BY LISA VALENTINE
Lake Orion Review Staff Writer
Dr. Kevin Robertson of HealthFirst in Lake Orion doesn’t want people to avoid seeking quality health care just because they don’t have insurance.
To help remedy what he says is a growing nationwide problem, Robertson is starting the North Oakland Medical Service Agreement (NOMSA) program, bringing on board a variety of health care services available for a discounted rate.
‘Health care is becoming unaffordable for a lot of people,? Robertson said. ? Many without insurance, especially people with a lot of children, don’t go to the doctor.
‘Most of them are working people…But they don’t have the extra $1,000 a month to spare for a health plan,? he said.
NOMSA has already started, and Robertson has spent the past several months putting the program together.
‘We’ll be offering it to people without health insurance, so they can get the same level of care for a significant price reduction,? he said.
Although the program won’t include things like surgery or hospital stays, NOMSA plans to have things like pharmacy and radiology services included, both at the Bald Mountain Regional Medical Complex in Lake Orion on Lapeer Road, where HealthFirst is also located.
‘There’s no catch,? said Robertson. ‘But you do have to pay at the time of service, cash, check, debit or credit card.?
In return, Robertson said the patient gets quality care without having to cut corners.
‘You’re getting an insurance discount without paying the premiums,? he added. ‘It’s a good deal for the patient and health care provider.?
A tentative list of participants in NOMSA includes: Orthopedics, pediatrics, podiatry, ophthalmology, as well as many others.
‘We’ve organized not just one office, but a very big spectrum of out-patient care,? Robertson said. ‘This plan will also be a good thing for small business owners, with maybe five -six employees, who may not be able to afford health insurance.?
The program is open to anyone from any area. Robertson said patients as far as Sterling Heights have already signed up.
‘I think it will expand very quickly,? he added. ‘There’s a humanitarian value in this.?
To join NOMSA, a patient need only visit a participating office, sign up and provide information, and receive a card that they will show at the time of service.
‘NOMSA will not be a corporate entity, so each office can set their own price reductions,? Robertson said. ‘There’s a simple agreement for patients to sign, and then they get their card with account number.?
Children in the family can also be signed up, and there are already about 200 people who have joined.
‘If health care is affordable, people will seek out the preventative issues,? Robertson said. ‘Like getting their cholesterol checked.?
For more information about the NOMSA list or to join, contact HealthFirst at 693-9040.