The plural of “anecdote” is not “data”. While the gentleman you talked to certainly has a problem that needs to be dealt with, a complete overhaul of the country’s health care insurance system for everyone is not the way to deal with it. The data shows that folks just aren’t signing up for one of the major points of the bill; to insure the uninsurable. It’s not working, for a myriad of reasons, some mentioned by McArdle and indeed one reason mentioned by you.

What is your definition of “success”?

And thus the money is being spent elsewhere, which is what government does; don’t save it, spend it. Given the track record of increased taxes and lower levels of service (especially for those that really need the service, like that gentleman), you’ll be pining for the days of only 20% increases.

Today we’re trying to find someone who can get around that issue in anticipation of the new law — but you know what? It’s not easy. Try to find how you can take advantage of the Obamacare provision today, will you?

Under these circumstances, I’m astounded that anyone was able to sign up.

Obamacare failure? Hardly. This demonstrates the need for the bill, and the need to get it implemented quickly.

Without Obamacare, health care inflation last year was 20%. That’s greater than the cost increases for the bill. Wake up.