One thing to remember: the drudgery of shopping for health insurance

[MineralMan]

3. I know. We have little patience for anything, it seems, as a

people. That's very unfortunate. My state did set up an exchange, and their website has worked pretty well, with just a few glitches at the very beginning. People signing up, though, still have to pay attention and actually think about their choices. Many will not, and will just grab the cheapest plan and then will complain bitterly when it turns out to be a bad bargain.

But, then again, we also buy 60" flatscreen TVs and put them on our credit cards, only to watch mindless TV shows on them. The concept of value and suitability to needs seems to be a minor good these days.

My wife spent way over an hour comparing ACA plans before deciding on one that did what she needed at a reasonable price. She didn't mind at all. It's a very important choice.