Jack Leet, 27, of Farmingdale coaches junior varsity soccer at Hall-Dale High School and works part-time for a general contractor. He said he makes about $17,000 a year at his two jobs, and he’s been without health insurance since he turned 26 last year and could no longer remain on his parents’ plan.
Leet worked in grounds and maintenance for the city of Augusta until two months ago, but he said he couldn’t get insurance through the city because he was considered seasonal.
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He would like to buy health insurance off the marketplace through the Affordable Care Act, but like many others, said he doesn’t know much about the law. He said he thinks the Obama administration could have done a better job advertising and explaining the law.
According to a calculator created by the Kaiser Family Foundation, with a $17,000 annual income Leet would qualify for a subsidy. He’d be paying an estimated premium of $67 a month to $365 a month, depending on what type of plan he chose. Leet hasn’t needed health insurance since losing it, but he said he’s worried his active lifestyle could lead to an injury that would require a costly trip to the hospital.
“I’m good for a hospital visit one or two times a year — sprained ankles, broken bones or just getting sick,” Leet said.
Last winter he went snowboarding less because of concerns he could end up injured. He said he’s also more cautious when playing in adult softball and basketball leagues because he doesn’t have insurance.
“You don’t realize how important it is until you’re sitting there with a broken arm,” Leet said.
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