The Patient Protection and the Affordable Care Act

[Medea]

It's almost time for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (labeled "Obamacare" by the right wing media). There is so much bullplops going around about it I thought it was time to discuss the facts, instead of speculation and corporatist propaganda.

Here are a few facts about the ACA:

1) It does NOT replace private insurance, medicare, or medicaid. You can keep whatever health insurance plan you have. They just won't be a able to screw you as much....bottom line.

2) It stops insurance companies from dropping your coverage when you get sick, and requires them to cover people with pre-existing conditions. It also stops them from not insuring customers due to gender discrimination.

3) It requires most americans to get health insurance by 2014, get an exemption, or pay a fee. This fee is equal to 1% of your yearly income per uninsured person in your household, or 95 dollars, whichever is higher. It jumps to 2.5% of your yearly income per person in 2016. Even after paying this fee you are still required to pay for the FULL cost of any medical care you need, if you are not insured.

4) It will make around 80% of the 16 million people uninsured people in the U.S. eligible for medicaid assistance.

5) The ACA is projected to cut the deficit by over a trillion dollars over the next two decades...NOT increase the deficit.

6) By 2014, U.S. employers with less than 25 full time employees may receive tax breaks of up to 50% of their employees insurance premiums.

7) Employers with more than 50 full time employees must pay a tax if they do not insure their workers.

Of course, there are several more small details that can be mentioned/discussed, but this is what the ACA does in a nutshell.

So, does this look like socialism to you, or more of a check on out-of-control free market capitalism? Of course, there are things about it many people won't like, especially in that third part, but are we going to continue to let poor people die just because they are poor, in the name of the ALMIGHTY free market?

And what is the republicans in Congress answer? Fix the things that don't work about it? Nah....just shut the government down and call the democrats Nazis again.

 

[JoeReese]

Good, you pay for them. I liked it back when I was allowed to decide for myself whether or not I wanted to buy insurance, like a big boy.

 

[NachyoChez]

You missed two important parts:

A) Those who do not have insurance can get it subsidized by the state, reducing prices by over 75% for families allowing those with non-qualifying jobs to still receive healthcare.

B) It sets a minimum standard for what insurance can cover, meaning cut-rate policies that do nothing can no longer exist.


Side note: Always cracks me up when people call it 'Obamacare'. Aside from resembling the bill the president tried to pass (and demanding the congressional committee to look at healthcare reform) , he had nothing to do with it!

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Medea]

Good, you pay for them. I liked it back when I was allowed to decide for myself whether or not I wanted to buy insurance, like a big boy.

You are allowed to keep whatever insurance you have. The only ones who have to pay for it, aside from big businesses, are the ones who don't have healthcare, so you should be all for those "entitled" being made to pay for something.

 

[utael]

But it pulls people like me 22 healthy and male from being able to say fluff insurance and save the cash that I would be uselesly giving away. My last doctors visit was back in 2006 and it was a physical for "sports". So in all reality its screwing me. I was aware of the risks involved in not being insured... Such as paying $50 for a single tylonal capsule at the hospital.

 

[Doctor Langstrom]

But it pulls people like me 22 healthy and male from being able to say fluff insurance and save the cash that I would be uselesly giving away. My last doctors visit was back in 2006 and it was a physical for "sports". So in all reality its screwing me. I was aware of the risks involved in not being insured... Such as paying $50 for a single tylonal capsule at the hospital.

Being young means nothing. I developed pneumonia when I was 26, I didn't have insurance at the time, but was able to get onto my job's plan. They saw how sick I was, since well, I was going into work with the condition. Had that not happened, I would have died. I was in the ICU for three days and was then transferred to a Med Surg floor for another three days. How much was my bill for those 6 days? Over 75,000 dollars. My insurance paid for everything besides two grand.

There's also been reports of young people developing basic dental problems, usually needing a tooth pulled to the stop the infection, but because they don't have health or dental care end up dying. With could have been prevented from a very simple procedure.

How about getting in a car accident? Or breaking a bone?

I love that the conservatives try and convince the youth of this country that they are invincible. I guess if you can't get them to die overseas the next best thing is to allow them to croak because they can't pay their health bills.

 

[utael]

Has nothing to do with conservative or libral. It's my opinion that Im being screwed by this bill. Will I always not need insurance? No but I definately know when I should go to the doctor. This just takes the thinking on your own out of the equation. It forces you to either get insurance or pay the government money they were never meant to get anyway.

 

[utael]

Has nothing to do with conservative or libral. It's my opinion that Im being screwed by this bill. Will I always not need insurance? No but I definately know when I should go to the doctor. This just takes the thinking on your own out of the equation. It forces you to either get insurance or pay the government money they were never meant to get anyway.

 

[AS88]

It amazes me, as an English person, that the USA doesn't have a blanket-like care system providing every citizen with healthcare. We pay National Insurance contributions (a tax not included in income tax) for free healthcare, and although the NHS is far from perfect, everyone is entitled to free healthcare. I agree, that for some people it is a waste of money, but it's such an entrenched system in the UK and is seen as one of those things that simply has to happen. It's surprising how much of a gulf between the rich and poor there is in America, and healthcare for everyone is a major step in reducing that gap.

Brits can choose to pay for medical insurance to pay for private healthcare, which allows for shorter waiting times and more choice in treatments, etc, but everyone earning a wage/salary pays NI contributions.

This isn't an anti-USA rant, I like America, but this just seems like common sense to me.

 

[PrisonerLizzie]

As far as keeping ones own insurance, many insurance companies are doing away with old plans that were extremely good in favor of more "cost effective" plans that cover little or nothing, have no out of network benefits and higher out of pockets (the reg deterring the last has been pushed back as insurance companies have sited that they can't make it yet if the out of pockets for patients have a limit.) Also since ACA has been passed several major insurance companies have been steadily cutting what they pay (or simply refusing to pay) for standard procedures and forcing the costs onto the patients. Many small businesses are being forced to cut hours and/or go out of business because they cannot afford to insure their employees in accordance with the ACA. Less small business means less jobs and less jobs means more people on Medicaid which is supported by the taxpayers. Finally the ACA specifically targets the young and healthy as cash cows to finance the old and sickly by forcing them to pay higher rates for less coverage.

All this aside my biggest problem with the ACA is that it is mandatory. I am a 30 yr old female that prefers natural healing to mainstream medicine.

There is a need and a way to fix the health insurance industry in this country but the ACA isn't it. Politicians and insurance companies have never had the best interest of the patient in mind and they never will as long as there is a profit to be made.

 

[Crooksin]

So everyone can afford healthcare and everyone gets insured and no one has to worry about insurance companies declining them coverage?

That sounds like an awful idea! Just because its worked for most of the western world certainly doesn't mean it will work for America!

 

[Medea]

If insurance companies are cutting benefits, then those insurance companies need to be punished with some kind of fee for screwing people. I always find it funny when people say "insurance companies can't afford to give people the benefits they used to". Bullplops. The ACA is a step in the right direction, and in my opinion, it needed to be taken a step further.

I don't know what it is with people in this country anymore. Anything that benefits the rich is fine and dandy, but helping the poor is somehow going to cause the Apocalypse. Okay, Andrew Ryan.....

Too many people on the right have been brainwashed by conservative media to be nice little corporate slaves. Well, if the Apocalypse does come we already have our zombies.

 

[Crooksin]

I don't know what it is with people in this country anymore. Anything that benefits the rich is fine and dandy, but helping the poor is somehow going to cause the Apocalypse. Okay, Andrew Ryan.....

Too many people on the right have been brainwashed by conservative media to be nice little corporate slaves. Well, if the Apocalypse does come we already have our zombies.

That's because there's a possibility that somehow someway you may have to give away some money in tax form to help someone through the healthcare system and get the same in return. BUT YOU HAVE TO PAY A LIL WHAT

 

[PrisonerLizzie]

Too many people on the right have been brainwashed by conservative media to be nice little corporate slaves. Well, if the Apocalypse does come we already have our zombies.

What is better to be a corporate slave or a slave of the welfare state? Its laughable how many people believe that the ACA is about improving the healthcare in America. Its about lining the pockets of the insurance companies and the government. Its about making sure that you are dependent for everything including your health. Its not about making it better, it never was.

So everyone can afford healthcare and everyone gets insured and no one has to worry about insurance companies declining them coverage?

That sounds like an awful idea! Just because its worked for most of the western world certainly doesn't mean it will work for America!

Whats wrong with people making informed decisions about the risks and benefits of having or not having health insurance for themselves? No one is saying that rich and poor alike shouldn't have access to affordable health insurance, but what good is said insurance when you can't get a doctor to see you or after you do you find that your insurance doesn't cover your care?

I've worked in medical billing for many years now, I tell patients all the time that insurance companies aren't interested in paying medical bills. They don't make money that way. They are about collecting your premiums and denying coverage. That's it. Is it plopsty? Absolutely. Is it wrong? You bet. But that doesn't change that this is the way it is. Many doctors are no longer accepting certain insurances, many insurances aren't paying what they were just a few years ago. So far the ACA isn't addressing these problems ESPECIALLY since the Obama Administration has delayed the out-of-pocket limitations.

If insurance companies are cutting benefits, then those insurance companies need to be punished with some kind of fee for screwing people.

They have no incentive now to give quality products. Thanks to the individual mandate you don't have a choice about whether you will or won't get coverage. You will no matter how bad is sucks. They don't have to tempt you with low copays on office visits or prescriptions now because you will buy it either way. This is why it is such a bad idea to mandate that people purchase something, not just health insurance. I agree that they should be punished but lets be realistic, if you hit them with a fine they will pass it onto the consumer. Why cut into the profit margin when we can just raise your premium? Oh the fine was only once....well you're already paying more anyway so lets just keep it that way.

I don't know what it is with people in this country anymore. Anything that benefits the rich is fine and dandy, but helping the poor is somehow going to cause the Apocalypse. .

What kind of coverage do you really think the poor are going to be getting under the ACA? The Bronze Plan has a $5000 deductible and $60 co pays for 3 doctor visits per year. What poor person can spare $5000/year ON TOP OF what they are paying for their health coverage? I know I can't and that is very likely the bracket that I would fall in. Even with government subsidies the ACA is anything but affordable.

 

[Hargood]

It amazes me, as an English person, that the USA doesn't have a blanket-like care system providing every citizen with healthcare. We pay National Insurance contributions (a tax not included in income tax) for free healthcare, and although the NHS is far from perfect, everyone is entitled to free healthcare. I agree, that for some people it is a waste of money, but it's such an entrenched system in the UK and is seen as one of those things that simply has to happen. It's surprising how much of a gulf between the rich and poor there is in America, and healthcare for everyone is a major step in reducing that gap.

Brits can choose to pay for medical insurance to pay for private healthcare, which allows for shorter waiting times and more choice in treatments, etc, but everyone earning a wage/salary pays NI contributions.

This isn't an anti-USA rant, I like America, but this just seems like common sense to me.

Just for people that think "OH America never cared about Poor People gettting well and now there is going to be a plan" ....there actually have been plans for many years. (and Apparently I need to tell that to a few people who are American citizens as well... funny that)


"Medicare" was a goverment provided plan for the Elderly, and "Medicaid" was a goverment provided plan for the poor.

True, both of these plans had become in serious disarray. It wasn't just because of Politicians dipping their hands in it, and flex of the population. Good Ol "Time" just does a number on these things (For instance, an Apple costed alot less back in 1943 than it does in 2013, but you still need one a day to keep the doctor away)

Needless to say, these needed serious reform. Infact, one of the big platforms Obama ran on was to reform these plans to work better for everyone. Since he became president he "Changed" (Or lied the whole time depending on who you ask) and he took all the Funds from those plans to make this brand new one. No one was able to vote for this. No ones representive was able to say they were for, or against it. It doesn't matter what the publics opinion of this whole thing was .... Obama's administration did it without any one.


I don't know how bad this whole thing will get... and I don't really care. The only thing I know for certain is that when it falls apart... Everyone will be blaming "Them". (Them being "Whoever you don't associate your political beliefs with).


Honestly, this is what America Deserves ...If it's a wonderful thing, or a horrible thing.

 

[utael]

I have to argue that it wasn't just Obama, this was drafted by senators not by the president. It would have come to pass under romney as well. The issue is our politicians are funded by insurance companies and support groups and 90% of America doesn't understand why the guy or gal they ellected votes a certain way... It's because he or she was paid to vote a specific way. Make them state who is funding them. Make it easily accessable knowledge and you'll find that all politicians (no matter how much they claim they arent) are in the pockets of the guys who are making money off these laws. Wanna change the insurance system? Make a law requiring decent payouts, requiring decent premiums and require better co-pays. Do what they did with power and water, regulate them not mandate.

 

[Medea]

What is better to be a corporate slave or a slave of the welfare state? Its laughable how many people believe that the ACA is about improving the healthcare in America. Its about lining the pockets of the insurance companies and the government. Its about making sure that you are dependent for everything including your health. Its not about making it better, it never was.

Slave to a regulated government that is represented by the people or unregulated corporations that are not beholden to uphold any kind of moral code? I think I'll take the former, thank you. The reason there has been such a fight to stop/change the ACA to begin with is because of corporate greed and the people who are slaves to the emerging plutocracy. I don't think the government is looking out for our best interests either much of the time, but at least they have rules to play by. If you take away the government and let corporations and the free market dictate everything, it would be much worse than it already is. I truly believe Obama is doing this to help the less fortunate. It's a shame that anytime anyone in politics does this nowadays they are viciously attacked by a corporate propaganda machine, and also that so many people fall for it.

They have no incentive now to give quality products. Thanks to the individual mandate you don't have a choice about whether you will or won't get coverage. You will no matter how bad is sucks. They don't have to tempt you with low copays on office visits or prescriptions now because you will buy it either way. This is why it is such a bad idea to mandate that people purchase something, not just health insurance. I agree that they should be punished but lets be realistic, if you hit them with a fine they will pass it onto the consumer. Why cut into the profit margin when we can just raise your premium? Oh the fine was only once....well you're already paying more anyway so lets just keep it that way

Actually, people who have insurance can opt out and keep the insurance they have, and there is no mandated insurance for people who do not have insurance. They either have to buy insurance, which with the ACA's help will be more affordable now, or they have to pay a fee of 1% of their income per person not insured in their household. They WILL NOT be forced to buy some cheap, second-rate healthcare plan. That is a myth. What the fee does is put 80% of the uninsured americans who have no healthcare on Medicaid. All that aside, cheap insurance is better than no insurance at all and being too poor to pay for healthcare costs.

I have a job and I have insurance. Earlier this year I went to the hospital for less than a 2 hour visit. I got slapped with a 1500 dollar bill so they could look at me and tell me there was nothing seriously wrong. My insurance covered 80% of the bill. But, if I were poor and had no insurance, I would have basically been fluffed. Even if I didn't have insurance, I wouldn't mind paying the 1% of my income fee in 2014 so that most poor people would be covered by Medicaid, including myself.

 

[utael]

The problem is the government is run by the moral-less corporations not by the people. If this was to truly help out the poor it wouldn't of been through a new system it would have been to reform medicare and medicaid. Its mindless sheep that are believing that the government is looking out for anyone but themselves. Thats how its been going for the last 30 years. Its going to take some form of revolution whether that's people waking up and realizing that good old USA needs to look more closely at who they hire to run the joint or it come down to a full collapse of our economic system, either way its happening. When 1% of America makes 26% of the nations income... That's just stupid. Do you really think that those guys aren't really the ones in charge?

 

[PrisonerLizzie]

Slave to a regulated government that is represented by the people or unregulated corporations that are not beholden to uphold any kind of moral code? I think I'll take the former, thank you. The reason there has been such a fight to stop/change the ACA to begin with is because of corporate greed and the people who are slaves to the emerging plutocracy. I don't think the government is looking out for our best interests either much of the time, but at least they have rules to play by. If you take away the government and let corporations and the free market dictate everything, it would be much worse than it already is. I truly believe Obama is doing this to help the less fortunate. It's a shame that anytime anyone in politics does this nowadays they are viciously attacked by a corporate propaganda machine, and also that so many people fall for it.

And who makes/changes/enforces the regulations on government? Oh that's right, the government, that's been bought and paid for by corporations. They are just as unregulated and corrupt as any of the wealthiest companies. More so as they have the power to make it all go away, or worse legalize their actions. Don't believe me? Look into how many Constitutional violations have been put into law by Congress for this president and many further back. I'll take slave to neither and be a free and independent thinker that views these types of things through the lens of unbiased research and my own life experience. Thanks.

I have a job and I have insurance. Earlier this year I went to the hospital for less than a 2 hour visit. I got slapped with a 1500 dollar bill so they could look at me and tell me there was nothing seriously wrong. My insurance covered 80% of the bill. But, if I were poor and had no insurance, I would have basically been fluffed. Even if I didn't have insurance, I wouldn't mind paying the 1% of my income fee in 2014 so that most poor people would be covered by Medicaid, including myself.

Many of these plans on my state's exchange (you can look it up even though they don't officially start until 10/1) have high deductibles (think $5000-$10000) for an individual. If you had had one of said plans from the exchange (this isn't just the bronze plans) you would still have gotten a bill for the entire amount. Many plans don't cover services like mental health or prenatal care coupled with the section of the population that doesn't qualify for Medicaid but also doesn't qualify for a subsidy. These people may not be able to get insurance at all but will still be responsible for paying in.

Not everyone who is poor will be covered by Medicaid nor will everyone qualify for a subsidy. Only 26 states have relaxed their regulations on who is eligible for this leaving many poor people to fend for themselves on the exchanges and spending for co pays, out-of-pocket costs and deductibles that they cannot afford.

ACA isn't the way to fix the ailing health insurance problem in the US. The best thing they could do would be to do away with or severely limit the scope of the health insurance industry by going to fully social system. However, our government would screw even that up and take from the coffers as they have done with Social Security in the past.

On a side note here is a nifty little calculator.

 

[Medea]

After reading the last two posts all I have to say is this: If the government were under the total control of corporations you wouldn't have tax increases on the rich or the ACA. The corporations wouldn't allow it to happen. What we need is not a revolution against the government, but a mass protest against corporations and lobbyists that keep the government from enacting any law that would benefit the people.

If anyone thinks Obama is some kind of tyrant or trying to destroy America they really need to take a look at North Korea or China, where either totalitarian regimes or plutocracies actually do control every aspect of the people's lives. If Obama and the government were really as evil as some people say they are we wouldn't even be allowed to have this conversation and anyone that spoke out against Obama on a public forum would "disappear" (go to jail indefinitely or be killed). That's what happens to people in governments that are actually evil. Since when is trying to help poor people some kind of plot by the corporations to take over the country? Oh that's right....since NEVER.