[kevhito]

$18,000 doesn't sound large, relative to the high prices we all pay. I have a good solid job, and my family plan is $24k per year. That's the most basic family plan my employer offers, but it isn't a high-deductible plan. Of course, most of that is paid by my employer, so I only pay about $4k directly out of my salary. If you are self employed, then you obviously have to pay the employer part too.

[DoreenMichele]

For a little perspective, I supported a family of 3 on less than $18k last year and we only had partial coverage. Even though we were homeless for most of the year, the ACA penalty is pretty painful. I am in the midst of filling out my taxes.

For a great many Americans, the figure you brush off as not particularly large is an unimaginable amount to come up with for insurance alone.

[kevhito]

Sorry, I didn't express myself clearly

I agree, $18k for insurance, or $24k, is an enormous burden for most Americans. I was just trying to point out that that the ACA price the parent was calling an outrageous seemed completely inline with every other insurance policy I have ever had, ACA or not. Insurance in the US is just plain expensive, no doubt about it.

[x0x0]

For 3 people, the federal poverty level is $20,160. $18k is less than that, and in California, you would have been on Medical. Even if you are on Obamacare, not Medical (in California: 138% of fpl and up), under 200% fpl the silver plans are close to free.

see eg https://www.healthforcalifornia.com/covered-california/incom...

[DoreenMichele]

I don't really understand your point. I will note that since I could not afford housing for most of the year and struggled to get enough to eat, close to free is not cheap enough.

[tschwimmer]

Were you eligible for Medicaid or CHIP?