Re: I singed up for Obamacare!

[G. Morgan <graham@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jim Rojas Wrote:

>Is it just me, but if you consider the annual deductibles which will
>never decrease if no claims filed, and the undisclosed subsidies based
>on income...Isn't this just another white collar welfare program
>designed for the healthcare industry?

I suppose you could look at it that way.  Instead I see it as a tax, and
those least able to afford the new tax get the greatest tax subsidy.

>I don't see where the average family comes out the winner here, unless
>they are hit with a catastrophic claim. And most times that is just a
>one shot deal anyway if you die as a result.

Well, I'll tell you from my own personal POV.  In 2013 I was able to buy
insurance for the 1st time in years through the PCIP (Preexisting
Condition Insurance Program) that is part of the AHA.  My premium is/was
$249 for 2013 and that is based solely on age.

My back is wreaked from years of crawling in attics and knee boarding, no
insurance company would touch me.  I was "uninsurable".  Had this program
not existed, I wouldn't have been able to afford my healthcare expenses
this year.

For 2014 I choose a zero deductible/$500 max out of pocket plan with Blue
Cross as the carrier.  With all the tax write-offs I get, I qualify for a
subsidy.  In fact, all you're asked to do is input your estimate of
taxable income for 2014 during the sign-up.  I set mine very low, since
I'm going to claim a lot of line-item expenses.

Bottom line is my new premium is 23% less than the $249 I pay now.  Even
if I didn't estimate any losses for taxable income, the plan cost is
$430/mo. without subsidies.  Compare that to about $1500/mo. I got quoted
for the last time I was eligible for COBRA.  And that's with a zero
deductible and $500 max out of pocket.  My current plan is $2500
deductible for medical, $700 drugs, and $6000 max O.O.P.  I'm just now
meeting the deductible, as most stuff like office visits are covered for
a $25 copay.

>Maybe I am looking at it the wrong way...

I think you are looking at it more pessimistically than me.  You
mentioned in the group your wife has a pre-existing condition (hell, who
over 40 doesn't?).  I don't know how different the costs vary from TX to
FL but even if you don't qualify for any subsidy, a "gold" plan will save
you both money if one or both of you needs monthly treatments of any
kind.

The key for this thing to work is everyone participating.  Just as in
Social Security, the young pay for the old.  If all the young ones opt to
pay the fine, it will be a disaster.  The numbers work when everyone is
covered and pays premiums.  If you look at from the standpoint it's just
like social security (which is a tax), it's not much different.
Definitely not corporate welfare for the insurance carriers, they were
allowed to discriminate against me for years - no more.

--

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety,
 deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Ben Franklin