Real Texans Continue Looking for Coverage in the Marketplace

We continue to talk with Texans who are looking for health coverage in the Marketplace. Read their stories below, and check out more on our Lets Enroll Texas tumblr. The deadline to enroll for coverage that will begin Jan. 1 is Dec 23rd. Find out more about your options online at Healthcare.gov or find local, in-person help to learn more.

Name: Guy Singer

Occupation: Unemployed

Why is having health care important to you?

Health insurance is important to have to not go bankrupt. It’s also all of our responsibilities to have insurance. We cannot rely on the ER as a line of defense. The emergency room is not a health care room, it is not for getting a physical.

How did it feel to learn about the new health care options available to you?

I’m looking forward to getting health care for my son and me. At my old job, I was paying $700 a month with a $7,000 deductible for my kid and me. I felt screwed over by the insurance companies. So when I heard about Obamacare, I knew I’d try to sign up.

Getting covered means: peace of mind.

Name: Einestein Escalona

Occupation: Restaurant Cook

Why is having health care important to you?

Having health care is very important for the future, if any problems arise. I work in Austin, but live in Cedar Park, and it’s possible I could get in an accident when commuting. I’m also getting older, and getting health insurance is a responsibility I take seriously.

How did it feel to learn about the new health care options available to you?

I didn’t know what to expect, so I was very happy to know I could get good benefits at an affordable cost. I signed up for a silver plan that will cost me $36 a month with a $900 deductible. Other people I work with are paying for private health insurance plans right now that cost more and don’t cover as much.

Getting covered means: a portal to a better future, security in life, being responsible for myself.

Name: Vincent Lu

Occupation: Musician

Why is having health care important to you?

It’s important for me to have for annual check-ups and in case of an emergency. Since I’m a musician, I tour a lot, and if I were to get in an accident on the road, I’d have to face piles of debt without insurance.

How did it feel to learn about the new health care options available to you?

I feel a lot more informed. There’s no reason not to learn more about the options that are out there. I also feel better because I know it will give my mom peace of mind.

Getting covered means: having a safety net.

Cross-posted from Lets Enroll TX tumblr.