The cost to keep coverage

Brandi Guinn of Hampton was five months pregnant when she lost her job - and her health insurance.

[Poq Mom]

I think that this is a good idea - helping people who lost their jobs "through no fault of their own" be able to afford health insurance for their families at a reduced cost, for a limited time. It is not a long term handout, and it is not free. My only issue with the first woman discussed in this article is that she is planning to start a "Yard Art" business, which will open in April. What is a yard art business? Will she be able to afford insurance as a small business owner (doubt it)? And what will this woman do once the 9 months of reduced COBRA insurance premiums are up if she is starting her own business? The article stated that her husband's insurance doesn't cover the kids...so unless I am missing something, she is back to square one.

[Red Baron]

We often see the word "affordable." What is the definition of "affordable"? Too often, it seems to be "free."

[Molly Pitcher]

"Demand is so great, the average time that patients have to wait for an appointment at a Virginia clinic is three to four weeks, Markwith said."

Wait a minute...haven't I heard this before? Oh yes, the reports about the wonderful health care you get in Canada and Britain. So instead of just the free clinic having this problem, we all will be subject to this under B. Hussein Obama's health care "overhaul".

Thanks a lot, all you useful idiots who voted for Obama, and you ignorant people who didn't think McCain was good enough. Thanks a lot.

[josiah p]

something that can still be affordable after cell phones, computers, tvs, large homes, fancy meals, nails and hair done, fashion clothing, vacation trips, big cars, etc, etc, etc.

[Ummmm]

Cobra is not worth your money. I had it when I waited tables. They charge you out the ass and barely cover anything. You're better off saving your $$ and then using it if you have to go to the doctor. Even if you end up having to go to the hospital, they don't make you pay everything up front. You can get on payment plans.

[American]

Just don't expect other hard working taxpayers to pay any of it. That is your responsibility. Get rid of the cell phones, cable tv, big vehicle and mega-house you couldn't afford to start with.

[hannelore reed]

it does not matter who we voted for,we should have a system,where a person can pay for insurance and is covered.The Gov.you talk about"CAPITALISM"is this,MONEY taks.

Molly Pitcher wrote:

"Demand is so great, the average time that patients have to wait for an appointment at a Virginia clinic is three to four weeks, Markwith said."
Wait a minute...haven't I heard this before? Oh yes, the reports about the wonderful health care you get in Canada and Britain. So instead of just the free clinic having this problem, we all will be subject to this under B. Hussein Obama's health care "overhaul".
Thanks a lot, all you useful idiots who voted for Obama, and you ignorant people who didn't think McCain was good enough. Thanks a lot.

[Walther]

"American" is 100% right. If you can't pay for your own health care,,that's just too bad. Get rid of the cell phone. Get rid of the BMW. Get rid of the cable TV and then tell me you don't have any money. Freakin losers. It's not my job to pay for Tawanna's bastard children.

[Just Asking]

Walther wrote:

"American" is 100% right. If you can't pay for your own health care,,that's just too bad. Get rid of the cell phone. Get rid of the BMW. Get rid of the cable TV and then tell me you don't have any money. Freakin losers. It's not my job to pay for Tawanna's **** children.

Who's job is it to pay for your expensive psychiatric medicine that you're obviously not taking? Just another rant from a old salt.

[Poq Mom]

Walther wrote:

"American" is 100% right. If you can't pay for your own health care,,that's just too bad. Get rid of the cell phone. Get rid of the BMW. Get rid of the cable TV and then tell me you don't have any money. Freakin losers. It's not my job to pay for Tawanna's **** children.

Don't assume that everyone that cannot afford COBRA has all of these frivolous expenses. There are plenty of people who have lost their jobs and are struggling to keep health insurance for their kids...and DON'T have BMWs, cable TV, etc.

[va_native]

Im sure glad I dont live in Newport News- sounds like a bunch of narrow minded 'people' live there. anyone who thinks they should determine benefits based on name, race, religion, should take a better look at their calendar - what century are you living in?