After I graduated last spring from college, my possibilities of what I could do where almost endless. I dreamed of driving out west, exploring, helping out on some of the presidential campaigns. I almost did all of those things – except for one problem – health insurance.

When I was intern for the NYS Assembly, I had health insurance through the NYSHIP program and the Empire Plan. That coverage lasted until the middle of July when it ran out after 28-days from completing my internship. I had the choice of paying $535/month for continuation of coverage through COBRA or drop insurance cover altogether. I chose the later, knowing full-well the risk I was taking.

Right out of college, I spent some time searching for a job. I was hoping to work for the Assembly, not only because that was field that I was familiar with, but also because working for the state I knew I could get good insurance coverage. I ended up taking a temporary position with Sargent and Blais, and working through most of the end of the summer and into fall of this year. I tossed my name around a few places, but nothing seemed to come up.

The temporary position paid well, and I enjoyed what I was doing. I even thought that this might eventually become a permanent position with benefits – most importantly health insurance. I was however looking at other alternatives, including going out west to explore and volunteer for the John Edwards for President race. I started making serious plans for the later.

I might have left in a few weeks to head out west with my pickup truck. Indeed, I had over $4,000 in cash in the bank, and over $7,000 in investments I could tap for this great exploration in my life. If only there had been a way for me to get health insurance at a reasonable price, and take this break off to explore. Then I got a phone call.

The call was from Assembly Communication Services. I probably wouldn’t have taken the position, but I really needed a job with benefits, particularly low-cost health insurance in case of an emergency. I had such hopes, and such dreams, that I had to give up for a seat at a cubical on the 18th floor of the Alfred E. Smith Office Building. I might have turned them down, and to think where I might have been by now. But I didn’t.

Three weeks ago my health insurance started. I am happy about that as it will protect me in case of an emergency, and provide preventive care as necessary. Yet, I blame, in part, my desire for a ticket to medical bureaucracy, from keeping me from going out west. Maybe my plans where not realistic, but I somehow feel powers beyond me kept me at least from getting to part of my dreams.