Remember that old saw- “the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated”? Just like they weren’t true about Mark Twain, they are not true about PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare).
You see, for CY 2018, some 11.8 million are insured via the private insurance plans that Obamacare proffers for those not able to be covered by Medicare. That’s despite a shortened (by half) open season, no advertising, and general disparagement by TheDonald and the GOP. Oh, yeah- the GOP also played up how much the premiums have risen (this time, because of their shenanigans).
It gets better (or worse, if you are against PPACA). The GOP would like you to believe that most of those on PPACA are obtaining all sorts of federal benefits. But, the average subsidy is all of $ 89 a month. So, most of those nearly 12 million folks are paying full fare. (Medicare-covered folks do indeed receive subsidies or free care, but their census simply adds to the nearly 12 million folks signed up for paying coverage.)
Why? Because it has been virtually impossible to obtain coverage from private insurance companies if one doesn’t go through the PPACA (or state-run) marketplaces.
This simply proves that the despicable coverage that the GOP wants to advance is being rejected by most. (They can call it short-term health care, but it’s really shorting the sheets out of those who want to obtain valid health care insurance.)
Sure the premiums for those non-insurance plans could provide savings of 20%. But, they lack drug coverage, maternity care, and even the coverage for healthcare when one is ill, should one require same. All these plans do is offer a seemingly cheap alternative to insurance to the young and healthy, who don’t quite recognize that the plans don’t really offer health benefits. (These folks will find those facts once they really need insurance.
Even the AMA (American Medical Association) and the AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) warn that these disruptive and destabilizing plans simply avoid covering vulnerable patients or expensive procedures/therapies. Top that off with AHIP (the largest association that represents America’s Health Insurance Plans) that recognizes the danger these chimeric offerings provide, requesting the government not let them serve subscribers for 9 months- rather limit their sale to, at best, six moths.
However, one must admit that healthcare enrollment is down by about 1 million from the 2016 enrollment peak (of 12.7 million). And, that loss manifests itself in those states where the US government manages the marketplace. States that run their own marketplaces have seen no drop in demand.
And 2019 will be the acid test. Because that will be the first year that the GOP abdication of the mandate will be in full play. There will be no penalties for those (primarily young and healthy) folks who won’t sign up for insurance.
And, until we don’t have some 50% of Americans obtaining free health care coverage through their employers, we will never be able to institute a true single-payer solution for American citizens. Which would be the best way to control our health care costs- as a nation and for each and every one of us.
that little info table you have there did astound me – especially the last point about maternity care… (how….why.. my mind cannot wrap itself around that …)
but I am glad to have insurance and glad that Obamacare is still around for those who need it..
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I just want everyone to have valid coverage. Whether they can find it on their own (not very likely, unfortunately) or via the marketplace. Not only for their health needs, but so that they don’t burden the health care system with unpaid bills that the rest of us have to cover.
Yep! I agree with everything you’ve said.
Short and sweet. The hygge way, Jeanine?
I get my insurance in the Marketplace and even though we have a specific carrier (and a well-known one), if *ANY* changes need to be made, we have to go through the marketplace – we cannot contact the carrier directly.
Drives me crazy with some of the inefficiencies that are built in!
UGH.
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Part of the reason for that rule is that the insurance companies have tended to alter coverage or bills with impunity. By have a second set of eyes, your insurance doesn’t get altered without your approval. (Think Wells Fargo, Paul.)
But, if each state had a marketplace, things would be slightly easier.
If the Republicans like that nearly useless health care plan that they are advocating for other people, why don’t they apply it to themselves? Oh wait. They have the best government funded health care plan of anyone in the country, and they don’t want to share. Hmmmm…
The problem is that the Congress proves the concept that obtains in much of the US doubly applies to them. I’ve got mine, f… you about yours, Alice!
The Exchange plans can be a financial drain for very little coverage. The system still needs a lot of fixing but we’ve now seen the alternative. And is government interested in those who voted our current President in? No. Sadly they keep supporting him.
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Unless one opts for the lower rung choice, most of those plans are pretty inclusive, Alana.
As one who was responsible for obtaining insurance for my family and my clients’ firms, I know what the costs are- and what actually gets covered.
And, ABSOLUTELY, the system needs fixing- and improvements. But, that seems about as likely as it is that the USA fixes its bridges, roads, and water systems
I see so many younger people without insurance and it’s scary. Way back in the early 80’s our teenage daughter had a brain tumor removed. Hubby worked at GE at the time and had insurance that covered her surgery, rehabilitation and meds in full. If it wasn’t for that, we would probably still be paying the enormous bill still today. Even now with us on Medicare, I still have to wonder what will happen to that in the years to come with hubby’s $5000 per month infusion bill. Thanks for another great blog Roy.
I agree, Martha.
When we had production workers as part of our retinue, we ensured them all. They complained that they would rather have that money in the bank- until one person got really ill and managed to skate by with under $ 1000 bill. We stopped hearing from the rest of them. They learned of the consequences.
And, yes, I fear your husband’s ‘reasonable’ monthly fee of $5000 will only escalate. Let’s hope your insurance coverage does, as well.