Perhaps someone can help me out here. I really haven't spent much time looking at this, but wonder how in the end it will effect me. Right now My income is down, but typically I make around $60,000 -$65,000gross with a net of about $45,000 to $50,000. Typically I might qualify for some reductions, but for the most part my income is right at or above the crux. The only insurance available for my family ran about $1800 a month. I suspect it is now closer to $2,000. If I were to pay this, my left over income will be around $25,000 to $30000, which will make me close or below the federal proverty level. I know the best answer is to make more, but right now thats hard to do. Even if I kick my net to $65,000, I still will qualify for reduced lunches and would barely above the proverty level.

My guess is that I will end up paying a $500 penalty.

I fail to see how people expect someone like McDonalds, with a hourly rate of $9.00 to pay $1000 a month extra and think it could effect our economy.