The Upside: If you are among the lowest wage earners — even if you don't have children or a disability — you will become eligible for Medicaid. And if you earn less than 400% of the poverty level — about $88,000 in 2009 — you will be eligible for subsidies to help you buy coverage.
The Downside: Even with subsidies, buying insurance may strain your budget. But you'll have to maintain coverage unless you qualify for a hardship waiver or the cheapest plans available exceed 8% of your total income.
16 million low-income Americans will be added to Medicaid