Jan. 6 (Bloomberg) — Amber Sanchez, a San Francisco cancer survivor, skipped visiting the gynecologist last year to check a growth on her ovary because she was uninsured. This year, it's at the top of her New Year's plans.

The difference: As of Jan. 1, the 27-year-old is eligible for California's Medicaid expansion under Obamacare.

In Alabama, which rejected the expansion, Jefferica Poindexter isn't so lucky. Dealing with high cholesterol, chronic sinus pain and a bad back, she depends on emergency rooms and nonprofit clinics — when they can see her.

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