I am a self-employed epileptic. I wasn't always epileptic, and I wasn't always self-employed. But when I've been both, I have been uninsured, the result of the dreaded "pre-exisiting condition".
I say "when I've been both" because since my diagnosis, I have also worked as a salaried employee, enrolled in group plans and covered. But that type of employment hasn't always been an option in my industry, thus the "self-employed/uninsured" black hole.
But in 111 days, the Affordable Care Act kicks in, and despite the tantrums from the desperate End Timers of the right-wing, people like me--uninsurable because of our "conditions"--can finally purchase an independent health insurance plan. And, hey, Fox "News" fans--since I'm sure you've missed this part the past couple of years--we have finally caught up to the rest of the civilized world, and we haven't even gone Socialist!
I've logged onto Covered California and checked out my options; like all health plans, coverage won't be cheap. But it's comparable to what my last group plan cost me and the coverage levels look every bit those plan's equals.
You know, I had a torn retina in March. No insurance meant $10,000 cash, upfront, before I could get the surgery that would save my sight. I'm lucky I had the money, but I might not next time. You might not, either.
I'm going to like catching up to the rest of the civilized world.
