ObamaCare’s arrival is timely for retiree
When Greg Haney didn’t have insurance, he was thankful that ObamaCare came along.
“When I left the Merchant Marines, I went to work at the U.S. Steel plant and stayed there until they shut it down in 1986. Then I went into business for myself as an AC and heating contractor.
“After a while, my health got too bad. I got diabetes, asbestos in my lungs, COPD, all those problems that came from breathing fumes and acids on the job. Because of the AC and heating work, my knees are gone from crawling around in attics. My back’s gone from hoisting stuff up and climbing on rooftops.
“I retired and finally let my license go because I couldn’t afford to keep the insurance. It just got to where I couldn’t get out there and hustle to make enough money to pay for my medical. My medical insurance went up to $1,500 a month because of my diabetes and all that. Once my insurance expired, I was pretty much uninsurable.
“The only options I had basically were going to the county hospital or Medicaid. I was going to the county hospital for a while, using that Gold Card. But that was kind of a hectic place to be. When they came out with ObamaCare I signed up for it. So at least I have insurance now. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t like it and a lot of people don’t take it. But I’m doing OK. I’m surviving.”
— Greg Haney, 64
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