Man with health issues thankful for Obamacare

Cliff Duhon and his wife have been on Obamacare since it started.

“I retired when I was 61 because I kept passing out and nobody could figure out why. I did a pulmonary test recently and passed out. I’m still going to see doctors all the time.

“Right now I’m dealing with COPD. I struggle to get a breath. I can’t put my shoes on. When I take a drink I just sip. If I gulp, I run out of breath.

“I’ve had my share of health issues through the years. Thank goodness for Obamacare. My wife and I have been on it since it started. I was first in line. I jumped on that. I pay $200 a month for us to have insurance with zero deductible. I want these people to tell me about ‘this awful insurance that nobody can afford with higher deductibles.’ There are all kinds of plans to choose from. You just have to be smart about picking the best plan for your specific needs.

“Who knows what the future holds, but my hope is universal health care. I have a beautiful wife, kids and grandkids, and I fear for them. I’ve already had my time. A lot of my friends from high school died in their 30s, 40s and 50s. I’m one of the few left. And I’ve watched a lot of relatives die of cancer. That’s an awful thing. I watched my dad die of Parkinson’s, and that’s even worse.

“I’ve had my health problems, but I consider myself pretty lucky. I haven’t gone through any of that stuff. Gravity is going to get you sooner or later, though. We’ll see how long I can last.”

— Cliff Duhon