Mary Lou Retton’s explanation of health insurance takes some somersaults

Former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton spoke out last week on the NBC “Today” show about what she said was a rare pneumonia that almost killed her and resulted in an expensive, monthlong hospital stay. It was a shocking reveal. One key comment jumped out for those who follow health policy: Retton said she was uninsured, blaming that lack of coverage on 30 orthopedic surgeries that count as “preexisting conditions,” a divorce, and her poor finances. “I just couldn’t afford it,” Retton told host Hoda Kotb, who did not challenge the assertion. Retton, who after winning the gold medal in 1984 beca...