I just had a Cryoplasty in May (or cryo-balloon angioplasty) for some bad stenosis (90 -98% blockage) arterial narrowing in the femoral artery in my right leg.

I have PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) this is an uninsurable ''preexisting condition''. ''Obamacare'' mandated insurance coverage availability for persons with PAD and my insurance is through the State with Federal subsidies. This insurance costs as much as $13,900 a year for one person -- me (premiums, deductibles, co-pays) -- I'm glad I can get it and afford it. What were the alternatives -- pay out of pocket? This is a progressing disease that will reoccur and cost again and again -- ultimately my arteriosclerosis will be fatal but I can still be productive and a taxpayer for maybe 20 more years. Do I deserve to die prematurely? That would be my fate without the medicines I need ($600/mo) and future interventions. My goal in life is to delay becoming fertilizer as long as I can enjoy life and be productive.

The Cryoplasty cost $77,000 ''retail'' the insurance contract price was $32,000 and my out of pocket costs were $2,800. This is for a procedure conscious in a cathlab three hours on an operating table with dilaudid and held overnight in a post op ward for observation.

This illustrates the way medical costs are apportioned most negatively against the uninsured who are, in most cases, the least able to pay.

My leg was improved from exercise, developing collateral circulation so there was no real danger of limb morbidity (gangrene and amputation any longer) but I could not walk more than 8 minutes without pain and cramping. It's better now, I can walk 40 minutes in the grocery store, etc.

So bottom line, Obamacare probably saved my leg. How much is your leg worth to you? Mine is well worth the money I spent and if you are pissed off that your tax dollars were spent to subsidize saving my leg -- fuck you! I have paid my share of taxes for 40 years now ...

As to the original topic that we have strayed far from ... It is interesting that Romney when Governor of Massachusetts enacted ''Romneycare'' some say the model for ''Obamacare" but his selection of Paul Ryan indicates his change of direction or flip flop on the issue -- just like his flip flops on other major issues to conform the extremists viewpoints in his political party. Undoubtedly, RR (Romney/Ryan) will crash and burn in November and to my opinion rightfully so -- they are the true expression of the party of no and what the hell are they ''conserving?'' America must go forward with new ways, as to go back to our not so glorious past is Neanderthal.