A possible unintended side effect of Obamacare

[DevonRex]

49. I agree with you.

And it gives me some hope and a big reason for all of us to organize a push for single payer again. I think it's pretty apparent that the Republicans are scared to death of further reforms, too.

LWolf, I'm worried about you. It's obvious you make a good living but have a lot of obligations, other people to care for maybe, and so you're stretched as far as you can be financially speaking. I also know you're not a big spender because of your philosophy of life and government. So, since people are so much more than numbers, I would suggest actually speaking to someone about ACA at the 24-hour Call Center 1-800-318-2596. You can also do a live chat online. https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us/

We've talked about the HRSA clinics before. You probably used the Hill-Burton rates to figure out if you qualified or not. My husband says that's a very old system, the HB system, and that you should use the link to find a health center. Then you can either call them or go there to find out if you might qualify. If you have people in your household that you're supporting due to the economy or illness or aging, disability or addiction, they will take that into account. I would suggest asking for an appointment to discuss eligibility. I don't know if they do that or not. Each clinic is run differently. I have been in one near here. It was actually very nice, with a pharmacy on site.
http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx

I really, really would like you to be able to get health care. I understand your situation. Lots of people are like you and it's criminal, IMO. Paying premiums for nothing. I know what it's like myself to put off going to the doctor or refilling medications because we couldn't afford the copays just then or the coinsurance. It's really galling to know that my son who lives overseas had surgery and was hospitalized for 3 days paid a grand total of $250 for the entire thing, including CTs. I had emergency surgery in August and the hospital bill was $45,000. I stayed one night. The insurance company and hospital are arguing so we don't know what our part will be yet. But we'll be billed just in time for the government shutdown.