>It's clear by the article that the problem here is when you have a chronic medical condition:
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>http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=314553
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>Snippets:
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>A state-sponsored insurance pool that offers coverage to the riskiest patients is beginning this week, but administrators are seeking to draw more North Carolina residents who have been pushed out of the private market.
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>It’s a plan targeted particularly for those with high-risk health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or hemophilia.
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>But the insurance is expensive.
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>Premiums are set at 150 percent to 200 percent of a healthy person’s private insurance. The state subsidizes the program from a few sources, mostly a tax on health insurance premiums and an annual cash withdrawal from the State Health Plan for public service workers. It’s starting operations with a $5 million grant from Health and Wellness Trust Fund.
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>Christopher Estes, 54, of Pfafftown will pay about $615 a month to get coverage under the state’s new plan. But that’s much better than private insurance quotes that were twice as much, rising after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease and a major seizure that exacerbated his condition.
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That's atrocious. Last time I checked, it was $44.00 a month here and low income seniors over 65 do not have to pay at all and they get free ambulance and inexpensive meds (No prescription cost over $25.00).