Where are the poor people with pre-existing health conditions?

Last year it looked as if only about 2.5 percent of the predicted number of people with pre-existing conditions were signing up. This was originally sold as a program that those with pre-existing conditions were desperate to get. To encourage more people signing up for the extremely needed insurance, the government cut the prices. "hoping to boost low participation" this year, the government is cutting premiums still further: "cutting premiums in some states by up to 40%."

Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies for the libertarian Cato Institute, said the lack of enrollees shows that the program was never popular to begin with.

"They're giving away health insurance, and people don't want it," he said. . . .

Administration and state officials say the issue is more about money and getting the word out. In fact, in Indiana, where enrollment stood at 177 as of March 1, the changes may not be enough. . . . .

In Nevada, where 147 people had signed up as of March 1 . . . .