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Barbara says there’s something cyclical about her attempts to buy health insurance. She’ll experience an out-of-the-ordinary pain, decide “I really need insurance,” and price out plans. But each time the outcome is the same: she gives up because it just costs too much.
Even if she found a plan that had a tolerable price tag today, this violin instructor knows that the cost will only go up while her salary stays the same. Comforted that at least her 13-year-old son has coverage through the state CHIP program, she herself goes without any basic or preventative care.
Were something serious to happen to her, she fears the worst – that she could lose her life because she wouldn’t be able to afford the treatment. It’s a scary scenario for an uninsured mom, who sacrifices not just health care but peace of mind.