When I was at the chiro’s yesterday, one of the other patients told the doctor she couldn’t get Obamacare, it was too expensive. “Talk to Susan, she knows all that stuff,” he said.
She used to have insurance, but lost it. Then she was in a car crash (hence, the chiro) and they discovered a large tumor in her chest. “I couldn’t get insurance because it was a preexisting condition. So it’s still there.”
I asked if she applied for an ACA subsidy, etc. She said she’d done all that, but it was still too expensive. All she was eligible for was a bronze plan, with a huge deductible. I asked her how much she made ($12,000, two children) and the light began to dawn. “Oh,” I said. “You’re one of those people who should be getting Medicaid, but got screwed when Corbett rejected the Medicaid money.”
I turned to the chiro. “You see? You see why I don’t vote for Republicans? It’s because people like her always get screwed.”
He countered that Republicans just legalized marijuana in New Hampshire. “Yeah, well, Republican priorities,” I retorted. “Healthcare versus getting high.”
The woman said, “My application didn’t even include my fiance’s income, because we’re not married yet.”
“There’s your problem,” I told her. “If your fiance’s income puts you above the poverty level, you should go get married. Just go to City Hall and do it, have your big wedding later. That’ll put you in line for good coverage and a big subsidy.”
She looked shocked, but said if it would help, she’d do it.
I don’t know how ordinary people (who don’t follow politics for a living) navigate this system. If you’re having trouble, use one of the (appropriately named) healthcare navigators. You might think you’re screwed when you’re not.
I don’t see how folks navigate it, either. And so few that I know look into the better coverage that is offered than the grandfatherd postage stamp plans. A relative I have will be about $16,000 in the hole before any hospitalization kicks in. “But, Boohunney, I get 4 visits a year with $25.00 copay.” And that gal is no spring chicken, either. SMH. My health plan provider has sent three letters encouraging members to use the exchange. Many people that say, “I like my plan” if they are self purchasing probably haven’t compared plans.
On a side note, our great Gubnor Nathan Deal (who has refused Medicaid expansion funds) said he is going to bail out charity hospitals with state funds. This should be an interesting subject in the next election…
So, she can just get married, no problem! Thanks Obamacare.
Wonder if this solution will work for everyone else?