In GA and around the country, the public option will matter for millions

[Politicub]

Based on some basic research on the law in our state, it wasn't surprising to find the law is written in favor of insurers rather than consumers. This isn't a surprise, since most Georgia laws skew toward benefiting business at the expense of the individual.

But once I started comparing Georgia's health insurance law compared to what's available in other states, I quickly understood why the public option is so critical for people. Especially in the state of Georgia which subjects its citizens to regressive policies that will leave them without coverage without a job or perfect health. And if the case of illness without insurance, bankrupt without recourse.

It's beyond any sort of moral sensibility to disallow coverage based on a pre-exisiting condition. I've learned that other states, such the state of NC, have something called an inclusive risk pool. On NC's webiste, I looked up what my premium would be based on my age, etc. if I was denied private health insurance and was pleasantly surprised to see it would be far less than I would pay for any kind of insurance in Georgia, even if I could get it at all.

I feel extremely lucky to have coverage through work, but no one is guaranteed a job. If I were to lose my job, and if COBRA is too expensive, I would need to consider moving from GA to somewhere I could obtain affordable coverage. Even though the more I learn about Georgia's disdain for public health and consumer-friendly law, it would be a massive burden to sell my home and relocate to elsewhere - no matter how appealing that would be.

And this is why the public option is so important. There are people that can't leave GA or other regressive states, and they deserve quality healthcare. People shouldn't have to feel like they need to up and move to get healthcare, live in fear of bankruptcy if they get sick without insurance or worry about being denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition.

[Shagbark Hickory]

1. We just need to open up PeachCare 4 Kidz to adults regardless of income. Boom problem solved. nt

[Politicub]

2. Is that even on the table in GA?

Instead of waiting for that, I would rather the federal government address this issue. But in the meantime, I would fully support the PeachCare option for adults. I just don't think it will ever happen.

[Shagbark Hickory]

3. About as on-the-table as peachcare on the federal level...

(not very on the table)

[NC_Nurse]

4. I just moved here a year ago. I am amazed at how much worse GA is than NC.

This place is so red I can hardly believe it. Yikes! All the laws seem to be stacked in favor
of businesses/corporations. It's been kind of shocking to me.

[XanaDUer]

6. I've been here four years

and, now am attempting to find a job in NC.

[groundloop]

5. And our insurance commissioner - Johnny in big insurance pocket Oxendine

wants to be governor. Things sure the hell won't get any better if he gets elected.

[Name removed]

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