Obamacare: Extraordinary Success Stories, Real People

Lost in the cacophony of naysaying and hand-wringing about Obamacare’s jagged roll-out are the stories of people whose lives have been transformed.

Even we have wrung our hands — and with reason — about broken websites, sub-competent contracting, eye-watering overhead, and on and on. But what none of us should forget, for a moment, is how an empathetic, intelligent, economically responsible piece of legislation is impacting those it was intended to serve — the American people.

So let’s review, anecdotally while the data is still raw, a few gratifying stories of Obamacare’s manifest benefit. Try telling these folks that the ACA is a ‘disaster’:

UTAH: Phil Sherburne and Leia Bell

Mr. Sherburne, a self-employed husband and father (that’s him with his family, above), couldn’t get insurance prior to the ACA due to a pre-existing condition involving his shoulder. Now he can, and pays just $123.00 per month for coverage.

Mr. Sherburne is a small business owner.

“It’s a great deal. I’m thrilled to have coverage, period.”

OKLAHOMA: Kendall Brown

Ms. Brown, 26, suffers from Crohn’s Disease, and is now able to attain health coverage through her parents’ plan. Once she ages out, she will buy coverage on an exchange.

It will, most likely, save her life.

“If you defund Obamacare, or delay it even for one year… this will be my last letter to you. I will be dead before my 27th birthday.”

CALIFORNIA: Rakesh Rikhi

Mr. Rikhi, another small business owner, is saving $500 per month on the ACA state exchange. He plans to invest his savings in his business, growing and solidifying it for the long term.

What’s more, Mr. Rikhi will spend some of that savings assisting employees with their healthcare costs, thereby ensuring a healthier and happier work force.

ARKANSAS: Butch Matthews

Mr. Matthews (above), a retired Republican, opposed Obamacare — until he realized that he could save $13,000 per year by signing up on an exchange. His new plan has no monthly premiums.

“I would tell people to learn more about [Obamacare] before they start talking bad about it. Actually check the facts on it.”

CALIFORNIA: Andrew Stryker

A freelance worker in Los Angeles, Mr. Stryker has been paying $600 per month for basic health insurance through COBRA. With the ACA exchange, he will pay $300 per month — an annual savings of $3,600. Or as he calculates it, even more.

“Obviously, three hours is a long time to wait [for a slow website]… but it will save me over $6,000. For that, I would have waited all day.”

NEW YORK: Katie Klabusich

Katie (above) is a self-employed writer with chronic sinus issues, which she says have cost more than her monthly rent to treat, on occasion. Usually, she paid more than $300 per month, plus fees for doctor visits and treatment.

Now, for the first time, she will have comprehensive medical coverage, at a cost of $108.42 per month — with a yearly spend cap of $2,000. She can’t believe her good fortune.

“Shit. I’m crying again.”

Have a good weekend.

By: rhb

Rob is a NYC-based Internet entrepreneur. He's also a businessman and job creator (wait: doesn't demand create jobs?) who understands the sense, and the eventual predominance, of the progressive agenda.