The NC Navigator Consortium has helped thousands of North Carolinians get covered. Here are some of their stories.
Chuck Bonifacius
For many people, navigating the world of healthcare can be overwhelming, especially when managing ongoing medical conditions. That was the case for Chuck Bonifacius, who is HIV positive and relies on consistent access to medical care and prescriptions to maintain his health. Finding a plan that provided comprehensive coverage without excessive costs felt like a daunting challenge—until he connected with Deborah and the NC Navigator Consortium.
Thankfully, with the help of Deborah and the NC Navigator Consortium, the process became much easier than expected.
“Deborah made the process of finding affordable healthcare so easy. She was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and answered every question I had. As a Navigator, she truly went above and beyond,” he says. “I live with several health issues that require frequent doctor visits, so having a reliable health plan is vital to me. Thanks to Deborah, I no longer worry about being denied coverage, and that peace of mind is priceless.”
For individuals like Chuck, access to healthcare isn’t just about convenience—it’s about survival. Managing HIV requires ongoing medical visits, lab work, and prescription medications, all of which can be incredibly expensive without the right insurance. With Deborah’s guidance, he found a plan that covered his necessary treatments, ensuring he could continue receiving care without financial hardship.
“Being able to see a doctor whenever necessary is crucial for my well-being, and I wouldn’t be in this position without the support of the NC Navigator Consortium,” he said.
Thanks to the dedicated work of Navigators like Deborah, more people are finding the right coverage and gaining the security and peace of mind they deserve.
Kathy Faison
For many, the benefit of health insurance is peace of mind in case something catastrophic happens. For Lee County resident Kathy Faison, it did.
“If it had not been for that health insurance policy, I would have died,” she says.
A human services worker by trade, Kathy has dedicated her professional life to serving others. She was a social worker and qualified substance abuse counselor and even ran a shelter for runaway youth. She loved her job and never dreamed of leaving it until she had to.
In 2020, Kathy started having falls at home and work. She was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness and discoordination of the hands and feet. Though it is usually caused by diabetes, Kathy’s is not. As she went from specialist to specialist for help, her condition worsened.
Though her employer extended her leave and worked diligently to preserve her employment, they laid her off with a heavy heart. Kathy claimed disability.
“I was in the middle of a health crisis, and I didn’t have health insurance,” says Kathy, who was also carrying her husband on her employer-sponsored policy.
Never having had to shop for coverage, Kathy had to find an affordable health insurance policy quickly. She was unsure where to start, so she reached out to the NC Navigator Consortium. Kathy connected with health insurance navigator Holly Powell, who spent hours on her case.
“I couldn’t have asked for more support and assistance,” says Kathy. “Holly helped me learn the process and weigh the cost and benefits of each plan. The premium was manageable, and I was grateful.”
By the following March, Kathy was progressing with her neuropathy when she had another setback. One night she became violently ill, losing most function in her extremities. She stayed in the hospital for five weeks, followed by extended inpatient and at-home nursing care.
“I have some outstanding out-of-network medical bills to pay, but my insurance covered more than $500,000,” Kathy says. “While the policy isn’t perfect, insurance gave me the care and medication I required, and it covered the beginning of the physical therapy I needed.”
A year after she lost her job, Kathy qualified for advance premium tax credits and cost-saving reductions through the American Rescue Plan, resulting in a health plan with a $0 deductible for $22 per month. When Kathy was laid up in a nursing home, Holly did it for her by phone.
“Holly is great,” says Kathy. “She keeps up with me and is even giving me the information I need to start Medicare while helping my husband stay on our plan until he is eligible.”
Kathy’s health trials are far from over, but she is thankful for the support of her family. After a life of service to others, Kathy is thankful for people like Holly who are committed to helping her.
Anusha J.
Transitioning from life as a graduate student to navigating the complexities of health insurance can be overwhelming, but thanks to Judith’s help, Anusha felt supported every step of the way.
Understanding the ins and outs of different plans, deductibles, and coverage options was a challenge, but Judith took the time to answer all her questions and ensure she found a plan that worked for her needs.
“Judith truly walked me through every step,” Anusha shared. “It took about a month, but she made sure I had the coverage I needed without losing access to my therapist.
One of the biggest benefits of her new plan was the zero-dollar deductible, which allowed her to access therapy while significantly reducing her out-of-pocket costs.
The guidance and compassion Judith provided made all the difference in ensuring Anusha could continue prioritizing herself with peace of mind.
Karen M.
For Karen M., navigating health insurance has always been a challenge, but thanks to Jan’s guidance, it’s a process she no longer has to face alone.
Over the years, Jan has become more than just a healthcare Navigator—she’s a trusted advisor and a friendly, reassuring presence during what can often be a stressful experience.
“I always feel better after seeing Jan. I’ve been going to her for years, and she knows exactly what I need. Talking to her feels like chatting with a friend,” Karen shared. “Jan is thorough in her work and always finds me the best plan.”
For Karen, having the right coverage isn’t just about convenience—it’s essential for managing her health. She takes Stelara, a costly medication that she relies on every six weeks, and ensures it is renewed annually through BCBS.
With the rising costs of healthcare, Karen remains grateful for Jan’s expertise and dedication. “While it seems like prices keep rising instead of falling, I trust that Jan is guiding me in the right direction and ensuring I get the best possible coverage,” she said.
Thanks to Jan’s help, Karen can focus on her health without the added burden of navigating insurance alone, proving just how invaluable the support of a knowledgeable Navigator can be.
Loretta D.
Navigating healthcare is never easy, but when unexpected tragedy strikes, the process can become overwhelming. That was the case for Loretta, who faced a life-changing car accident on December 6th. Hospitalized for weeks, she had no idea that her health insurance needed to be renewed by January 1st—an oversight that could have left her without coverage at a time when she needed it most.
“I don’t know what I would have done without Fred,” Loretta shared. “Fred guided me through the entire process as if I were right there in the office with him. I am beyond grateful for his patience, kindness, and support—he helped me navigate everything during such a difficult time.”
With Fred’s expertise and the support of the NC Navigator Consortium, Loretta was able to renew her health insurance from a hospital bed, ensuring that her medical expenses would be covered.
The accident wasn’t the first time Loretta faced uncertainty with health coverage. After losing her job when her office closed, she turned to HealthCare.gov for the first time last year. The plan Fred helped her select had a lower deductible and out-of-pocket costs, which became crucial during her hospitalization.
“Having this coverage meant everything. I can’t even imagine how many thousands of dollars I would have owed without Fred and the Consortium’s help,” she said.
Thanks to Fred’s guidance, Loretta received the care she needed without the burden of financial devastation—proving just how essential the right health plan can be in times of crisis.
Jill Newbold
For several years, Chapel Hill resident Jill Newbold worked at an organization that recruited angel investors for companies that had a positive social impact. In July 2020, with the onset of COVID-19, she lost that job and the employer-sponsored health insurance that went with it. She bridged her health insurance through COBRA for one month, but the cost was unsustainable.
“I made the choice to get health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, but it wasn’t easy psychologically,” says Jill, who admits she thought HealthCare.gov was only for the economically disadvantaged. “There is a lot of stigma and misinformation out there.”
Jill cannot remember how she learned about the NC Navigator Consortium, but she’s glad she did. While she feels like she can navigate the Health Insurance MarketplaceⓇ without help, health insurance navigator Donna Rasmussen has been an important resource. Donna has helped Jill get the most out of HealthCare.gov as her income and circumstances have changed.
“Donna is incredibly patient with a process that is clunky and bureaucratic,” says Jill. “She knows the ins and outs and has helped us understand and evaluate our options.”
In addition to helping Jill navigate their variable income situation, Donna helped Jill make appropriate policy changes when their adult children moved to a university-sponsored plan and employer-based policy.
Finding affordable health coverage on the Marketplace has enabled Jill to become an entrepreneur. Her family’s love of scuba diving inspired Jill to start a performance water apparel company called LoPo Diveskins which makes dive skins, rash guards, and leggings out of plastic bottles at risk of ending up in the ocean. Jill’s husband is working for a small company he joined in 2022.
“The savings Donna helped us secure on HealthCare.gov have allowed us to pursue the careers we want instead of having to search for and secure a corporate job just for the health insurance,” adds Jill. “We have the professional freedom we want with the financial flexibility and peace of mind we need.”
Richard Cox, Jr.
Richard Cox, Jr. — a Wake county resident — felt like many people who search for affordable healthcare, like it was an impossible challenge. Richard wasn’t sure where to turn for coverage—until he met Gregorio.
With the recent Medicaid expansion, new options became available, but understanding eligibility and navigating the sign-up process was overwhelming. Thankfully, Gregorio was there to help every step of the way.
“My appointment with Gregorio was incredibly helpful. He was attentive, understanding, and took the time to answer all of my questions. Gregorio guided me through the sign-up process and helped me choose the right plan with ease,” Richard says.
Thanks to Gregorio’s expertise, Richard was able to enroll in Medicaid through the expansion, securing access to vital healthcare services they might not have otherwise been able to afford. With coverage in place, he now has the peace of mind that comes with knowing he can see a doctor when needed—without worrying about overwhelming medical bills. His experience is a testament to the impact of Medicaid expansion and the essential role that Navigators play in connecting people to the care they deserve.
“Gregorio was really amazing,” Richard says. “”I highly recommend the Navigator Consortium, and I hope my experience encourages others to seek their assistance in the future.”
Jan Willis
Jan Willis is originally from Carteret County on North Carolina’s coast. She moved away as a young woman to attend college and begin working in Raleigh and always had her own health insurance. She met her husband and moved back in 1989, all while helping him with his farm in Johnston County.
After holding onto her health insurance policy for years, Jan learned it was being discontinued by the insurance company in 2018. She knew she needed a new policy and that HealthCare.gov was the best place to find one, but she was afraid of completing the application incorrectly. She saw an article in her local newspaper about the NC Navigator Consortium and made an appointment. She has been using health insurance navigators ever since.
“Honestly, every year I dread Open Enrollment, but I am reassured that the navigator is going to give me the help and answers I need,” Jan says.
Jan was working with navigator Holly Powell, who saved her $866 per month in 2022 by using advance premium tax credit made possible through the American Rescue Plan. Even though Holly moved to Southern Pines, Jan continued working with her by phone or via Zoom.
“Holly is absolutely wonderful,” Jan says. “I feel my information is secure and I trust her.”
This September, Jan will qualify for Medicare. While she’s not sure what to expect, she knows she can count on Holly and her team of health insurance navigators. Holly has referred Jan to three different organizations that can help, and will assist Jan in discontinuing her policy on HealthCare.gov when the time is right to prevent any gaps in coverage.
“I have been healthy all my life,” explains Jan. “When your family and friends have things happen to them and you see the cost, it’s scary. If I didn’t have health insurance, one illness could wipe out whatever money I have saved.”
For Jan, health insurance is peace of mind and the NC Navigator Consortium helped her find it.
Jesse Wimberley
Raising a son with type one diabetes, Jesse Wimberley is no stranger to the high cost of healthcare. Diagnosed at seven years old, Jesse’s son had to manage multiple insulin injections each day which was expensive and burdensome. Jesse was a big fan of the Affordable Care Act, which made it possible for him to find an affordable health insurance policy for his whole family on the Health Insurance Marketplace® at HealthCare.gov. Today his son is a healthy adult because Jesse was able to get him the care he needed to get his diabetes under control.
Jesse would never dream of doing without health insurance, but in 2018, the unthinkable happened. Jesse’s healthcare provider lost his address, resulting in his health insurance coverage being dropped. Jesse became distressed as he searched for months trying to find a way to access affordable health insurance.
“It was so frustrating,” Jesse said. “I was making too much to qualify for anything and not enough to pay for anything.”
One night Jesse began experiencing acute kidney pain. Reluctantly and without insurance, he went to the emergency room. After multiple tests, Jesse soon found out he had kidney stones that were only treatable with over-the-counter pain relief. By the time he left the emergency room, all Jesse had was $12,000 of medical debt that he’s still paying.
Finally, Jesse found the NC Navigator Consortium and connected with health insurance navigator Holly Powell. Holly worked tirelessly to find Jesse a coverage plan that made sense for him.
“I went into the meeting with low expectations,” Jesse said. “However, my experience with Holly was so outstanding. Working with a navigator made everything so simple and she found a plan that worked for me.”
Holly’s hard work paid off in a big way for Jesse. She found a policy for him on the Health Insurance Marketplace® at HealthCare.gov that brought his monthly cost down substantially. He went from paying $450 a month for a plan that did not cover much to $333 a month for a plan that covers everything he needs.
“It was just a huge feeling of relief to be able to get what I needed,” Jesse said. “Without health insurance you start putting appointments off. Now, I am free to be proactive about my health which has had a positive effect on my mental health as well.”
Jesse was reminded how terrifying life can be when your or a loved one’s health spirals. With the help of Holly and the NC Navigator Consortium, Jesse was able to get his healthcare back on track which truly changed how he lives his life.