People rushing doctor appointments before they lose their job

The Hartford Courant this morning is reporting that people worried about layoffs are hurrying to schedule doctor and dentist appointments before they lose health benefits. Practices have reported an increase in calls from people who aren’t sick but need to get in for routine appointments fast. They are also getting cancellations from people who have just lost jobs. The federal stimulus package offers some relief to the jobless, starting yesterday, with 65% subsidies for COBRA benefits. ProHealth, CT’s largest primary care practice, is offering uninsured patients 20% or higher discounts for physicals, office visits and lab work.
Ellen Andrews