I'll start by saying that I feel very, very badly for anyone that doesn't have health insurance. I do know how that feels. I don't want to rub it in anyone's face, but I do want to vent a little.
So, in Oklahoma, believe it or not, we have state subsidized health insurance for those people who make below a certain, mandated, amount of money. Last year, my husband qualified for it, based upon his, and my income. Even though I have my own insurance, both of our incomes are calculated into the equation.

Anyway, fast-forward to this year. My husband is an unknown "dog whisperer." He's no Cesar Millan, in that he doesn't believe that what he does is special. He works at a dog daycare facility, but has a reputation as being one of the best dog people in the area. He has many, many clients who wouldn't bring their dogs to the facility if he didn't work there. That doesn't matter, because he doesn't have employer sponsered insurance; his boss won't spring for it, even though the state pays a portion of it. So, last year, he applied for the Oklahoma insurance. We qualified. It's good for a year, and it's good for the basics. But you must re-apply each year. I did his re-application this year, and lo and behold, we were denied because we made too much money. My husband got a $.50 raise in January (because he'd have quit otherwise). This is what caused us to make too much money. We make about $34K per year-I'm a grad student. I make just above poverty wages, and I only get paid 9 months of the year. Again, I realize I'm very lucky...this is just my situation. Please don't vilify me for it. I grew up desperately poor, so I sure as shit know what it's like to be worse off.

My husband, as of April 1, will have no health insurance. He is 36. Adult onset Diabetes is hereditary in his family, but luckily, he's in phenomenal shape. Strokes are also prevalent (his brother had one at 38). He's a mountain/road biker. I will not let him ride until he gets new insurance...which may not be until I graduate and get a job or he changes jobs.

Fuck the Democrats and Republicans who have stalled, stymied, blocked and lied. I would give up my US citizenship, unapologetically, to assure that the love of my life has insurance.