I have enjoyed many great opportunities in my career, but nothing has touched my heart more than the opportunity I have had this year, working as a navigator for Vermont Health Connect. It has involved listening to the struggles and the fears of folks from every corner of Windham County.
They often needed help because Vermont Health Insurance Plans (VHAP) and Catamount Health were no longer available; others desperately wanted affordable health insurance. I have met with more than 1,000 people: workers and employers, the homeless, the unemployed, and the self-employed. As I came to understand their needs, the job felt empowering, every day.
In spite of the horror stories about Vermont Health Connect, I was able to help everyone, and I found the assistance I needed when talking to the customer service providers. I have been encouraged by being able to help these people and by their faith in me. Many of them pushed me to run for the State Senate. They empowered me to think that I can make a difference on a broader scale.
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