Enroll America, the organization plugging Obamacare, is putting out the name of Chad Henderson of Georgia as one of the first to sign up for a health care policy under the Affordable Care Act. From the Washington Post’s Wonkblog:
He's a student at Chattanooga State University who lives across the state border in Flintstone, Ga. (population: 3,456). He describes himself as a supporter of President Obama who has anxiously awaited Obamacare's rollout.
"I haven't had health insurance for 14 years," Henderson said. "My dad put me on BlueCross BlueShield, but the premiums kept rising, and we dropped it since he wasn't making that much."
Henderson is a part-time worker at a day-care center. He did not qualify for tax credits to purchase health coverage because his income is below the poverty line. Since Georgia is not expanding the Medicaid program, that meant Henderson was essentially responsible for his entire premium.
The Post: So your dad says you haven't purchased health insurance.
Chad Henderson: Here’s my response. Most reporters, I’m not calling anyone out especially you, they haven't had access to the web site. They weren't very clear as to how the process went. Most people have no understanding that it’s a two-step process. One is you fill out an application. It sends you a notification received successfully.
The next step is comparing the prices, comparing all the plans. And that’s when you purchase the plan. I said I enrolled in the marketplace. I never said I chose a specific plan. But the number I gave you, the $175 or $200 or whatever, that is the plan I am choosing. My dad is choosing a different plan. So, enrollment meant that my application was sent and approved. That’s what I meant by enrollment. I have not purchased a specific plan. That’s what’s confusing people.
My dad was right. I have chosen mine. He hasn't chosen his yet.
Looking for something to do this weekend? If you are a beer lover, you might want to check out Hotoberfest 2013 at Historic Fourth Ward Park on North Avenue.
The hunt for a new leader of Atlanta Public Schools has picked up steam, with superintendent candidates being targeted from across the country to replace Erroll Davis, who will retire next year.
Fulton County police have a video clip that shows the face of a man suspected of shooting another beside the pumps at a Chevron gas station early Sunday, but they don’t have a name.
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