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Obama administration confirms double-digit premium hikes
Topic Started: Oct 24 2016, 01:43 PM (251 Views)
George K
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Finally
All is proceeding according to plan:

Quote:
 
Premiums will go up sharply next year under President Barack Obama's health care law, and many consumers will be down to just one insurer, the administration confirmed Monday. That will stoke another "Obamacare" controversy days before a presidential election.

Before taxpayer-provided subsidies, premiums for a midlevel benchmark plan will increase an average of 25 percent across the 39 states served by the federally run online market, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services. Some states will see much bigger jumps, others less.

Moreover, about 1 in 5 consumers will only have plans from a single insurer to pick from, after major national carriers such as UnitedHealth Group, Humana and Aetna scaled back their roles.

"Consumers will be faced this year with not only big premium increases but also with a declining number of insurers participating, and that will lead to a tumultuous open enrollment period," said Larry Levitt, who tracks the health care law for the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.

Republicans will pounce on the numbers as confirmation that insurance markets created by the 2010 health overhaul are on the verge of collapsing in a "death spiral." Sign-up season starts Nov. 1, about a week before national elections in which the GOP remains committed to a full repeal. Window shopping for plans and premiums is already available through HealthCare.gov.

Non biased story there: "Republicans will pounce..."

Meanwhile, in Chicago none of the major medical centersnone of the major medical centers are part of the network:
Quote:
 
University of Chicago Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center both said they don’t plan to be in network for any Obamacare marketplace plans next year.

The change means patients with doctors at those hospitals will either need to find a plan off the marketplace, and lose Obamacare subsides, or find a new doctor.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital said it will also be out of the marketplace, but will have exceptions for some of its partner hospitals.



ER Visits up

Quote:
 
Despite cramped quarters, the number of patients visiting Rush Oak Park's ER swelled 32 percent from 2011 to 2015, totaling 32,480 patients last year. Bruce Elegant, president and CEO of the hospital, attributes the increase partly to Obamacare providing health plans for the uninsured, mirroring a national trend. Many uninsured patients have been used to using the ER for even basic health care needs, like treating a common cold, and though they now have insurance, many are scrambling to find a doctor amid a physician shortage.


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Copper
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Shortstop

Apparently forcing insurers to pay for expensive treatment can cost a lot of money.

Live and learn.

The Confederate soldier was peculiar in that he was ever ready to fight, but never ready to submit to the routine duty and discipline of the camp or the march. The soldiers were determined to be soldiers after their own notions, and do their duty, for the love of it, as they thought best. Carlton McCarthy
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taiwan_girl
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Fulla-Carp
I would be interested to hear what people on this forum board think should be the alternative.

I think it is a good idea that everybody has insurance.

It would be interesting to see if total medical costs are up. I think previously, a lot of people without insurance were just not paying for their medical care. They would still go to the doctor, but without insurance, either unable or not willing to pay for the treatment. So, either the hospital or government would be responsible for the cost. Now, I think some of these costs have been shifted to the insurance companies.
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Everybody doesn't have insurance. A lot of people who could afford it before cannot now because premiums have gone up so much.

Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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Copper
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There is no magic here.

Shifting costs from the government to insurance companies means shifting from taxpayers to taxpayers.

The problem is that insurance companies are being forced to pay for services that weren't supplied before. Again, there is no magic, those new services cost money.
The Confederate soldier was peculiar in that he was ever ready to fight, but never ready to submit to the routine duty and discipline of the camp or the march. The soldiers were determined to be soldiers after their own notions, and do their duty, for the love of it, as they thought best. Carlton McCarthy
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taiwan_girl
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Fulla-Carp
Mikhailoh
Oct 25 2016, 07:22 PM
Everybody doesn't have insurance. A lot of people who could afford it before cannot now because premiums have gone up so much.

I read somewhere that the government support is increasing so alot of people will not see any of their own cost increase.

Again, I think it comes down to the total cost of all the medical care (when you subtract the inflation factor). I am not sure that amount is really going up much. yes, there have been statistics that more people are visiting the emergency room, but maybe these people are just going when they feel a little bit sick rather than waiting until they are alot sick. In this case, maybe total medical costs are less??

No easy answers, but still do believe that the more people that have insurance, the better.

Quote:
 
There is no magic here.

Shifting costs from the government to insurance companies means shifting from taxpayers to taxpayers.

The problem is that insurance companies are being forced to pay for services that weren't supplied before. Again, there is no magic, those new services cost money.


I agree with this. I dont have any answers but would be curious for those that disagree with the Obama insurance would think it should be replaced with?
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Quote:
 
I read somewhere that the government support is increasing so alot of people will not see any of their own cost increase.


Where do you think the government GETS that money to support this?

Quote:
 
Again, I think it comes down to the total cost of all the medical care (when you subtract the inflation factor). I am not sure that amount is really going up much. yes, there have been statistics that more people are visiting the emergency room, but maybe these people are just going when they feel a little bit sick rather than waiting until they are alot sick. In this case, maybe total medical costs are less??



No, there was just a study the other day that showed that in fact ER visits have increase, because now more poor people have insurance (read Medicaid) and that is where they are used to obtaining care. Until we start turning away non-emergencies it will continue to rise.

Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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Rainman
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Fulla-Carp
Well, given the unexpected costs this year, and the insurmountable expected cost increases next year, I am toying with the following, just to keep things "even-keel" in terms of family budget:

Drop Comcast TV, keep internet only.
Drop AT&T land line (have kept this only because our cell signal sux at our house)
Reduce fun: decrease restaurants, concerts, fast food.
No going to the Mall for clothes etc. not really needed. Avoid Costco.
Contact Allstate, review and reduce all coverage (home/auto/trailer)
Reduce travel.
Cut way back on Xmas gifts.
No more donations to my usual charities.

Anyone got more ideas?

I'm taking a serious hit due to "Obamacare." Darn, I hate being a "middle class" sucker.


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Improviso
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HOLY CARP!!!
Rainman
Oct 25 2016, 08:53 PM
Drop AT&T land line (have kept this only because our cell signal sux at our house)
I had the same problem years ago. Had to stand in the driveway to make a call.

Bought this one and it solved the problem. Great signal thru out the whole house.

https://www.amazon.com/zBoost-YX-510-Signal-Booster-Office/dp/B000J2XZ1K/ref=pd_sxp_f_r

This one is not available now, but you get the idea. Well worth it to me.
Identifying narcissists isn't difficult. Just look for the person who is constantly fishing for compliments
and admiration while breaking down over even the slightest bit of criticism.

We have the freedom to choose our actions, but we do not get to choose our consequences.
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Rainman
Oct 25 2016, 08:53 PM
Well, given the unexpected costs this year, and the insurmountable expected cost increases next year, I am toying with the following, just to keep things "even-keel" in terms of family budget:

Drop Comcast TV, keep internet only.
Drop AT&T land line (have kept this only because our cell signal sux at our house)
Reduce fun: decrease restaurants, concerts, fast food.
No going to the Mall for clothes etc. not really needed. Avoid Costco.
Contact Allstate, review and reduce all coverage (home/auto/trailer)
Reduce travel.
Cut way back on Xmas gifts.
No more donations to my usual charities.

Anyone got more ideas?

I'm taking a serious hit due to "Obamacare." Darn, I hate being a "middle class" sucker.


Yeah. Tell me again who is killing the middle class?
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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Copper
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Shortstop
Rainman
Oct 25 2016, 08:53 PM
Well, given the unexpected costs this year, and the insurmountable expected cost increases next year, I am toying with the following, just to keep things "even-keel" in terms of family budget:

Drop Comcast TV, keep internet only.
Drop AT&T land line (have kept this only because our cell signal sux at our house)
Reduce fun: decrease restaurants, concerts, fast food.
No going to the Mall for clothes etc. not really needed. Avoid Costco.
Contact Allstate, review and reduce all coverage (home/auto/trailer)
Reduce travel.
Cut way back on Xmas gifts.
No more donations to my usual charities.

Anyone got more ideas?

I'm taking a serious hit due to "Obamacare." Darn, I hate being a "middle class" sucker.



Yes, you understand correctly, this is the intent of Obamacare.

I'm sure your wealth will be properly redistributed by the insurance company.

The Confederate soldier was peculiar in that he was ever ready to fight, but never ready to submit to the routine duty and discipline of the camp or the march. The soldiers were determined to be soldiers after their own notions, and do their duty, for the love of it, as they thought best. Carlton McCarthy
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Rainman
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Fulla-Carp
My son had a root canal this morning, no dental insurance.

The procedure, plus temporary crown and then permanent crown will cost out of pocket, around $3000.00

Could someone explain to me why this is so expensive? It's like what, a couple of hours of specialized labor, and pocket change for materials.

Geesh. I could buy a decent used car for this amount of money.
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
Mik had a good point about this a few days (or weeks) back. I still believe that the cost of medical care in America is exorbitant, but we also don't see everything that goes into one procedure. We only see what's in the room.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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Rainman
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Fulla-Carp
A neighbor down the street needed dentures, he went to Mexico to get it done and I guess saved a bunch.

My mom needed a partial years ago, went to Estonia to visit family and had the procedure done while there, saved a bunch of money.

And as I mentioned in another thread, my daughter stepped across the border into Mexico, and bought prescription medication for $7.50, which on this side of the border would have cost approx. $80.

Messed up all around, IMO.
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Copper
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Rainman
Oct 27 2016, 11:51 AM

Could someone explain to me why this is so expensive?

You don't have the insurance company negotiating prices. I buy my own insurance in the marketplace.

I have a very high deductible but I pay rates negotiated by the insurance company.

Recent dermatologist bill - $731, I paid the negotiated rate $281.

Recent Eye checkup - $200 - I paid $121.

Both of those doctor visits involved only a few minutes each with the doctor.

Lately I've been thinking that the purpose of the insurance is the lower rates.

The Confederate soldier was peculiar in that he was ever ready to fight, but never ready to submit to the routine duty and discipline of the camp or the march. The soldiers were determined to be soldiers after their own notions, and do their duty, for the love of it, as they thought best. Carlton McCarthy
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
Rainman
Oct 27 2016, 12:17 PM
A neighbor down the street needed dentures, he went to Mexico to get it done and I guess saved a bunch.

My mom needed a partial years ago, went to Estonia to visit family and had the procedure done while there, saved a bunch of money.

And as I mentioned in another thread, my daughter stepped across the border into Mexico, and bought prescription medication for $7.50, which on this side of the border would have cost approx. $80.

Messed up all around, IMO.
A medication I use daily is $50 here in the U.S.—and that's the cheapest I found it. In Oz it's 8 damn dollars.

You can even get it in Cuba for cheaper. If I could go there and stock up I totally would.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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Rainman
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Fulla-Carp
Quote:
 
From a blog post on our local online newspaper:
My rates went up over 30% (again) and I will have to search for another cheaper plan again and start over with prescription plans and care providers. This is a year after the subsidy I was allowed based on my AGI was required to paid pack on my taxes this year. That adds up folks. That is cash that used to go into the economy with the purchases of goods and services that paid for jobs in those sectors.

Maybe I need to spend less and save more, but currently my personal economic model is just seeing these same budgeted dollars shifting from many categories into one category with zero net positive effect, just an ever increasing negative one that continues to outpace my ability to increase my earnings.

There is no way that I can keep up with a "plan" that is designed to suck the first 7-10% from my income right off the top every month "just in case..."

I am no expert in this law and also certainly believe that all have a right to access health care regardless of a pre-existing condition. I just know that in my house that the math is not working and I have to believe that it is the same for many, many others as well...
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