I had a stunning realization today. If my family had signed up for an Obamacare insurance plan last year we wouldn’t be able to keep it next year. See, we are a farming family with a fluctuating income. And as with all farm cycles our income for next year will probably be low enough that the government would consider us eligible for Medicaid (if your income goes negative does it really count as income?) And if you have an ACA insurance plan you are required to be on medicaid if your income qualifies you for it. This is further substantiated by this article: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/11/22/obamacare-forcing-people-into-medicaid/ which highlights a couple of examples of people as only being offered medicaid, even a guy who is wealthy enough not to need it. The system is broken. Really it doesn’t matter if you’re a farmer, a small business owner, or someone in a sales job working for commission, there are any number of reasons why your income could fluctuate. If you don’t want to be on government healthcare you shouldn’t be required to. The American people shouldn’t be forced into a one size fits all system, because we thrive on diversity and choice. Our differences make us part of the greater picture and we don’t want to be the same. Thus, we shouldn’t all be forced into the same type of healthcare with only one set of criteria (income).
Let me tell you right now, I don’t want medicaid. Doctors limit the number of medicaid patients they see, it’s hard to find one that will treat you, and your care is sometimes substandard. That’s not what I want. I want quality care at a fair price, I want freedom of choice, and I want my doctor to treat me without asking permission from the government. Samaritan gives me all that and more. I know Medicaid helps people who have no other options. But I don’t think people love being on it and I’m sure they don’t like being forced onto it.
When I had that realization today, I was profoundly grateful that we had found Samaritan Ministries. In fact, it’s quite clear to me how God led us to this. He knew this was coming, He heard our prayers and showed us the world of health care sharing ministries and led us to the one that doesn’t require government assistance. He opened our eyes to see a path outside the “norm” and to find tremendous peace with it. When you have those moments of clarity it really is humbling to know how we are cared for and loved by our Father God. It’s another reminder that God has a plan, and we need to trust it. Even when we can’t see the outcome, there is a much greater plan in place and we are part of it.
Thank you, God, for leading us to such a wonderful health care solution for our family. Amen.