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In October, in November, and into December, he pushed me to
look into my options. I made a few half-hearted attempts to
satisfy him, but I never took it seriously. Fortunately for
me, his motto is, "Persistence beats resistance!" and he
never gave up.
I was born and raised in Flint, Mich. After graduating from
Michigan State University, I was no longer covered by my
parentsī health insurance. The idea of purchasing my own was
nowhere on my radar because I didnīt think I needed it.
Chasing my dreams, I moved to Los Angeles to try on
different careers. I worked with a celebrity stylist,
created a clothing line with my brother, and began acting.
Feeling a spiritual calling to be closer to home, I returned
to Flint and pursued an acting career in the metro Detroit
area. With auditions and bookings so infrequent, I had to
find part-time jobs-including a junior varsity volleyball
coach position.
With all of this uncertainty, my income frequently
fluctuated: one day I was covered under the countyīs health
plan, and the next I was kicked off. Going from insured to
uninsured was exhausting, and I finally gave up. Iīve been
uninsured for most of the past 10 years.
I realize now what a dangerous gamble that time in my life
was. I didnīt think about accidents or illnesses. I didnīt
even think about a benign lump in my right breast that I had
removed years ago under my parentsī insurance. I never
considered what I would have done if a lump had returned.
I was living on the edge, one mishap away from a financial
disaster!
Maybe the concussion knocked some sense into me, but I
finally listened to my dad.
I logged onto Healthcare.gov and enrolled in a Silver plan
that includes dental. And since I qualify for a reduced
premium, the plan costs less than $100 a month.
A burden I didnīt even realize I was carrying was lifted off
of my shoulders!
I received my health insurance card on my motherīs birthday,
January 2. What a great gift to us all! My parents and I now
have the peace of mind knowing that I have affordable,
quality insurance. I can go anywhere and pursue my dreams
because I have the confidence of knowing that I am
covered.
I strongly encourage all young adults to visit the Health
Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov before open
enrollment ends March 31 -even if, like me, you think youīre
invincible. Itīs easy and your options may be cheaper than
you think.
I wonīt say that parents always know best, but I have to
admit that signing up has been a breath of fresh air. Iīm so
glad mine never gave up.
Thanks, Dad!
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