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October 10, 2024

One member’s unexpected illness highlights the value of having coverage.

Four days after being discharged from one hospital, Michael Scarlett found himself in the ICU of another, facing catastrophic heart failure. 

In the months following his hospitalization in early February 2024, the 40-year-old nurse faced many challenges, including an unexpected heart transplant. Throughout, he’s remained thankful for his health insurance and the support of the Florida Blue Care Team.

Making sure he always had coverage

After his diagnosis, Michael’s heart condition worsened, causing him to miss work. He eventually lost his job, and by late-February, he’d also lost his health insurance.  

From working in health care, Michael knows the value of insurance to help pay for medical bills. He knew going a single day without coverage wasn’t an option. “I enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan immediately. That’s how I connected with Florida Blue. I found a plan that covered the doctors and services I thought I’d need.”

And thankfully he did. Michael's new Florida Blue insurance began March 1, and by March 14, he needed a heart defibrillator.

A lifeline in his time of need

As his condition worsened, Michael learned he needed a heart transplant. That’s when, Melissa Russell, a Florida Blue Care Team nurse, called to offer support. 

“I contacted Michael in early April. He was very sick in the hospital,” Melissa said. “I offered support and told him about the guidance and services available with his Florida Blue plan for no extra cost, like social workers, transportation through Lyft, and help finding financial assistance.”

Melissa also delivered the news that Michael had been approved for a transplant. “That was a great moment,” she said.

Over the next couple months, she helped him navigate the health care system and his benefits, and connected him to extra support, including a Florida Blue licensed clinical social worker and the transplant care team. Michael also took advantage of Lyft rides, using them to get to and from appointments.

A million reasons to be thankful

On May 22, Michael’s transplant was complete! Four months after his initial hospitalization, he has a new heart and a renewed appreciation for the unexpected support — financial and emotional — that got him here. 

“I was facing a catastrophic event,” said Michael. “Everyone at Florida Blue showed genuine interest in me and how they could help. They were by my side the entire time. In my experience, that’s rare for an insurance company.”

As a nurse, and now as a heart transplant recipient, Michael has seen how unexpected a person’s health care journey can be. He says that’s why it’s so important to never be without coverage. 

"I'm alive, and I'm grateful,” he said. “For Melissa and the support of the entire Care Team, and for the value of my Florida Blue coverage. Without it, I’d be paying over $3 million in medical bills this year alone."

Here when you need us

Florida Blue Care Teams collaborate with members and their doctors throughout their health care journey. Members can call our Care Team anytime for support.