I made a comment in a diary a few days ago, which got lots of rec's, which surprised me. Then I realized that before that moment, I hadn't considered the thought either.
Besides so many more Americans now being able to afford healthcare, there are other benefits that need more attention.
I could have titled this diary "What Do You Plan to Spend Your Healthcare Savings On?"
For many, being able to finally afford health insurance, will mean that they can stop worrying so much about getting sick. They can put their time and thoughts into other endeavors. They can now afford to get PREVENTATIVE care, so as to KEEP themselves healthy, as well.
In other words, a sense of relief that they were just one illness away from bankruptcy.
For others, saving $300/month on their health insurance bill, will merely mean not going any further into debt. They will be able to start the long, slow climb out of credit card debt, to be able to pay back their friends or family money they had to borrow just to try to stay healthy.
In other words, lifting the burden of debt for millions of Americans.
For still others, it means that some of the money they were sinking into health insurance premiums will be left over each month to spend on other things.
And, besides more and better jobs, spending money on other things, is exactly what an economic recovery looks like. Goods. Services. Vacations. Buying a new car rather than sinking money into your old junker. Being able to AFFORD a car payment!! Just dining out once per week will be a HUGE boost to the restaurant industry.
And I'm not just talking about employees being healthier and richer. I'm talking about employers saving money on THEIR premiums as well. Thus untying funds to possibly hire more workers. Or give raises to those already there.
I've saved this last benefit for last, because it's probably the least mentioned.
When you have a job that GIVES you health insurance as a benefit, you think you're all set. Until you realize that losing that job means losing that benefit, and having to pay $600 to $2000/month on COBRA coverage. Or worse, no insurance at all. Which means you might put up with more than you want to at your job. Which (I can attest to, personally) means a lowering of self-respect for compromising on your ethics, for fear of medical bankruptcy.
One way corporations keep their thumbs on their workers, is through threat of being thrown onto the street with nothing. No income. No occupation. No health insurance.
So, I dedicate this diary, as well, to all the wage-slaves out there who can now stand on firmer ground at the workplace. The stranglehold over the workforce has now been loosened. And this might be one of the biggest reasons the fight against the ACA is so violent and unrelenting.
The workers will gain some leverage over this. They'll feel more empowered. And maybe do more for the Democratic Party (the party that GAVE them the ACA), as well.
Perhaps even give a few of their saved dollars to a candidate?
The possibilities are positively empowering.