For the latest application I was required to get updated test results, which were: blood pressure, normal (128/82); blood sugar, outstanding (106 non-fasting); cholesterol, slightly elevated (215/ HDL 58/LDL 122). 215 is the American average cholesterol reading. The HDL and LDL are within normal to good levels.

I am overweight with no other effects other than the above. I just moved my daughter out of college and into an apartment in a large city. I was in good enough shape to haul furniture up and down stairs and in and out of trucks for a week. But that's not good enough for Aetna, apparently.

Oh, I also have been diagnosed since I was a teenager with depression due to a chemical imbalance. This condition is completely treatable with medication. I have not had one day of disability in my entire life due to depression. As a final insult, the fact that I was diagnosed with ADD as an adult was used to deny me. How exactly ADD negatively affects your physical health was not explained.

There you have it: overweight + average cholesterol + treatable depression + treatable ADD = uninsurable. Even though I hardly ever see a doctor, have only been hospitalized once in over 35 years, and have nothing else wrong with me.

I am 54 years old. All things considered, I am in pretty good shape for my age. So why am I such a huge risk as to not be able to get insurance at any price? And if I can't get insurance, imagine how people with worse health are faring.

For everyone who thinks single-payer Medicare for All is a terrible idea, go ahead explain to me what in the hell I'm supposed to do now. And pray you and your loved ones are never placed in my position.