BigBoss1984

Getting somewhat off topic here but yeah, it's a real tough thing for Administrations to tackle. It'll be interesting to see what the Republicans replacement bill is, because Paul Ryan has been saying for months now that we'll be hearing details soon!

scrubbedexpat099

I have a feeling there is a now what do we do moment happening, too many vested interests.

BigBoss1984

Unfortunately it's just the American public who will suffer from it. I always said the problem with the Affordable Care Act was that they put too many mandates in it. So for instance, forcing people to have an ACA compliant plan or pay a tax penalty at the end of the year. The problem with that, of course, is that health insurance ended up being more expensive than the penalty - so less and less young people were getting coverage, and under the ACA guidelines health insurance providers had to cover everyone, regardless of pre existing conditions, so you had an uneven balance of sick people and healthy people - which drove the costs way up.

Rant over!

scrubbedexpat099

If it was Affordable most people would buy it, no need for the penalties.

The Moose

The reality is that whenever there's a profit making company running the insurance, prices will be pushed to the edge of affordability for lots of people (meaning it'll go beyond for some).

I don't have a problem with health insurance or profit making health insurance companies - indeed I had (and technically still have) private health insurance in the UK.

What I have a problem with is when a federal government requires people to carry the health insurance the companies that provide that insurance are profit making.

BigBoss1984

Pretty much my thoughts too - I too have private health insurance in the United Kingdom. I think there are three sets of people who must first be appeased before healthcare in the US can expand; the people, the government and the insurers. I'm not saying it's right that it is that way, but that's what must happen before significant change will be seen.

scrubbedexpat099

What About the providers, Hospitals, Pharmaceutical companies etc etc.

SanDiegogirl

With "CoverCalifornia" you can certainly look at the plans and costs without submitting an application.

(this is one of the better user friendly exchanges !)

morpeth

The problem is health costs, insurance premiums a symptom not the real problem. No matter what program the Republicans come up with, without addressing outrageous costs the situation will remain a mess. Neither political party seems to have the courage to face the situation directly.

scrubbedexpat099

They get a cut through lobbyists, why would they?

morpeth

Perhaps term limits would help politicians be willing to be more courageous.

scrubbedexpat099

Got a feeling that would not work.

morpeth

Well the current system not working too well. Maybe if politicians in their last term didn't need to worry about re-election, they could be more bold and courageous.

tom169

I would have thought that a politician entering their last term would be more susceptible to pandering to a large corporation so that they can secure a job there once they leave.

kodokan

Depends on their age. John McCain, for example, doesn't care about reelection or future employment so currently seems to be leading the anti-Trump Republican charge.