The policy I got was with a good company (I mean, once you actually had a policy), for a reasonable rate. They then exited the individual market in my state. I ended up being shunted to a lower benefit, higher cost policy with a "second tier" company (if that). My premium costs about
tripled in the span of a couple of years.
The Affordable Care Act's full enactment came just in time, for me.
Unfortunately, all legislation consists of two essential components: 1) The law, itself; and 2) funding (the budget process).
Republicans baldly stated, after Obama's election, that their primary, number one objective was to make him a one-term president. Before all else.
Despite its coming out of what was essentially a Republican design, then Governor Romney's health care insurance program in Massachusetts, Republican's went after the Affordable Care Act -- after labeling it "Obamacare" -- with a vengeance.
A primary way they crippled it, was by not providing the funding that was written into the law.
Insurers were given a 2 year time frame in which they could recoup their losses, until new participants' "deferred care" was taken care of and the companies had better demographics and cost projections (actuarial studies) upon which to carry forward.
When they went to the government to be made whole, under this provision, they were paid about 15 cents on the dollar.
So of course, premium costs increased dramatically, plan options became more limited, and companies started to exit the ACA marketplace.
Meanwhile, the Republicans made endless attempts to "repeal" the ACA in one fashion or another. Claiming they had a "better plan", that would provide better coverage at lower cost.
Now, they've had both houses of Congress and the executive for over a year. Still no sign of an actual "plan". Just continuing efforts to destroy the ACA.
So, going forward? No, I don't think this problem of pre-conditions can be considered solved. The party in power keeps trying to reintroduce it.
And I, for one, have no more trust in our society. Maybe I'll find another position that includes an employer-provided group insurance plan. Or a group plan through a professional organization.
If I didn't have various things tying me here right now, including elderly parents, and I had the opportunity, I'd leave the country.
I've always lived modestly. And it seems that is even part of my problem. The U.S., always somewhat hypocritical, is becoming more and more a land of "winners" and "losers".
Just look at our "fearless" leader, using the "L" word -- quite derogatorily -- left and right. If we're supposed to take our cue from our leadership, well then, f-ck this place.