Lisa D.

December 2022-January of 2023 healthcare got changed 6 or 7 times due to the constant harassment of calls from the Market Place. I was not aware of all these changes and what was going on until later. I found out from a BCBS representative that the Market Place is a call center with a commission base. It was better to get a BCBS or Healthcare company broker as a representative. Then December 2023. I was sold a United Healthcare plan with a higher amount of deductible and out-of-pocket. I was on the BCBS Gold Plan. Then I am put on another BCBS Plan with a higher everything for January 2024. I changed my United Healthcare Plan to no deductible, no out of pocket, and no premium but higher co-pays/specialty pay for February 2024. Meanwhile, I am constantly being harassed by the Market Place 30+ calls daily.

2023 I started a new monthly small pension and continued full-time employment. I provided this information of my hourly wage, hours worked, and net pension (my pension-$10.00 taken out for Federal). 2024 taxes show I now owe $1,500.00 for the Market Place. My rent went up $375.00 now almost 1/2 my income. So I opted to pay a 20% penalty a year by making payments to the IRS. My credit card interest is now 29% monthly more than 20% for penalties from the IRS yearly.

I canceled all my insurance and opted for free community health clinics. I am 64 and Medicare is around the corner. I will be forced to take Medicare or pay penalties for life. Medicare is not affordable either $175.00 a month. Social Security age is now 67. WTF. I am already living in low housing and cannot afford this! I have been on the Section-8 waiting list now for 3 years. Healthcare is for the poor and well-to-do NOT the in-between income. I have never made a $50,000 annual income. Teachers make more money than I do. I just help the elderly in healthcare. I cannot even donate money and I continue to go to food pantries. Our country needs an overhaul.