Health plan failure brings dread for Obamacare beneficiaries

In this July 26, 2016, photo taken by Zoe Chandra, Alison Chandra and her son, Ethan, 3, both of Middlesex, N.J., pose for a photo in Middlesex. Ethan suffers from heterotaxy syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes organs to form incorrectly or in the wrong place. Their story drew attention in June 2017 when Chandra shared a photo of a hospital bill for Ethan's latest heart surgery. The charges added up to more than $230,000 but Chandra owed only $500 after insurance. (Zoe Chandra via AP) In this July 26, 2016, photo taken by Zoe Chandra, Alison Chandra and her son, Ethan, 3, both of Middlesex, N.J., pose for a photo in Middlesex. Ethan suffers from heterotaxy syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes organs to form incorrectly or in the wrong place. Their story drew attention in June 2017 when Chandra shared a photo of a hospital bill for Ethan's latest heart surgery. The charges added up to more than $230,000 but Chandra owed only $500 after insurance. (Zoe Chandra via AP)

By Associated Press July 19, 2017 5 min read

DENVER – One American was able to afford her toddler’s latest heart operation. Another had the means to go back to college to pursue her dreams.

They and thousands of others were able to do so as beneficiaries of President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. And while Republicans in Congress failed this week to craft a new health care plan, they did succeed in shaking the confidence of those who rely on the act the most. President Donald Trump’s “Let Obamacare fail” remark Tuesday did nothing to assuage their fears.

Here’s a snapshot of their concerns from around the country:

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‘THE WIND KNOCKED OUT OF ME’