username.exe

Single payer if the government is running it, or monopoly if it's in the hands of the private sector?

Giantaxe

Not sure what you are claiming here, but if it's that people taking out minimum coverage policies are skewing the calculations of premium increases downwards, that's incorrect. Studies by the Kaiser Family Foundation, for example, are very careful to compare like for like:

Analysis of 2016 Premium Changes in the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplaces | The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Giantaxe

Is Medicare a monopoly? I would argue not, as the provision of services is almost entirely private. The NHS, otoh, feels like a monopoly in that they are overwhelmingly the provider of medical services in the UK.

kins

This is the second year I've bought an Obamacare policy. I've not had any problems either buying or using the policies.

This year I have a $750 deductible, $15/$35 copay for regular/specialist doctors, can't remember what else. Last year I chose a higher deducible and lower premiums, and I claimed over $3k with no problems.

I found about 25 policies on the exchange - wide range of prices and deductibles.

username.exe

My sister in law is also over the moon with her policy; she can finally asked to go to the doctor and get medication. (Yes, she's low income).

scrubbedexpat099

The largest provider in Colorado last year was effectively closed down by the Feds.

The local Surgery closed down, too many ACA and Medicare patients to makes ends meet.

I know a Surgeon, one of the top guys in Denver, he retired end of last year, ACA was the final nail.

Not sure I understand the comment above about finally being able to go to the Doctor, first you have to find one who takes it and then you have the decutible to meet.

Rete

My daughter, her husband and three kids (she and hubby are self-employed) cannot afford Obamacare and because of it, Humana upped the monthly premium so that they cannot afford that either. It is cheaper now for them to pay for healthcare as needed and the penalty tax wise for not having healthcare insurance.

Obamacare sucks for the middle class US Citizen.

Rete

[QUOTE=sir_eccles;11828309]News flash, your rates were going up before the aca. In fact the rate at which premiums have gone up is now less.

QUOTE]

But for some it went from $575 a month premium to $1600 a month with a deductible of over $25,000 for a family of 5.

Giantaxe

Nice generalization.

It likely won't suck so much for those that have a serious illness or accident, the risk that your daughter and her family are now taking.

Giantaxe

$575 a month for a family of five likely meant they were significantly underinsured.

Edit; I see the 2016 out of pocket maximum for ACA policies is $13,700 for family coverage.

Rete

Actually, not true. The youngest had a seizure while in a pool on vacation and was rushed to the emergency room. The entire cost to them under their Humana policy at that time was $300 and that included MRI and other tests.

Also daughter had breast cancer and it only cost her the co-pay of $35 for the exam, $35 for the biopsy and the removal of the lump.

Giantaxe

I don't see how that comment makes mine untrue.

Additionally, pre-ACA, they were at risk of being dumped by their insurer or becoming uninsurable if someone suffered a serious illness.

Rete

You said that they were probably significantly underinsured. I showed that they were not. ER bills, illness bills, and well visits for all 5 were covered with only the co-pay to be paid. A damn sight better than my medicare and Aetna supplement which we get from NYS.

My co-pays are $30 for each visit, $50 for a specialist, $150 for the hospital. No dental or vision.

sir_eccles

Many policies allow general visits to your primary care provider without touching your deductible, either a set number of free visits or simple copay.

sir_eccles

Are you saying that there was only one insurer offering only one policy in the whole state?

Also if they are low income they could get assistance.