Dayton woman could be "poster patient" for Affordable Care A Small community reaches out to help with pre-Act medical bills : Renee Bernard , 53, of Dayton, NV enjoys sitting in the sun with her friend's dog. DAYTON, NV --When 53-year-old Dayton, NV resident, Renee Bernard, found out last fall that she was about to fight for her life in a battle against cancer, again, she wasn't too worried about the cost, what worried her most was getting aggressive treatment, and getting it as soon as possible. Why should she worry, she has a good job that she loves and good health insurance? It didn't take long for her to find out that was only half true: yes, Bernard really does love her teaching job and the students at the intermediate school in Dayton, but that "good health insurance" turned out to be not-so-good after all. While many people across the state and nation wrestle with America's health care reform and whether or not they want to sign up for a qualified insurance plan, Bernard was wrestling with her employer-provided health insurance company that said they won't pay a dime toward her medical expenses that are related to cancer. Instead of putting all of her energy into battling cancer Bernard, was forced to fight with Hometown Health. "Since last fall the have repeatedly told me they don't have to pay," said Bernard. Why? Because she had been diagnosed with cancer in 2012, while she was an uninsured substitute for the school district. But Bernard says, she was in remission, had gone full-time with the school and has her employer-paid insurance, but the insurance company says they will only pay whatever an insurance company paid during her previous bout with cancer - but she didn't have health insurance then. Up stepped the small community of Dayton, led by a substitute teacher and mother of one of Bernard's students, Danielle Meares. She quickly organized a spaghetti-feed and silent auction last November. Meares said there were a lot of people there to support Bernard at the dinner including the Dayton High School football team, many of Bernard's students and former students, their parents and friends, her co-workers, school administrators, members of several area churches, and a county commissioner. Bernard said the school district, intermediate school staff and administration have "bent over backwards" to accommodate her illness. "Things would be much more difficult without their wonderful support," she said Meares' son, Gavin Meares, 13, was so moved by the outpouring of community support for Bernard that he donated the electric guitar he had saved a long time to buy. She said after the auction, a man came up to Gavin and said, "When Thanksgiving is over have your parents bring you to my house, I've got something for you". The Meares family went to the man's home and he gave Gavin a Fender Stratus electric guitar for being so generous to his teacher. The man wished to be anonymous. That fund-raiser brought in $4,500 in donations to help her pay part of the medical bills. In addition, another large anonymous donation came in to pay for her first round of chemo and homeopathic treatments. It appears that Bernard should be a "poster patient" for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) -after all, ObamaCare was created, in part, for people with pre-existing conditions. In January, Bernard visited the Affordable HealthCare Pros in Carson City to look into insurance that would cover her illness. The insurance broker, who is certified by the state's health exchange, signed her up for ACA-approved insurance, which became effective Feb. 1, 2014. However, while signing up for the insurance, Bernard realized she didn't have enough money to pay the premium. Once again she received help from within the community, this time from Lyon County brothel owner, Dennis Hof. Hof''s BunnyRanch employees are continually gathering donations for one cause or another in the greater Dayton area and they paid her premium. That's because the broker, a fellow Chamber of Commerce member reached out to Hof to help Bernard pay the premium. When Hof learned of Bernard's situation, he said, "Though I don't know this lady, I just don't like the idea of somebody who works for the county and is a dedicated teacher to have to go through something like this." Though Bernard's battle is far from over, she says she has the utmost faith in her community and God, and thanks everyone who has been so generous in this very difficult time in her life.
Re: Dayton woman could be "poster patient" for Affordable Ca That is so totally cool of you Dennis! Thank you so much!
Re: Dayton woman could be "poster patient" for Affordable Ca OUR BOSS IS THE BEST ALSO LOVE THE DOG XOXO
"but the insurance company says they will only pay whatever an insurance company paid during her previous bout with cancer - but she didn't have health insurance then. " Seriously? This is so messed up and honestly angered me! Thankfully the community stepped in to help her out. What a true blessing! Thank you Dennis!
Daddy D I had no idea that you were into giving back to the community like you do. I am so happy I'm here working at the world famous bunny ranch. Do you guys and girls think I should get involved with daddy's community activities
Re: Dayton woman could be "poster patient" for Affordable Ca No act of Kindness,however small,is ever wasted-
Dennis is always reaching out to the local community. The girls even get involved. From raising money for the battered women's shelter to collecting toys for unfortunate children for Christmas. Sharing is indeed caring around the ranches. Way to go everyone.
I get donations for school supplies for our neighbor schools in Carson City and all Lion County. The list of school supplies is in my Specials thread. I have some material to deliver this week. I know how difficult it can be and I like helping out, but the thank you have to go to my Clients that send it all.
Thank you Big Daddy for showing people how to give back! It's important to give when you get, it helps us to live in a better world.... I think that's why I love 69 "giggles"
Proud to be working for Dennis Hof! It is great to see how he gets involved and cares for the communities his brothels are located in.
Since I've been here all I hear about are the countless things Big Daddy does for the community BY THE COMMUNITY THEMSELVES! Everyone loves him.. but it's hard not too!!!! Love you Big Daddy! HUGS AND KISSES
