Intimidating Kids

Last month, I noted that the coordinated attack against expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) had failed miserably, leaving conservatives desperate.

Who knew how desperate they would get?

Conservative bloggers have begun an intimidation and harassment campaign against 12-year old Graeme Frost and his family, who were in a major car accident severely injuring Graeme and his younger sister Gemma, and have been held up by Democrats as examples of SCHIP's value in protecting the lives of working class kids.

ABC News reports: "According to Senate Democratic aides, some bloggers have made repeated phone calls to the home of 12-year-old Graeme Frost, demanding information about his family's private life." These bloggers have then proceeded to mischaracterize the family's financial situation and attack the parents as irresponsible.

Proper outrage has been expressed by several liberal bloggers, including ThinkProgress, Attytood, Firedoglake, Matt Ortega, All Spin Zone, Whiskey Fire, AmericaBlog, our own Big Con blogger Digby, Eschaton, Petunias, Left in Lowell, Buckeye State Blog, Blogging Out Loud, and Liberty Street.

But beyond the sickening nature of the intimidation campaign, I'm struck by how their attempt to shine a spotlight on the Frosts completely undermines the point they're trying to make.

Michelle Malkin (full disclosure: an old college friend of mine) has been running point for conservative bloggers in attacking the Frosts.

She highlights this post from the conservative Free Republic:

[Graeme's father] has owned his own company "Frostworks", since this marriage announcement in the NY Times in 1992 so he chooses to not give himself insurance. He also employed his wife as "bookkeeper and operations management" prior to her recent 2007 hire at the "medical publishing firm". As her employer, he apparently denied her health insurance as well.

His company, Frostworks, is located at 3701 E BALTIMORE ST. A building that was purchased for $160,000 in 1999...

...maybe Dad should drop his woodworking hobby and get a real job that offers health insurance rather than making people like me ... pay for it in my taxes.

And after she poked around where the Frosts live and work, she approvingly quoted a conservative columnist for the Washington Examiner:

I also passed by the Frosts' rowhouse ... I've seen guesstimates of the house's worth in the $400,000-plus range. Those are high. But Mark Tapscott's point remains: "[P]eople make choices and it's clear the Frosts have made choice to invest in property and a business, but not in private health insurance... ."

These are the same conservatives that insist that they love tax cuts, not because they are cold and selfish, but because it will unleash the entrepreneurial spirit that makes us Americans.

Well, Mr. Frost is an entrepreneur and small business owner.

And the tax cuts for the wealthy did not provide him with the financial security to afford health insurance for himself and his family. Nor did it do anything to reduce the cost of health insurance.

But the family has been able to get by, despite suffering unexpected medical expenses, in part because we have collectively pooled our resources to provide health insurance for millions of kids.

Without SCHIP, the Frosts' entrepreneurial spirit may well have been crushed, literally and figuratively.

This does not concern conservatives.

All of a sudden, their patriotic love of entrepreneurship in pursuit of the American Dream has vanished.

Instead, conservatives are fine with making it a choice between being an entrepreneur and having health insurance for one's family.

Unfortunately for them, most Americans see "choice" differently. We believe everyone should have the choice to blaze their own career path without being forced to put their kids' health at risk.

And the conservative attempt to intimidate a family willing to publicly share their struggles has only served to further spotlight how valuable SCHIP is and how much more good it can do if we override Bush's veto to expand it.

Click here to send a message to your congressperson in support of overriding the veto.

PS: On a lighter note, allow me to re-post the video my organization Campaign for America's Future produced in support of SCHIP.

Conservatives are whining that kids are being put front and center to convey the importance of health insurance for, uh, kids! But conservative congresspeople who vote against kids have no problem posing with kids for the cameras. America's kids are drawing the line, telling conservatives, "No More Photo Ops!"

Follow Bill Scher on Twitter: www.twitter.com/billscher

Comments

[stand]

I have 2 kids and make just a little less than the amount needed to sign my kids up for this schip. My wife and I are actors who just don't make much money in our profession, so I work a job that doesn't pay a whole lot and it doesn't pay insurance at all for my wife and kids. My company covers me and we have found 'catastrophic-type' insurance for my wife and kids. We don’t need to go the doctor often and so it works out okay.

Why don’t I just sign up for the schip? To tell you the truth, I don’t like handouts. I figure that I’m an adult, I should be able to take care of myself. Does this ring true for anyone else? Who wants to be beholden to someone else to take care of them? I would think having the government pay for your wellbeing would chip away at your humanness until there was nothing left. I mean, if you’re poor, you need help to get back on your feet – but once you are on your feet, shouldn’t you want to make it on your own? Pay your own way?

How about a tax break for people who pay for their own health insurance. This would allow me to get better insurance then I have now. This might also drive competition with the stinking insurance companies to offer better and cheaper health coverage. We spend a ton of money in this country for health insurance, we should be able to figure out how to cover everyone without the indignity of having the government to pay for it all.

[Dirtandiron]

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR HARASSING THAT 12 YEAR OLD AND HIS FAMILY! The freepers and bloggers that represent the republic party is nothing but a bunch of trashy thugs.

[Balzac]

To all the Bush-loyalists who've attacked this kid, be warned:

If we find out who you are or where these attacks are originating from, you're going to get exposed for the bullies and cowards you are.

[Lilly06]

Before anyone starts shooting off about spiralling costs of a socialised system, what you find is that countries that offer socialised health care actually end up having lower costs than profit-making based systems like we see in in the US.

We can argue that the quality of healthcare in America as opposed to countries with socilised systems all we want but what are the benefits when the under-insured, uninsured do have access to this health care system. What are the benefits when the middle class literally lose all their life savings just to get life saving heart surgery.

The insurance based system benefits the insurance company shareholders, the rich who can always afford healthcare and the directors who run the companies. This means that the majority of Americans are at the mercy of the dollar just to get life saving treatment.

What a joke. I can't believe anyone would even bother to have an arguement about this. Children should have free healthcare. Bush is incompetent, he's not stupid, he's smart. All his friends and family are making so much money from this presidency.

[BinBaldwin]

Actually the Dems always choose poor examples to parade in front of the public. Reminds me of the poor elderly lady Gore used as an example for prescription drugs. She was wealthy . I do not own a classic 1956 Tbird. Nor Do I donate to Princeton like the boys Grandfather. This family is educated and ANYTHING but poor. And they are the precise reason I AM AGAINST Universal Healthcare.

[MsCanada]

I never cease to be amazed at how mean-spirited, heartless so many Americans are. And damn proud of it, to boot.

I know some fine Americans too. They are ashamed of how low their country has stooped.

[aglhg]

Most of you folks are missing the main point here. Protecting the health and well being of our children is a part of our collective saocial responsibility. And particularly if you are all about the idea that every life is sacred then how about starting by preserving the lives of children already born.

When neo-con pundits don't have a leg to stand on ideologically speaking, which is most of the time, their tactic is divert the discourse from the real issue (sick kids who can't get necessary medical care) to attacking a family for not insuring their own children. Most of the comments against S-CHIP sound like standard neo-con bullshit where you play to extremes like if you fund more kids to get health care you will end up paying for all basic necessities (food, shelter, etc.) First of all, we do provide public assisstance for basic neecessities for the countries poorest people and I don't think this is a bad thing. Second, health care is not the same "good" as food, clothing or shelter. One needs to be in good health to do anything whether it be going to school, working to pay for such "luxury items" as food clothing and shelter. Heck you need to be healthy just to be able to eat solid food and dress yourself.

This idiotic debate about the truthfulness of one family living in Baltimore, MD misses the entire problem. Our completely broken medical care system in this country where insurance companies can refuse to cover people, healthy sick or otherwise so as to ensure profits to their shareholders. This is absolutely disgusting! We need a complete overhaul of our insurance system- require companies to cover everyone who requests insurance at affordable rates as well as government assistance for those who cannot afford insurance in order for people to use preventive health care (instead of emergency rooms) and actually have manageable health care costs in this counrty.

And yes for the record I think good health is and should be a right not a privilege in this country.

[Bladernr1001]

No, you are missing the point. Making an out and out policy announcing that "society" will protect your kid is an invitation to abuse of the system.

So let's see?......­Should I pay for this myself or should I pawn the cost off on somebody else.

This is why medical costs rise faster than inflation. "Insured" costs always escalate faster than general inflation because no one who has insurance really looks at what things cost. Why would you? If you are insured you do not have to worry about it.

I mean, having your checkup covered at the family doctor is like if your auto insurance covered oil changes. Insurance is supposed to cover truly financially castastophic occurances. Private medical insurance that covers everything is bad enough. Government insurance is even worse for controlling costs.

Why did this guy not have insurance for his kid? He was banking on "society" paying for it! Your goofy liberal utopia ideas drove his decision making.

[Bladernr1001]

"And yes for the record I think good health is and should be a right not a privilege in this country."

yea and what about the jackass that eats Mcdanald's 3 times a day and gets a heart attack....­is that his "right" to burden us in that way?!

use logic

[HobbyWizard]

If the cigarette tax actually succeeds in driving down cig usage in this country - saving the nation untold billions in tobacco-related medical costs - I propose we then institute a "McTax" on fast foods to continue the SCHIP on a paygo basis.

How does 15% sound? Then we'd have the Dollar Fifteen Menu - and it'd still be a deal! Are you lovin' it, Bladernr1001, you unctuous piece of work?

LOL @ Bladernr1001

[itmaybetoolate]

Charles Dickens could not have written a better story - mean, grasping, cold hearted villains attacking sick and defenseless children. Malkin is the new Uriah Heep.

[Wilson33]

This is absolutely ridiculous! How has this country turned into a country that pays the way for those of us that make enough money to pay our own bills, etc?

The man lives in a half million dollar rowhome in Baltimore, which is where I live. And he lives in Fells Point/Canton area which is one of the highest real estate markets in the state, if not the highest. He can afford health care, HE CHOSE NOT TO, why should we then have to pay his way? It is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.

And you liberals are shameless in your attacks on those of us against this handout, calling us heartless, selfish, etc. Gimme a break, sorry I don't feel the need to give MY money, which I need, for someone making decent, livable money, with strong assets.

This guy makes more and has more assets than me and I pay for my insurance!!!

[klmebane]

The man lives in a half million dollar rowhome

----

which they paid only 55k for when they bought it when the neighborhood was very unsafe.

He can afford health care, HE CHOSE NOT TO

-----

actually, he couldn't even afford healthcare for just himself, let alone 4 people. they don't make more than 50k a year and he doesn't have any of those sweet tax breaks.

you pay for your insurance?? i wish i could do that. it would cost me over 600/month just for myself. must be nice to have that laying around after rent car note/insurance, groceries, prescriptions, utility bills, property taxes (if you are lucky enough to even own property), phone and/or internet service, personal upkeep, and all the things it takes to keep a home running as smoothly as possible.

so yeah, you are selfish. because u are willing to let your taxes go to failing programs (like abstinance education) but not to help people who really can't afford the disgusting price of healthcare. if we had a single-payer system everyones taxes would pay for everyones healthcare and everyone would benefit from it.

why aren't you as angry about the health insurance company's raping you and then taking your wallet? why are you willing to condemn children to death because of some assumption that 50k is enough to live on in this country with a family of 4? how much do you make a year?

you couldn't possibly be pro-life. cuz a pro-lifer would support policies that keep the nation healthy, not completely change the subject and talk about something unrelated so they don't have to answer the question "why are conservatives such selfish assholes?" maybe they just aren't struggling. or maybe their too stupid to see that the neoconservative agenda doesn't help them, anymore than it helps the poor and working class.

[lisakaz]

I guess some posters expect this guy to sell his house and move in order to buy health insurance. Works for them, after all!

I saw similar problems with a family I knew (I used to date a son). Man had his own business and a house probability valued similarly. Yet he built the house for his family long before it had become home to 2000+ sq ft homes with 3 garages. I know that for years they didn't/couldn't insure their own sons who worked in the family business. Overhead, etc. ate up a lot. The Frosts sound like a younger version. In a lot of ways they're a working class family who had affluence grow around them. By their income SCHIP provided care. Would these right wing loons prefer that the Frosts had no insurance and a kid or kids died.

Family values, eh?

[Wilson33]

And all of you bleeding hearts have completely missed the entire deal on this kid. HE WAS ALREADY COVERED IN THE PROGRAM THE WAY IT IS NOW!!! The program worked the way it is, without expanding it to 25 year olds who lived in a house with an income of $83K.

The program worked, it covered your poster child and does not need to be expanded any more than it already is.

Since when did all of you liberals get the idea that the government is there to bail you out? I mean seriously, this whole entitlement thing has gotten truly out of hand. Where does it end?

[Conservativeslayer]

They bought their home 16 years ago for 55,000. They didn't pay half a million for their home. They have 4 kids and combined income of around 45 thousand. The one daughter has brain damage from the auto accident. Since that's a pre-existing condition, do you think insurance will even cover her?

[itburnswhenip]

What we don't understand is why this "hand-out" bothers you so much, but handouts to Blackwater, et al for 100 times more does not bother you. We don't get why you are so adamant about the sanctity of life at conception when discussing abortion, yet so flippant about the lives of children living outside the womb who are at risk. We don't get why you are so tight with your money here, but don't care about $500,000,000 spent so far on Iraq. Why you don't care about the largess in Iraq with no-bid contracts handed out to cronies with no experience.

Most absurdly, you assume that being insured means being covered. Bad assumption. It means you have to fight your way through a mountain of red tape, denials, and perhaps ultimately no coverage despite paying for it.

I tried to buy insurance 5 years ago, and was refused because I had no medical history. That's right, I was too healthy for that insurance company. I am 42, exercise regularly, eat a very healthy diet, as do my wife and kids. Our total medical expenses the past 5 years is around $3,000, and that includes a skiing incident. I would have spent $12,000 for insurance that would have covered nothing b/c of the deductible. I'd have better odds in Vegas.

[RabbiOmar]

Even if true, why should that child suffer? Besides, Wilson33, do you smoke cigarettes? If not, it wouldn't come from your money and if you do smoke cigarettes, all us non-smokers pay for your vice. IS THE TOBACCO LOBBY BEHIND THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST SCHIP?

[mae692]

how much do you pay for insurance? What I mean is this, are you buying insurance as an individual or is your insurance subsidized by your employer? That makes a big difference in the cost.

Also, they live in Patterson Park, not Fells Point/Canton and the house is worth more like 350K.

You conservatives are such shameless liars, about stuff that can be checked in 5 minutes.

[Wilson33]

Yeah, OK, I live in Baltimore but don't know anything about the housing market. Even so, this guy has a 350K house. He can't take out a loan against the home to pay for insurance? He can't figure it into his business budget and plan for it? He can't sell his business and get a job that has insurance? These are all options he has, options he has before he dips into my pocket to bail him out.

This is not mean, this is called being responsible and taking care of your family before asking for a handout. You do what you have to do to survive. No one said it was going to be easy.

[visadeclined]

Who would Jesus insure?

[TuffPosh]

Of course, this never would have happened if the Dems hadn't tried to hide behind a 12-year-old and the family hadn't agreed. When the Dems and the family agreed to that, they made their situation a public issue.

As for them getting phone calls, if there's any evidence of actual "intimidation" point it out. Otherwise, it sounds like attempts at reporting. Our host might want to do some research into what reporters do.

[Bill Scher - Huffpost Blogger]

Reporting involves objective assessment and the dissemination of factual information. Harassing a family with calls at home, followed by wild, baseless speculation to fit a preconceived notion, is not reporting.

[lisakaz]

Do you think there is a better spokesman for the program than someone helped by it? That's what apparently cannot be tolerated. Or are you a complete Scrooge?

[rwt1138]

That is really an excellent, well thought out point you make. I'm sure we'd all like to know more about you, what's your phone number?

[itburnswhenip]

The kids didn't choose not to have insurance, their parents did. Since life starts at conception according to Right Wing philosophy, then forget the shortcomings of the parents. Otherwise, abortion should be legal because those dang parents chose to engage in risky sex.

Also, why do we have to pay for your war if you don't want to pay for the insurance we believe in? I'll gladly trade: all Rightwingers pay for Iraq, all Leftwingers pay for SCHIP. Deal?

[only1Demvoter]

itburnswhenip : Hear! Hear!!

* This post wins the award for most lucid argument in The Debate ( in my book ).

Rethugs : By YOUR logic ( sic ) : Since you do not agree with it... You shouldn't have to finance it !

Occupation's over folks ! Start bringing the Troops home... Over 70 % of Americans are against financing the occupation of Iraq any further.

Remember..­. The Rethugs laid down the ' ground rules ' here. The rest of us will see to the funding of SCHIP. We'll even show the Rethugs kids the compassion their parents lack, by insuring them too ( It's NOT the kid's fault their Rethug parents are morally bankrupt, bereft of integrity, and vision towards this nation's future... ).

SPIN THAT Trolls !!

More to follow. -ralph

[research]

Did ya notice the Repugs have Projected our attack already:

CNN: "Ads target Republicans in children's health insurance veto fight"

alot like yesterdays: Huff: GOP attacks Kids...

[theroc5156]

Sure, Tubby. Tax-provided medical insurance. What a great idea. Tax those who already have insurance and keep themselves in shape while fatties like you continuously go to the doctor's office in response to the unhealthy lifestyle you lead.

As fo the Frosts, hey, they chose not to pay for health insurance. They apparently could afford it. Taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for Mr. Frost's (rightful)choice of employment.

Working a job you love and getting lots of money for it to afford things is not a right. You want to earn money doing a hobby or doing something you love, go for it. Just don't expect the public to subsidize the shortfall of money you make to pay for necessities.

[Iago]

theroc5156:
You do have a point over taxpayers money. I really don't appreciate my tax dollars, which are considerable, to go to supporting a war. Why should the public be expected to subidize a war of someone else's chosing. Makes no sense to me.

But I'd love for my tax dollars to go to subsidizing health care for everyone then everyone can have the freedom to keep their homes, businesses and retirement funds when accidents and bad health intrudes. In fact, I would love it if my tax dollars went to subsidize health care for all then employers could be free to use all their funds to improve their businesses and/or increase profit.

Fat people, thin people, everyone gets sick sometime. Your turn will come.

[scooperss]

And you have a better point. Why shouldn't people get to choose where their tax money goes? Let the ones who want war, fund it.

[klmebane]

thank you!!!

you should also remind that blogger that there is a link between poverty and obesity. fat doesn't mean they eat too much, it means they eat bad stuff. if 3 bucks a meal at mcdonalds is all they can afford how would you expect them to not get fat? they can't afford the healthy foods that would help their metabolism.

and while it isn't a right to get paid lots of money, there is the right to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. the right to life is kinda hard if you're sick and can't afford to go to a doctor.

i love how conservatives who know nothing about people will say "they chose not to have health care." are you fucking kidding me? no responsible parent would choose not to have healthcare. but if they couldn't pay for it they wouldn't have another choice.

they have never tried to live on minimum wage. and it shows. they are trust fund babies, and that shows too, because otherwise they would be able to comprehend all the financial obligations that adults have and that a small income will only go so far.

[CAvoter]

Why don't we have universal coverage? Then all the whiners out there could stop complaining about how THEY pay for their own insurance -- which, for the record, I too must do-- while others are on the public dole. Big business would get a big break and be more competitive in the world markets. People could change jobs or start their own businesses as they choose. What more sensible way to spend tax dollars than on health care for all? Much more savy than spending our tax dollars supporting a war which doesn't benefit anyone -- unless you're Halliburton, Blackwater or Chevron.

[LightningJoe]

Funny, though, how "featured" comments on Malkin's site are now pointing out that the Frosts own a $400,000 home (That's NOT an expensive home in Baltimore), and are saying that making payments on such a home means "they can afford" health insurance for the whole family.

How does that follow? Making payments means you are poorer, not richer. Would they rather the Frosts rented? MORE expense. Smaller home? Six kids.

Also, strangely, they have many references to the building the Frost's business "is located at" that "was purchased for $160,000 in 1999."

No flag here, beside my deep distrust of the Reich-Wing tendency to twist things their way. Does Frost OWN the building is the question, or does he just lease a space, which is another large expense for him if he does. Their implication, since they bring it up at all, is that he does own it ( == therefore he's rich):

"One has to wonder that if time and money can be found to remodel a home, send kids to exclusive private schools, purchase commercial property and run your own business…"

The kids get a scholarship, which brings the cost down to $500 (times two kids) per year, rather than the blathering "$20,000" the Riechers quote.

Frost is obviously a struggling entrepreneur, the kind the Reich-Wing says they like. So now they're eating their own?

He's trying to make it as a small businessman, and times are tight. The implied alternative, of selling the house or the business location (maybe he could work out of a van?) so that he could afford private insurance rates, is brainless. Cutting back either home or business means either more outlay or less income. How is that a solution?

[mae692]

Over at FreeRepublic they posted a link to the tax records on the house. The house was purchased for 53K so the Frosts are making payments on a 52K mortgage, not a 400K mortgage. If the dad is a carpenter/­woodworker he can probably remodel a kitchen pretty cheaply. He probably went to the Loading Dock, it's not far away http://loadingdock.org//)
You can build a house with what people throw away. (true that!)

[kasa5400]

Income around $45,000. Verified by Welfare Office.

House purchased years ago for $55,000.

Attempt at self-employment back in 1999 and business closed.

Parents had rekection letters from 3 insurers because one or more of the family have pre-existing conditions.

[HobbyWizard]

What I found interesting about Malkin's "undercover" investigation is how little she could dredge up to paint the Frosts as well-off entitlement seekers. The business property she admits is modest, the tenant reports Mr. Frost is "struggling" the $400k guestimates on their row house are "high"....

But "neverthel­ess"...in spite of all visual evidence that these people are merely like most of us - working class, getting by, but not much more - she opines it was their choice to not obtain vastly more expensive private insurance out in the grand Free Market. And dammit, they shouldn't have a house or a business - sell them to pay the premiums and get a real job, mister!!! You tell 'em, Michelle.

What a pathetic attempt to demonize these ordinary people. And it's a stupid attempt, too; 90% of America will see the Frost family for what they are, hardworking and smart. But not surprisingly, the neandercons are completely oblivious. They actually think they're on to something.­...

Sure, go right ahead, neandercons, and bash a family for the sins of being homeowners and enrolling two of their children in a great private school on nearly full scholarships. That'll win you love.

Real monsters, those Fosters.

[research]

If ya got your health, ya got just about everything­...but you house, your bank account, your job, maybe your family. "Hey that's life" say the Neocon thieves, we stole enough to get good insurance! Oh and congress: How dare you tell us we don't get good insurance when you have the best insurance in the world just for being in congress!

[rwoodsathome]

HobbyWizard,

When did the 'typical working class family' begin to send their children to private school - scholarships or not?

I don't know if you have children in school or not, but even with scholarships there are the uniforms, lab fees, fund raisers. I'm sure there's another $500+ above their discounted tuition. The total would more than cover private insurance.

I don't know about your state, but where I live there a lower middle-class parents who don't own commercial property, live in a 3,000 sq ft home worth well more than the $55K purchase price, that need this benefit. In reality, the Frost family is stealing from the truly needy when they could very well take care of themselves without assistance. In my book, the Frost family would be at the end of the line for assistance.

By using a family like the Frosts, whose kids go to private school (irregardless of who is paying for it) and have all those other assets, they are telling us that they are expanding this program well beyond it's intended target. And on top of that the are willing to tax the poor smokers in MS, AL, and AK to pay for it! Shameful!

If Maryland thinks their citizens, with all of the assets of the Frost family, need assistance then Maryland should tax it's own citizens to pay for it - but leave my tax money to assist the truly needy.

[HobbyWizard]

rwoodsathome,

I didn't specify that sending one's children to a great school on scholarship was "typical." Indeed, I suspect the Frosts care deeply about their children and showed a great deal of initiative to find and enroll their kids at a quality school that offers scholarships.

Similarly, they discovered MD's CHIP program and enrolled their children in that, too. They qualified. Not by stealing from the "truly poor" - SCHIP isn't a program for the truly poor. That would be Medicaid. Please, stay on point, folks. SCHIP is a subsidy for working families who can't keep up with spiraling health care costs. The Frosts are in the sub-200% poverty bracket for a family of six. They are the *current* program's target beneficiaries.

It's a line of bull that the bi-partisan congressional plan steals from the poor or in any way deprives them in favor of higher income families. It *is* a fact that Bush's proposed increase is insufficient to cover the current nubmer of enrollees in future years.

I would just like one of the critics of the congressional SCHIP proposal to say straight out that a family like the Frosts should have to sell their home and all their assets to pay for their premiums, that they should impoverish themselves *before* applying for subsidies. If you really believe that, then don't be afraid of how callous and insensible you'll sound to the rest of us

[kasa5400]

. I'm sure there's another $500+ above their discounted tuition. The total would more than cover private insurance.



IN what century?????!!!!!

That wouldn't even cover one month's premium! Try more like $800 -900 a month with a $5000 deductible.

You have obviously never prchased non-group coverage.

Parents produced the letters showing that 3 insurers turned them down because of 'pre-existing' conditions in the family. That is called "uninsurable" at any price.

[Wilson33]

Um, someone smart would have had health insurance for his kids.

And the 400K estimate in his neighborhood is not high, it is actally low, I live in Baltimore, I know exactly where they live and it is one of the highest real estate markets in the state of MD.

I could not afford to live where they live, therefore, I live in the ghetto, but at least I have health insurance.

[ImmanuelGoldstein]

The available evidence is that they paid $55K for the house which is damn low these days.
And if you live in any kind of ghetto I'm familiar with you have minimal crappy, employer health insurance that wouldn't begin to pay for their kinds of bills.