Vinson, of San Jose, will pay $1,800 more a year for an individual policy, while Waschura, of Portola Valley, will cough up almost $10,000 more for insurance for his family of four.

The pair’s reactions are instructive. “Of course, I want people to have health care,” Vinson told the newspaper. “I just didn’t realize I would be the one who was going to pay for it personally.” Waschura was similarly surprised. “I was laughing at Boehner,” he said, “until the mail came today.”