Here are some examples from my local paper:
"Santa Cruz County reacts to court ruling: Relief for people without health insurance
"...The court upheld the law's mandate for individual insurance, allowing a tax on those who are uninsured, and expansion of Medicaid...
"Zephyr Pfotenhauer, 32, of Boulder Creek, a graphic designer, wants her partner, who works at a salon, to get his cholesterol checked. He's put it off because he doesn't have health insurance.
"'We're both independent contractors,' she said. 'We don't make enough to pay for a health plan. Anyone working part-time or freelancing has a similar situation.'
"Gloria Nieto, 57, who used to run Familia Center, does not have insurance, either. She used to be covered under her partner's insurance, and says 'the insurer wouldn't give us COBRA,' the coverage for people who lose their health benefits.
"She had a heart attack two years ago, and is on disability.
"'I can't get MediCal,' she said. 'I get too much disability to get coverage.'"
santacruzsentinel.com
So, partner works at a salon and can't afford a cholesterol check, but Obamacare will solve his problem for free. Former non-profit director makes too much for Medicaid and insurer is mean so COBRA law doesn't help, but Obamacare law will. I think these folks are in for a surprise in 2014. |
