Health Care Stories: Small Business Owner Searches for Affordable Coverage

While COBRA offers Americans an extension of their previously-held health coverage for a period of time after release from employment, the costs associated with keeping this coverage are often very high considering the new financial circumstances most individuals find themselves in.  Health reform would give consumers access to an array of health plans options that aren’t linked to employers.  In addition, health reform would limit out-of-pocket costs to an affordable percentage of income, and provide subsidies to people with limited incomes so they could purchase insurance. 

“After years of premium first class coverage, my COBRA expired and I was left with essentially nothing.  First of all I was denied extension of COBRA under California laws simply because my old group plan was self-insured – very typical for the largest of corporations who could easily afford a hit.  My policy was exempt from California insurance law and only subject to ERISA laws.  I had been paying $500 per month in premiums for the COBRA.  That was a strain but I managed.  It was certainly worth it for the superb coverage (including drugs) that I received.  I had opened my own business a couple of years ago.  I am doing well considering the economy.  Not rich by any means I am squarely living middle class.  So when the coverage ended I tried to get a HIPAA policy – the premiums ran from $700 - $1,100 and the coverage was terrible.  Very high deductibles ($2-5K) and only mediocre coverage once I paid my deductible.  It simply wasn’t affordable…Why can’t I contribute to the best of my ability so that I can still pay rent and eat??  And what about my health conditions that are outside of HIV?  I am 52 and part of the graying of the HIV population.  Who is going to pay for me?” 

Jeffrey Goodman, CA

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*The individuals profiled in this post are sharing their real-life story and image to put the current healthcare-reform debate in context. Media interested in interviewing HIV-positive people about health-coverage issues should contact AFC Communications Director Johnathon Briggs atjbriggs@aidschicago or 312-334-0922