"When Dr. Thomas Bissett, a 40-year veteran of pediatrics, got a text message saying the Affordable Health Care act was upheld, he was thrilled.
“I was wonderfully surprised, almost had a beer with lunch,” joked Dr. Bissett, with a wink.
Mr. Bissett, 70, works at Child Health Services, a non-profit clinic here specializing in serving young patients whose families can’t pay for their care. Some of those children, he said, are denied insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions — which the law prohibits.
“We have always felt it was unfair to exclude children born with a catastrophic or fatal condition,” said Dr. Bissett.
And the law could help the clinic, said Dr. Bissett, which has struggled as grants and philanthropic contributions have tapered in a time of economic uncertainty.
“Our survival was threatened because we stood alone as a turn-to agency for kids who can’t find care elsewhere,” said Dr. Bissett. “It’s my understanding that the playing field will be leveled for those who provide care to the poor.”