Dallas Morning News | The Health Care Puzzle: Arlington Amputee Isn’t Hopeful That He Can Find A Plan

Five months ago, Michael Orlie could barely afford his family’s monthly health insurance premiums, debating at month’s end what he should pay first: the mortgage or healthcare bill.

Now, he needs a new socket for his prosthetic leg. And it’s going to cost $13,000. That’s because the Arlington native has an out-of-network prosthetist — the same doctor he’s seen for 20 years.

Lately, Orlie has been getting into better shape. He lost 20 pounds, but that’s created a problem.

The socket for his prosthesis no longer fits.

“It’s gotten to the point where I’m losing suction, so the leg just wants to fall off constantly,” he said.

Recently, due to an accidental missed payment, Orlie was temporarily kicked off his Scott & White insurance plan. The 46-year-old cancer survivor needs insurance, so immediately, he signed up for Medi-Share, a Christian-based insurance co-op.

Just like his private plan, it will cost $13,000 for the new socket under Orlie’s new insurance. Unlike his private plan, Medi-Share does not have prescription coverage. But after calculating the costs of each option, Orlie is saving money under Medi-Share — with similar coverage.

Orlie voted for Donald Trump, expecting a repeal and replace of the Affordable Care Act. Since then, he’s been frustrated that the government hasn’t been able to compromise.

Now, he needs that socket. Come November, he’ll start shopping again for another plan, but doubts he’ll find an affordable plan that covers all his needs.

“I don’t have much hope.”

Read more at The Health Care Puzzle: Arlington Amputee Isn’t Hopeful That He Can Find A Plan.