DALLAS - Under health care reform, every American will be required to have health insurance.
It still won't be affordable for many but a new plan could put health care within reach of thousands in Dallas County.
How does $50 a month for insurance sound? That's how much an estimated 100,000 Dallas County residents will pay under the new plan.
Bryan Guidry only turns the lights on at his business when customers show up to browse the merchandise.
"Trying to conserve as much as I can," he said.
As a small business owner, who makes and repairs motorcycle leather ware, he's cut back on every expense possible, including health insurance.
"Had to go to a smaller company with less benefits. It's not quite as expensive, but it's not quite as good either," he said.
What he forks out for insurance is still four times what he'd pay under a Dallas County plan, officially beginning enrollment on Wednesday.
Organizers announcing the plan, say small businesses with less than 50 employees, are eligible.
Like regular insurance, both employer and employee pay premiums. But thanks to a third party subsidy, those fees are small: $130 for the company, $50 for the worker.
Coverage includes primary care visits at one of eight clinics operated by Parkland.
"We feel like the patients we're currently seeing in some of our clinics are patients that would be eligible for the program, which is the working poor," said Jessica Hernandez at Parkland Community Primary Care.
Specifically, full-time employees who make $16 an hour, or less, are eligible.
The plan is tailor-made for small business owners, like Bryan Guidry.
North Texas 3-Share plan is only for working adults, it does not include dependents, or small businesses which have provided insurance in the last year.
Small business owners and residents can find out if they might qualify for this reduced price insurance by logging on to www.northtexas3share.org. It's officially available starting August 1st.
The plan is only for Dallas County-based businesses.
E-mail: jstjames@wfaa.com
