Overcoming adversity and “Paying it Forward” Growing up in Northeast Philadelphia, Penny Benz was raised with a strong work ethic and sense of self-reliance. Throughout her working career she had always been employed in spite of lay-offs and mergers around her. Then the “Great Recession” hit, and she lost her job. Even with her wide network of industry contacts, Penny was unemployed for three years, and during that three-year period Penny became very ill while taking care of her 94 year-old mother. When her health insurance ran out in January of 2010, Penny tried to purchase other insurance, but was rejected by two carriers because she was taking medication and was considered to have a pre-existing condition. Penny was distraught. She applied for PA Fair Care, a program that went into effect in 2010 which admits people with pre-existing conditions. She was accepted in August with coverage starting in September. However, Penny had been experiencing trouble swallowing and breathing as well as a sore throat. She went to her doctor who treated her with medication, but the infections kept returning. She was unable to sleep or eat properly because she felt like she was choking and couldn’t breathe. Finally, in July 2010, the pain became too intense, and after going to a Mini Clinic, Penny went to the St. Mary Medical Center Emergency Room. “It was the best decision I made during this entire ordeal. My mother had a knee replacement there in 2004 and we were so pleased with the care she received I knew St. Mary was the place to go.” She explained her circumstances to...
