The proposal was released as President Obama held a healthcare forum in Annandale, Virginia, before a handpicked audience asking questions pre-approved by the White House. An emotional moment came when Virginia resident Debby Smith described her inability to receive treatment for a recently diagnosed tumor. Obama hugged Smith after she spoke.

Debby Smith: “I cannot get Medicaid through the state of Virginia, because you have to be considered disabled through Social Security to qualify for Medicaid in the state of Virginia, because I have no dependent children at home. It’s just me. I get food stamps, but that’s it. And I’m just trying to figure out how I’m going to make it in nine years until I’m qualified to get my regular Social Security, now that I have a new tumor and I have nowhere to treat it.”

President Obama: “Well, here, come on over here. First of all, we’re going to find out what — we’ll get your information, and we’ll see what we can do to help you. I don’t want you to feel all like you’re alone. You know, without knowing all the details, I’m not going to give you an answer right now about exactly how we can help. We’re going to find out what we can do within existing law. But — what was your name again?”

Debby Smith: “My name is Debby. I’m from Appalachia, Virginia.”

President Obama: “Debby. Debby is a perfect example of somebody who we should, in a country this wealthy, be able to provide coverage for her healthcare problems.”

Smith later told reporters she still hopes to get an answer on how she can obtain treatment instead of waiting nine years for her government eligibility to kick in.