when i think back of one of my friends in springfield, doug mayol, he tells the story. he ounce a -- owns a small business in springfield, a shop that sells cards and gifts. his only worker has medicare coverage, but doug has to buy private health insurance. unfortunately, you see, doug has a problem. he was diagnosed many years ago -- 30 years ago, in fact -- with congenital heart valve defect. he has no symptoms. without regular health care, he runs the risk of developing serious problems. in the year 2001, doug, in springfield, illinois, paid $200 a month for health insurance. 2001. by 2005, even though he had not turned in any claims, his cost of health insurance was up to $400 a month. the next year, when he turned 50 years of age, the rate nearly doubled to $750 a month. he made some changes in coverage so he'd pay more out of pocket, choose a small network of providers, have a higher deductible, got his premium down to $650 a month. this man owns a small shop. he sells greeting cards. he was up to $650 a month. two years later his deductible jumped over $1,000 a m