Preexisting conditions are a huge issue, though; if the insurance companies dig hard enough (which they do) they can find a reason to deny almost anyone a polic

Preexisting conditions are a huge issue, though; if the insurance companies dig hard enough (which they do) they can find a reason to deny almost anyone a policy. Do you have high blood pressure? High cholesterol? A low-functioning thyroid? Did you see a doctor because you strained your back when you were 19? Does your kid have asthma? No insurance for you! Insurers have been known to dig in much more once you make serious claims trying to find something you didn't initially disclose to them so that they can invalidate your policy after the fact. The bottom line is that the personal health care market is a scary, scary place for a very large number of people, not just people with cancer or heart disease. It's one thing to risk not being able to get coverage, or having your coverage taken away, when it's just you; it's an entirely different deal when you have a family to take care of. If this reform bill is able to really address that concern, it will make it much easier for a lot of people to transition jobs or start off on their own.