MiddletownJournal.com

HAMILTON — After two years without any medical insurance, Sharon Hendrickson is looking forward to the opportunity to go the doctor.

"I've missed my health insurance," Hendrickson said. "I have missed my annual mammograms and pap smears. I'm 46, and I'm a little nervous, but thankfully I've been healthy."

Hendrickson, an employee at the Red Onion in Hamilton was not able to obtain insurance through her employer because it wasn't offered. After the introduction of HealthShare, a Butler County program that provides health insurance to individuals employed in the county but uninsured, Hendrickson and others like her will finally have the opportunity to make that annual check-up.

Hendrickson's plan will go into effect Sept. 1, making her the first HealthShare client.

Gary Henz, owner of the Red Onion, said it is a relief to be able to offer the plan.

"We are a new business, and I just couldn't afford to offer any insurance plan here for the employees. Of course you want to be able to offer the best for your employees," Henz said.

However, HealthShare Henz can offer the program at no cost to himself and Hendrickson only pays $76 per month.

With HealthShare there is no minimum on the amount of employees

who must use the plan, but even large businesses like McDonald's are joining in.

"It is not so much that it is a problem, as that you are always looking for benefits for your employees," said George Schmidt who operates three local McDonald's.

Schmidt said employees were not demanding a 401(k) plan before he offered it, but now several utilize it. He expects the same to happen with HealthShare.

For more information visit www.healthshare-butlercounty.com or call Horan Associates at (513) 745-0707.