[spintreebob]

Sometimes we forget that there are millions of people, yes millions, who qualify for poverty programs are are too proud to apply for them. Then there are those who qualify and are too lazy to jump through all the hoops. Then there are some who know that they are not good liars.

These people want to obey the law. When Obamacare told them they had to obey the law, they reluctantly signed up for Medicaid. Once they take Medicaid and have lost their pride, then food stamps and other welfare is not far behind.

From the pro-Obamacare perspective, convincing poor people to take what they were eligible for was the biggest victory of Obamacare.

But even now, there are many who resist the navigators. Navigators are constantly holding conferences to discuss how to reach the underserved.

Poor people of Mexican heritage are the single biggest demographic group who are eligible for programs and do not participate.

[Mears]

“When Obamacare told them they had to obey the law, they reluctantly signed up for Medicaid.”

—

They didn’t HAVE to sign up for Medicaid if they signed up for health insurance individually-——and did NOT sign up using the Obamacare exchange. Using the exchange would force them onto Medicaid.

.

[lastchance]

Good points.

[corlorde]

I was part of a program with the VA a few years ago that collected winter jackets for homeless vets in the Maine and NH areas. I met guys who felt guilty for taking a jacket. Some were living in cars that were parked on logging trails in the woods, and didn't want to burden anyone or ask for help. It is sometimes hard to sign these people up for benefits, even basic services like an exam at the VA.