As I said last week, the PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare) program is alive and almost well. That doesn’t mean that folks aren’t going to be ticked off at changes that will occur soon.
Like the fairly large rate hikes in the offing when we sign up for health insurance in 2019. You can thank the GOP for those increases. Because they have voted (and TheDonald has signed) a law stipulating that health insurance is no longer mandatory. Which means the pool (those buying insurance) will more likely be those at risk- older patients, sicker patients, those with kids, etc.
As if that weren’t bad enough, now the GOP wants to sucker a bunch of folks to buy what the GOP loves to call ‘bare-bones’ plans. Yup- you buy one of those plans and that’s what you’ll have. Because those plans cover nothing that you need- no doctor’s visits, no drug costs, nothing unless you are on death’s door- and then they’ll chime in when the bill approaches $ 5K or $ 10K- and stop anteing up funds long before the bill stops hurting.
But, these changes also mean that those folks who go without real health insurance will be able to purchase health insurance should they find they develop a significant health condition- like cancer, MRSA, or the like.
Sure, it won’t be easy. Except all these (previously uninsured) folks have to do is change jobs or add another job to their payroll. So, even though the rules imply one can only buy insurance during the open season, a job change means you get to play again. (Yes, it’s called gaming the system. That’s what happens when your remove the insurance mandate.)
Moreover, the rules changes are going to force more and more insurance firms to convert from preferred provider organizations (PPO) to health maintenance organization (HMO) type plans. Because those HMO plans with fewer docs incur lower costs for the insurance company. So, they can price such plans more attractively.
Unless those states that have their own marketplaces do what Maryland has done. Using taxes to provide insurers coverage for plans with the heaviest losses. (In Maryland’s case, these additional funds will total nearly $ 380 million, or about $ 1000 per year for each insured individual under the program. This means, instead of a 50% rate hike, those looking for insurance in Maryland will see a 20% increase or less. )
But, in general, unless there is a wave election in 2018, be prepared for a bumpy health insurance ride.
Too sadly true, Roy. And I am more saddened by those who will be hurt the most in the end. All those who voted him in.
Alana recently posted..To See and Touch the Flowers
Yes, I am amazed at how often folks vote against their own self-interest. And, in this case, without any special redeeming qualities to do so!