got married and had a child. The company’s health plan covered a large portion of the pregnancy and delivery costs. It’s stressful enough to have a child during a pandemic, and Maggie was thrilled to be able to take the question of cost off her employee’s mind.
Maggie has also experienced the benefits of the coverage she offers. After years with no health issues, Maggie recently needed more than 50 tests to diagnose a new condition. She credits the access to telehealth services her coverage offers with being able to stay in touch with her doctors and address the new condition throughout the pandemic.
“Using telehealth services allowed me to interface with my physician in a matter of days or even hours. It was faster, more efficient, and allowed for a greater level of flexibility in scheduling, which is extremely important for small business owners who are already juggling a full plate.”
“I am so thankful for the coverage that ACA afforded me, especially because it was the first year in my life when I legitimately needed health insurance. When an unexpected health event arises, it’s reassuring knowing that telehealth is an available option to seek care and interact with your health provider.”
Business executive John T. Bass has worked in a variety of roles and industries over his five-decade long career. For many years, John received employer-provided health care and touts its benefits, saying, “Employer-provided coverage gave me total peace of mind; it meant both financial security and access to high-quality care.”
Like many, Brittani Arceneaux could not afford to miss work amidst the pandemic. The access to regular COVID-19 testing – and the reassurance she would get the required care if she did contract the virus – her health plan gave her offered the peace of mind necessary for Brittani to continue to perform her job to the best of her abilities.