An ACA 'success story' that isn't

A woman who President Barack Obama cited in remarks last month as an example of what Obamacare “is all about” says she is now facing repeated problems with her own enrollment.

Jessica Sanford, a Washington state resident and self-employed court reporter, has received numerous letters from her state’s exchange program notifying her of increased costs to her plan and tax credit miscalculations, according to CNN.


“Wow. You guys really screwed me over,” Sanford wrote on a Facebook post about the Washington state exchange website. “Now I have been priced out and will not be able to afford the plans you offer. But, I get to pay $95 and up for not having health insurance. I am so incredibly disappointed and saddened. You majorly screwed up.”

Sanford, who said the experience has been “like riding a big roller coaster,” also said she felt “embarrassed.”

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“It was a huge disappointment, and especially since my story had been shared by the president,” Sanford said in an interview that aired Tuesday on CNN’s “New Day.” “I just felt really embarrassed.”

Sanford also told CNN that she is “not getting insurance.”

“That’s where it stands right now unless they fix it,” Sanford said.

However, Sanford said she blames the state for her problems, not the White House, adding that she still supports the law.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney was apologetic when asked about Sanford’s case, CNN reported.

“We are certainly sorry as we can be that Jessica is one of the folks that has been affected by this,” Carney said, as quoted by CNN.

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During Oct. 21 remarks in the Rose Garden, Obama read from a letter Sanford wrote, describing the “stress lifted” in dealing with her son’s medication and doctor visits for his ADHD by enrolling in her state’s health care exchange.

“That’s what the Affordable Care Act is all about. The point is, the essence of the law — the health insurance that’s available to people — is working just fine,” Obama said at the time.

But Sanford said she was then notified by the state that a miscalculation in tax credit eligibility meant her monthly coverage costs would increase from $198 to $280. CNN also notes that Sanford initially paid $169, but had switched plans.

Sanford said she was then notified again of a “system error” and given a higher quote. Alternate plans were out of her budget. Yet another letter explained Sanford would receive no federal tax credit to help cover the cost, which she said she had a “good cry” over.

A spokesperson for the Washington state exchange is “looking into” Sanford’s situation, CNN said.