redditor captainpixystick explains the Affordable Care Act to you like you're five.
- Bob: Hi, insurance company. I'd like to buy some health insurance.
- Insurance company: No. You had cancer when you were 3 years old, and the cancer could come back. We're not selling you health insurance.
- Bob: It's not my fault I got cancer when I was three! Besides, that was years ago!
- Insurance company: If we sell insurance to you, we'll probably lose money, and we're not doing it.
- Bob: But I need insurance more than anyone! My cancer might come back!
- Insurance company: We don't care. We're not selling you insurance.
- Obama: Hey, that's totally not fair. Bob is right, he does need insurance! Sell Bob some insurance.
- Insurance company: If we have to, I guess.
- Mary: This is cool. Obama said the insurance company has to sell insurance to anyone who needs it.
- Sam: Hey, I have an idea. I'm going to stop paying for health insurance. If I get sick, I can always go buy some insurance then. The insurance company won't be able to say no, because Obama's told them they have to sell it to anyone who needs it!
- Dave: that's a great idea! I'm not paying for health insurance either, at least not until I get sick.
- Insurance company: Hey! If everyone stops paying for insurance, we'll go bankrupt!
- Obama: Oh come on Sam and Dave, that's not fair either.
- Dave: I don't care. It saves me money.
- Obama: Oh for god's sake. Sam, Dave, you have to keep paying for health insurance, and not wait until you're sick. You too, Mary and Bob.
- Mary: But I'm broke! I can't buy insurance! I just don't have any money.
- Obama: Mary, show me your piggy bank. Oh, wow, you really are broke. Ok, tell you what. You still have to buy insurance, but I'll help you pay 95% of the cost.
- Mary: thank you.
- Obama: I need an aspirin.
- Insurance company: We're not paying for that aspirin.
