I feel like an @%$£^&£ because...

At least he said he has enough savings to afford to go private even though the premiums are going to be nearly 4 times what he was paying before.

I may be mistaken- but I think private, individual policies can have pre-x stipulations.  That is because (if I remember correctly) they fall outside HIPAA guidelines. 
If that is the case his private coverage may be worth squat.
I have to agree with Chary-guilt is overrated.

My confession is that every time I hear the economy is picking up I think "Oh no!"  Sorta I want all the fat cats to suffer some more.  Trouble is, its the little guys who do the suffering.