Woman Touted by President as Obamacare Success Story Now Says Exchange 'Screwed' Her Over

Jessica Sanford was thrilled when President Barack Obama held her up as one of the Affordable Care Act's success stories during a speech in the White House Rose Garden last month.

"Who wouldn't?" Sanford told CNN. "I'm a nobody really to have him mention my story."

President Barack Obama held Jessica Sanford up as an Obamacare success story. (Image source: Screen grab via CNN)

The 48-year-old mother of a teenage son with ADHD had written to the president to thank him for his signature health care law and the positive effects she thought it would have on her wallet.

She spoke too soon.

Sanford said she received a letter from the Washington state health exchange notifying her that they had miscalculated her eligibility for a tax credit and that the price she was originally quoted would shoot up nearly $100 per month.

The single mother reluctantly swallowed the higher cost and decided to sign up anyway.

Then she received yet another letter.

This time it said a "system error" had resulted in some individuals able to "qualify for higher than allowed health insurance premium tax credits."

The result? Her rate would jump up nearly $100 again for a "silver" plan with a higher deductible.

Things only got worse.

Another letter ultimately arrived notifying Sanford she had "been determined eligible for a federal tax credit of $0.00."

That's when she broke down in tears.

"I had a good cry," Sanford told CNN, adding she is "not getting insurance."

"That's where it stands right now unless they fix it," she said.

"Wow. You guys really screwed me over," Sanford also wrote on Facebook. "Now I have been priced out and will not be able to afford the plans you offer. But, I get to pay $95 and up for not having health insurance. I am so incredibly disappointed and saddened. You majorly screwed up."

Nonetheless, Sanford said she still supports the Affordable Care Act and feels "awful" Obama mentioned her in his speech.

According to CNN, a spokeswoman for the Washington HealthPlanFinder said they were "looking into" the situation.

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