Guest, our state also tried the high risk pool. At first the state paid our premiums. I was one of the initial 50 to get the insurance.   Later, the company administrating the claims realized that it couldn't make ends meet, so left the state, after sabatoging all the records. We had no insurance for two months, and didn't even know it until my daughter went in for a tonsilectomy, and the doctor informed her she wasn't covered.

Next, the state tried subsidizing Anthem to take high risk people. Harpgirl, Hubby was self-employed at the time, so Anthem was happy to offer us insurance. (the agent even bragged about her salary...that's when I had to leave the room) After a year they raised my premium to $1000 per month and Hubby's to $500 per month.

Then Hubby took a job with the state government three years ago. That meant they HAD to take me. One month after he signed on, Anthem announced they would no longer serve my county for state employees.

So another insurance company picked us up. Then 18 months ago they dropped us. I think I've had at least 8 companies in the last 10 years!

Kentucky had ~18 companies serving the commonwealth 15 years ago. Then when the law said they HAD to take everyone, all but two left the state.

This is not a Bush problem...or a Clinton one. Until more young people realize the problem (need insurance) we will never get help. Most people don't even understand COBRA (continuing benefits when you lose your job). It only lasts for 18 months. They were counting the days until they could get rid of me. I had to send claims to some office in Texas, and they didn't even know how to process them.

Potability is good, but high premiums are used to get rid of people. I don't know the answer, it is extremely complex. I would hate to see the end of our lifesaving technology and drug advancements. However, I think we spend too much on end-of-life care. (My family knows to let me go.)