Ridiculous comment.

I just searched (and I have done research and data science with the CDC and NIH on projects) and cannot find a single article that indicates that people needed to file for renewal more than 90-120 days in advance as of last summer.

Do you have that information?

Also, most people, including American citizens, do not have hundreds of dollars available at the ready. This person was likely planning to renew based on his previous experience, which is normal.