Carol, I did know about the hardship exemption, but I've never heard a satisfactory explanation of where it kicks in and how it works. Perhaps in an effort at emphasis, I overstated the situation.

But let's bring it home. As I understand it, you and Jack both feel you are in need of health care that you can't afford (you've mentioned the onset of cataracts—something that, according to my ophthalmologist, I will have to be dealing with soon). But presumably, you have enough income that you don't qualify for Medicaid, otherwise, you'd go ahead and get the care you need.

Let me ask this (you don't need to answer me, because it's none of my business):    will passing a law that requires you and Jack to buy health insurance really enable you to do so? Even with the tentatively promised subsidies?

If so, then good.

But I see this business of mandating that everyone must have insurance, whether they can afford it or not, is primarily a sop to the insurance companies, who have been ripping people off for years and have apparently purchased enough politicians to make sure they can continue to do so.

Nevertheless, as I said, I hope this bill gets passed. It's better than nothing, and at least it's a baby step in the right direction.

Don Firth