Here's my ACA rate INCREASE for those who doubt...

[ReverendDeuce]

Last edited Thu Oct 10, 2013, 08:42 PM - Edit history (1)

I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR A SUBSIDY AND THIS IS THE SAME RATE THAT IS QUOTED TO ME ON THE EXCHANGE. IT IS ALSO IN THE SAME PRICE RANGE AS ALL THE OTHER OFFERINGS ON THE EXCHANGE.

I've posted a bit about this before and nobody seemed to believe me, so I've decided to share photos of the "plan comparison" chart from Blue Cross that I received.

So, to summarize:

* Premium going way up!
* Deductible going way up!
* Out of pocket going WAAAY up!

But hey, at least I, as a 30-something male, get pediatric dental/vision and maternity covered, right? Right? RIGHT?!?

[Sparkly]

1. It looks like an upgraded policy.

If you keep the same one, the ACA prevents insurance companies from raising the premium more than 10%.

You don't HAVE to use the exchange, if that's the problem.

[ReverendDeuce]

3. I _can't_ keep the same plan.

I _can't_ keep the same plan. They are forcing me into an ACA-compatible plan because my old plan does not include mental health, maternity, etc.

[notadmblnd]

19. Who is the "they" that is forcing you?

You're going from Blue Essential to Blue Essential Plus. You're signing up through the Healthcare.gov website or is your current insurer telling you this is what you are getting this year?

[Yo_Mama]

190. Companies that are complying with the law as written

have to include those new coverages. Of course premiums go up. Smaller companies that buy group insurance are often having their current plans discontinued and being forced to buy compliant plans.

This is in the law. Some companies are not complying because the employer mandate is being suspended for next year. I don't think you can blame the company for complying with the law.

[notadmblnd]

199. but it is my understanding that if your premiums are more than something like 10% of what you make

You can go to the exchange. He also claims that the exchange gives him the exact same quote but doesn't give us a screen shot of that one. Wonder why? It's not because he's incapable of doing that as he posted a screenshot of his private plan.

My problem with the OP is that that they are claiming that his higher rate for the next year is because of the ACA which it is not. That is why he is not getting a lot of support for his dilemma.

[Yo_Mama]

225. Yes it is. It's entirely ACA

I'm sorry, but it is. This plan is one of the qualifying plans sold on the exchange in his state for people his age, and yes, premiums will be very similar, because every company is basically working off the same tables.

ACA's individual mandate means that he has to buy all that extra coverage or pay a fine, which in his case would be very close to the amount of his extra premium. And those are the policies on the exchange.

He doesn't qualify for the subsidies so he doesn't qualify for the cost-sharing, so he is stuck with something like this. And it is not even the increased premium that is bothering him - it is the out of pocket costs. His maximum under the old plan for premiums and deductible (no copays after deductible) was $3,349.32. His maximum under the new ACA-qualifying plan is $9,192.08. With a 50% copay after his deductible, he can hit that maximum if he spends two days in the hospital or has a bad bone break.

So, he's not really insured any more. He has to start saving a lot. If he ever develops a significant medical condition, he may hit those out of pocket maximums several years running. There goes the house!

Look, I am amazed that people don't know this. ACA was written to impose MORE, not less, cost-sharing on people as a way to drive down costs. And some people will pay much higher premiums, because the cost is being shifted around. So it's true that some people (esp. older) are being offered much lower premiums than they had before, because their costs are being shifted onto the young ones like the OP. And people with pre-existing conditions get a break in most states, but that's because he pays more.

Medical bankruptcy rates are going to go up, not down, because of ACA.

The paper he posted is the SBC, which is a disclosure mandated by ACA. The company is terminating his old plan, because otherwise he'd still buy it and pay the fine, and that would mean that they would get a more expensive pool of people from the exchange, which they can't afford. They need him in there, because he's healthy.

He's still better off than if he were some poor guy his age making 30K, because even though that person would get a little help with the premium costs, the out-of-pocket is just hopeless at that income level. And cost-sharing breaks cut out a lot quicker than subsidies, so yes, that poor guy wouldn't be paying quite as much for his premium, but he's stuck with another $6,350 if he gets appendicitis.

Under ACA, both insurance and health care are affordable for very low income people. At rather low levels of income (in the 23-28K range), in many states the premiums are affordable but health care is not.

The benefit to this poster comes 25 years later, when he will be paying lower health insurance costs than he otherwise would have. But right now, it's all negative. It's a much worse insurance policy than he had, it costs more, and his costs if he has to obtain significant medical treatment take all his savings for a couple of years.

What the OP needs to do is pay another $150 or $200 a month to get real insurance. This plan's not insurance.

[Incitatus]

24. It looks like your current company is trying to take you for a ride.

I would check out other rates. I didn't know you would be forced to buy maternity and pediatric care when you are a male and have no kids. Is that really part of the healthcare law?

[B2G]

32. Yes it is

[Barack_America]

34. Yes, they do because before, a plan with maternity coverage would cost...

...$400 per month with $6000 or more in deductibles. Which essentially meant that people didn't have kids, or went on Medicaid and charged the taxpayers. Family planning was decided by insurance companies. This is not acceptable and the only way to prevent it was to spread the costs around.

[Incitatus]

60. Ok, so his plan does have to be upgraded.

But there's no mention of a subsidy. I also wonder how the 85% of premiums being paid for patient care will work out. Maybe they charge a higher amount than needed and give a rebate at the end of the year or give the option for the customer to put it towards next year's care, allowing them to keep the money invested and earning interest for themselves.

[Barack_America]

64. There's no indication this plan is through an exchange.

This is the going rate of a non-group plan on the open market.

[B2G]

75. It doesn't matter

All plans are subject to the same conditions, exchange or private.

Unless he qualifies for subsidies, he's going to pay more either way.

[ReverendDeuce]

126. I appreciate your assistance in this thread... nt

nt

[B2G]

250. I completely understand

Many of us are in the same boat. Those who aren't....well.

"I got mine so fuck you" cuts both ways, doesn't it?

[brush]

157. We all know the ACA is not perfect . . .

and the repugs fought tooth and nail to make it that way. Another thing we all know is that the ACA has to be tweaked and tweaked and tweaked some more — maybe to the point where we finally get something more like single-payer.

Right now it's designed to help the 30 million people without coverage but because of repug resistance and their looking out for their Big Insurance clients, there is collateral damage to some higher paid people who now have to pay more.

As soon as this debt ceiling and gov shutdown mess is over we need to start lobbying our reps to start the tweaking. And that is not beyond the realm of possibility now that the repugs have alienated so many voters with this shutdown.
We have a shot at winning the House in 2014 and then we can really get the ACA fixed.

[ReverendDeuce]

55. Yes, it's part of the new law. Other co's on the exchange are just as ridiculously priced. n/t

n/t

[JaneyVee]

193. Insurance companies are getting rid of their shitty catastrophic plans

And giving more services but for more money. You should try the exchanges.

[former9thward]

262. The ACA does not prevent premiums going up more than 10%.

The ACA has no direct cost controls. The ACA simply says an insurance company must "justify" any increases of more that 10%.

[Sparkly]

275. Right.

That's why I said "if you keep the same plan."

[B Calm]

2. Is this insurance through an employer?

[ReverendDeuce]

5. It's an individual plan I've had for several years. n/t

n/t

[bunnies]

10. Did you check the rates you would get on healthcare.gov?

Hardly fair to blame the ACA when youre not even going through the marketplace.

[regnaD kciN]

21. Bingo!

Not only can you almost certainly get a better plan through the exchange, you will likely get subsidies that will lower your premiums still further.

What you are experiencing here is not "Obamacare," but private individual health insurance -- which is nearly always the biggest "sucker's game" in the business.

[bunnies]

33. Thank you. I was going to edit to add in what you said about subsidies...

but you saved me the trouble. And you nailed it. No one should be surprised to learn that the insurance companies will use any excuse to screw them. This shit didnt just start because of the ACA.

[B2G]

39. Who do you tuink insures the Obamacare policies?

The same companies that offer private policies.

[bunnies]

52. But only healthcare.gov offers subsidies.

That could make a huge difference in his cost.

[ReverendDeuce]

56. Bingo? LOL... Brother, this IS THE EXCHANGE PLAN... I've seen it, it's the SAME PLAN... n/t

n/t

[cui bono]

81. It may be the same plan, but what people are saying is that if you actually acquire it via

the exchange that you will most likely get a subsidy, so the cost won't be the same.

[B2G]

89. Most likely?

That's a pretty big stretch given the income requirements for individuals.

[cui bono]

98. I have no idea, I'm just trying to clarify the point others are making with less

emotion behind it.

It would be very informative if he would go on the exchange to get the comparisons needed for everyone to see the whole picture. It doesn't sound like he looked at the prices and possible subsidies.

[mzteris]

289. his income level would help, too.

Yes, invasive question.

But he brought this canard up. if he wants to substantiate his "claim" - then he need to back it up with real facts.

The FACT that he tried to make people think this WAS an "exchange plan" and not his own private plan, is a clue about the intent of this entire thread.

Too many people know way too little about how the ACA is designed to work and how it does work. (And of course we all know that the original design deteriorated significantly once the teaparty bastards got their greedy little racist hate-filled paws on it.)

I think pretty much this whole thread is bullshit.

Who here actually WORKS IN - or WITH - insurance. Both employed by an insurance company or agency (on the level that would actually have a comprehensive understanding or said issues. Or with the ACA or other such related group. Or administratively handles the insurance programs for their company. ?

Anyone? Anyone at all. . .

[tabasco]

110. 400% of poverty level and below is 67% of the US population

What's your point?

[VanillaRhapsody]

161. A single person making under $45,000 who's insurance is more than 9.5% of their salary

qualifies for subsidy...Ipso Facto you WON'T be paying more than 9.5% of your salary if you make under 45k a year.

[mzteris]

290. You've "seen" it.

So let's see it.

I'd like to see this comparative plan of which you speak.

[TheKentuckian]

188. Wouldn't bet on that. The on and off exchange individual policies I'm hearing are the same.

Only direct from one carrier so far but that will probably be pretty generalized, this is a cartel after all.

"ObamaCare" is private insurance.

[TransitJohn]

231. PPACA is private indivual health insurance, not health care

that's what everyone's been saying for years.

[Enrique]

42. he probably can't

he is getting insurance from his employer, which now meets ACA guidelines. I believe the cases where he would be able to get insurance from the exchanges are very limited, for example if his premiums are some huge portion of his income, which appears not to be the case.

[bunnies]

44. He said in post #5 its not through his employer.

Its a private plan he gets on his own.

[Enrique]

76. oh ok i see

thanks

[tabasco]

114. If you get insurance from an employer

You still have the right to go on the exchange and shop for a better deal.

[Ohio Joe]

15. So... Then you have not shopped for a better plan?

Your current plan goes up, that sounds like the fault of your insurance company. If mine went up like that, I'd look for another one.

[ReverendDeuce]

57. Sigh... I _did_ shop around, and this is on par with everything available... nt

nt

[Ohio Joe]

66. Really...

Can you log into your exchange account, get a screen grab and show us that one as well to put the doubters to rest? Right now, all you are showing is your renewal and claiming it is ACA... When it's not.

[B2G]

77. Feel free, but I understand

The ignorance on this thread is astounding. This information has been out there for 3 years now, but most evidently didn't read the bill.

[sendero]

241. The people who signed it into law...

... didn't read it.

[kestrel91316]

113. Gawd. Just cancel that stinker and get a plan through the exchanges. Sheesh.

[ReverendDeuce]

129. The plans on the exchange are just as pricey, and this plan is already a part of the exchange... nt

nt

[kestrel91316]

145. Well, deal with it. There are no more crappy policies available. There never should have been,

either. They bankrupted far too many Americans. You'd think you would care about your fellow Americans, but maybe they don't care about anybody but themselves where you hail from. More's the pity.

Anyway, $236/mo for that policy is no biggie. If you make too much to get a subsidy, you can well afford it, unless your financial priorities are seriously effed up.

[llmart]

162. You've given the first post that is exactly what I wanted to say.....

I have yet to see if the poster has stated his annual income or if he's just insuring himself or a family (true - I haven't read all the posts yet).

Anyone up to 400% of poverty level gets some sort of subsidy, so if he doesn't qualify for a subsidy it means his income is very generous. And if that's the case, then instead of whining and complaining about the cost of health insurance he should be thanking his lucky stars that he's not one of those of us who lives on $25,000 a year.

[kestrel91316]

171. $25k?? Jeez, I wish, lol. The Great Recession has put me down considerably from that.

But I'm the perpetual optimist. Just wish this shutdown was over. It's killing my already down business.

[VanillaRhapsody]

252. Not to mention the caps on Maximum out of pocket...

they don't understand that part.....THAT is part of the magic here....

[ReverendDeuce]

260. Explain to my why my current policy was crappy, hmm? It worked well when I needed in two years ago.

I paid my deductible and no more than that for treatment that ultimately cost nearly $80K. My premium barely went up the following year. I had a 0% copay and $1,500 deductible.

[cilla4progress]

313. Listen..I hear you...me too

And I've posted repeatedly here on DU with same response.

My monthly premiums, deductible, and annual out of pocket are going up under ACA. I just got laid off from my job, yet these are the rates under our now LOWER annual household income! My current plan is closing down as of 12/31/13. Our household income is @ just under 400% FPL (depending on whether unemployment benefits are counted, which I assume they are. If so, we are at/about 400% FPL). Maybe my coverage was crappy but, like you, it worked for me.

We won't sink, but unless and until I find a new job (at 58.5 y.o.), our disposable income and household budget is taking a huge hit!

I feel burned because Pres. O. kept reassuring everyone that if we "liked the insurance we had we could keep it." I believed him. What happened?

I think I understand why this is happening. As stated above: cost sharing. But really, @ $70K / yr. for family of 3 and I am expected to shoulder MORE cost? While millionaires and billionaires walk? Seems wrong, to me.

[1000words]

4. Incoming! ...

[ReverendDeuce]

8. What does that mean?

What do you mean "incoming"?

[1000words]

12. Some will not enjoy hearing your story

[bunnies]

47. because blaming the ACA for the fact that his insurance co. is trying to screw him...

is bullshit. And yeah, we don't enjoy hearing bullshit.

[ReverendDeuce]

61. Rates at all five providers on the exchange are nearly identical... nt

nt

[bunnies]

63. and subsidies?

Do you make too much to qualify?

[elehhhhna]

273. repeated refusal to address this question = he's full of baloney

[DevonRex]

99. Except you have not bothered to go to healthcare,gov or your state site.

What state do you live in? Zip ? How many adults? Ages? Household income? Smokers? If you go to http://kff.org/ and plug that information the subsidy calculator you'll have a very close estimate of what you'll get and your rates.

[Doctor_J]

285. The aca was written for insurance companies. if it had been written correctly

the company would be unable to screw him. Why must every one who is not being helped by the aca get attacked by the BOG?

[bunnies]

286. Im not getting helped by the ACA.

Im out of work due to needing a surgery, and dont have insurance. And since my income is too LOW to qualify for subsidies, I dont get shit. I get to hold my breath and wait to see if my state expands medicaid, which it has not done. Furthermore, Ive never once posted in the BOG. Just FYI.

[Drunken Irishman]

310. If you show any hint of positivity toward Obama or what he's done...

There is a group of liberals here who will all but call you a deranged cultist.

Love how the guy calling you out has a Bernie Sanders avatar - a guy who voted for the ACA.

[bunnies]

312. Funny, isnt it?

Im a cultist one day and a hater the next. Not quite sure how that works. Not to mention, it isnt exactly difficult to use DU's search engine to see that everything that poster assumed about me is bullshit.

The other day someone attacked me as being a pro-Hillary troll. I almost peed myself from laughing so hard.

[Beaverhausen]

6. Who is the "we" who is enrolling you?

And what is coinsurance?

[Cal Carpenter]

115. 50% Coinsurance, as in the OP's example, means you pay half

of the bills until you have hit your out-of-pocket maximum of $6k (or $12k for a family) or whatever the exact amount is up there (don't feel like scrolling).

This is on top of your premium. A few things are exempt, like annual physicals (wellness). Most doctor appts beyond that, you have to pay for up to your deductible and then coinsurance on top of that up to the OOP max for the year.

This is why many people have been trying to point out that having health insurance does not always equate to affordable health *care*. If people have chronic problems that require check-ups and testing and meds, or a major accident, or some other expensive medical situation, it can be cost prohibitive. The only real upside is that if someone has a huge medical bill for hospitalization or major surgery or something, they are only responsible for their annual out of pocket maximum. But I don't know that many families that can shoulder $12k in bills on top of the premiums and deductibles. Many people and families who do not qualify for significant subsidies may still find this cost prohibitive.

Sorry for the long reply, my fingers just kept going LOL.

[Nye Bevan]

144. Only "on top of the premiums", not the deductibles.

The OOP maximum includes the deductible.

[Cal Carpenter]

150. That's true, I misspoke. So the patient pays 100% of the bills until the deductible is reached

aside from the preventative/wellness visit and certain (but very limited) other costs. Then the insurance kicks in and pays 50%.

So the family in the above scenario, between premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance, can rack up $15,500 in a year.

[stevenleser]

159. Hes not a family, he is an individual. nt

[Cal Carpenter]

179. Okay, so for him it is $9200.

For a single person, in a year, out of pocket. All I am doing is the math. He could just as well be a family of 4. The point still stands.

The annual out of pocket costs for many people may allow them to have health insurance, but still find health *care* cost prohibitive.

It is not really about the OP, it is about the whole picture. Many people were under the impression that they would be able "to keep (their) health care plan. Period. No one will take it away. No matter what. Period."

If anyone would like to nitpick my posts further, you can point out that I rounded up by $8 and his out of pocket would actually be $9182 and change.

[Nye Bevan]

194. Yes, but the idea with an HSA compatible plan like this one

is that you save a certain amount each month and put it in your HSA, and it is fully tax-deductible. You then use the HSA for cost sharing payments. The money is always yours so if you are lucky healthwise in one year it rolls over into the following year.

[PETRUS]

196. So the money they don't have...

...could in theory be available to them later? If they actually had it, and didn't need it? Cool.

[Nye Bevan]

200. We know that the OP earns at least $46,000 per year

as he or she said that they are not eligible for a subsidy. So it's probably reasonable to assume that they could put something in an HSA each month.

[stevenleser]

215. You mean $6350 according to the documents he posted.

As far as keeping your health plan, the health insurance companies have always altered plans between plan years. You never got the same exact policy from year to year. Things were added or taken away, deductibles raised or lowered, etc. This reminds me of Jon Stewart mocking the Ted Cruz for suggesting you couldnt necessarily keep your doctor. Stewart rightly mocked this by saying "As opposed to our current health care utopia where doctor and patient mate for life?!?!"

I've had to change doctors several times in the last few years. Why? Well, my employer changed health insurance companies, that was one, a Doctor of mine retired, that was two, and I moved, that was three.

Health insurance plans changed before the ACA. They would have continued to change without it.

You're trying to force a point that isnt there. Whats more, the OP is more than capable of paying for a better policy. We've already established that the minimum the OP earns is $46,000 a year based on how much you have to earn as an individual to not be eligible for subsidies.

[Cal Carpenter]

247. The out-of-pocket is in addition to the premiums.

The $6350 is the rest of the out of pocket costs (deductibles, co-insurance, co-pays).

I am not trying to force any point. Just helping define terms and show the math. You can come to your own conclusions.

It will be at least a year or two before any real, measurable, meaningful outcomes of the ACA will be clear. Then we can see how many are not only insured but are actually able to access *health CARE*. If you don't think millions will fall through the cracks, either due to high deductibles, inability to pay premiums while waiting for their subsidy in the form of the tax break, or other massive holes in the ACA, well, all I can say is I hope you are right and I am wrong.

[VanillaRhapsody]

255. so don't get the free diagnostic tests....

that makes perfect sense...

[bajamary]

7. but others got great rates.....

Check this post out, as they got fabulous rates with ACA.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023819690

[ReverendDeuce]

9. The point is people are being called liars when they talk about rate increases here...

I am just trying to prove them wrong. I'm getting the hammer with my insurance, and so are many others. It's not a lie.

[Pab Sungenis]

29. You're not getting a rate increase.

Your insurance company is forcing you into a significantly upgraded policy with coverage for tons of stuff you didn't have before.

Go to the exchange and shop.

[Savannahmann]

41. Upgraded?

Higher deductible, higher out of pocket expenses, and it cost more. How is that upgraded? Upgraded means it's better, more out of pocket is not better.

[Pab Sungenis]

45. Much more coverage.

Mental health, additional prescription, pediatric and maternity, etc.

[Savannahmann]

70. But you missed his point.

He had opted out of Mental Health, he didn't want that coverage, and is a single male. He is almost certainly not going to need maternity care, unless he is one of those miracle males who ends up pregnant. If that is the case, the endorsement deal for Pampers and baby food will more than cover his expenses, and the college fund for Junior. The same with the other required coverage for conditions and issues he's almost certainly not going to have. Now I grant you, it is possible that he will get Breast Cancer, but those cancers in men are usually found through tests other than mammograms.

I think the point the OP is trying to make is that the cafeteria options is gone. No longer can you zip down the line and just get an orange. Now you have to get the full meal with all the food groups represented even if you would rather eat a raw turd than put meat in your mouth.

The OP's point is paying for things you don't want, or need, isn't the definition of upgraded, and isn't necessarily an improvement in his individual case. Now, he might need mental health coverage sometime in the future, but many of us never feel the need for that particular service. No, before you say it I am not belittling those who do take advantage of mental health care.

[B2G]

78. Thank you. Some sanity in a sea of denial. nt

[stevenleser]

205. In single payer, you dont get to opt out of anything, you just get taxed. And the OP would get taxed

a lot based on the fact that he is a single person making at least 46,000 which is the minimum he would have to make in order to not qualify for any subsidies from the exchange.

[ReverendDeuce]

258. But in single-payer, it would not be a for-profit disease management model like it is today...

As it stands today, insurance cartels have a real gravy train going.

[stevenleser]

259. None of that has to do with what was being discussed, which is choice of what is covered and

for which options you are paying.

On Edit: I find it interesting you are willing to respond to this, but not the requests for more information like your income, without which your entire OP is meaningless.

[ReverendDeuce]

261. Why is it "interesting" that I don't want to share my income details? I don't qualify for a subsidy.

It's as simple as that. I am not eligible for a subsidy.

If you want to try and shame me based on my income level by claiming "oh, then you CAN afford this", I'd rather not give you that kind of ammunition. In principle, I can afford it. I could afford the $400 platinum plan. But I choose not to spend that kind of money because with the plans on the exchange, there's a point of diminishing returns.

The gold plan is around $348 and is as close as it comes to my current non-ACA-compatible plan which is $161.

[elehhhhna]

274. oh hell yeah let's have a menu

I guess I should opt out of guy shit like prostate cancer.

[Savannahmann]

283. The posters point was that he had a menu of things to choose.

He in essence went down the cafeteria line, and picked that which he wanted/needed. He had a plan he was happy with, and could easily afford. Now, he has things that are useless to him, it cost more, his deductible will be higher, and his co-pay is also higher.

The Poster's point is that one size never fits all, it almost never fits most. This basic human truth has been received by so many here with such outrage and frothing at the mouth venom that I am astonished. What happened to the principles of Speaker Pelosi that we were going to pass it now and fix it later. Because now apparently anyone who points out that the law is not perfect is lumped into the same category as a RW troll. Nobody here is saying we should repeal the law. Nobody is saying that it was a mistake. What they are saying is that the law is not perfect, and we should be working to make it better. But now we've turned into the rabid Christian Fundies who we laugh at as they point at the Bible and announce that mankind started 5,000 years ago. They take the Bible as the perfect literal word of God. Now, we are acting much like them, pretending that the ACA is perfect as a law, and any discussion of changing it is heresy.

It is made by man, and nothing man has ever done has been perfect. We can always work to improve something, to make it better for more of us. I don't understand why this basic truth that normally we strive for here is met with such venomous responses. Normally we cheer the tiny little victories that we have for GLBT rights. We don't snarl and shout that the status quo is perfect. We are always striving to make it better. Why should the ACA be any different than that?

[elehhhhna]

292. He hasn't even looked up an ACA policy and is full of baloney

but thanks for mansplaining all that to someone who has worked in and with the insurance industry.

[Savannahmann]

293. So you are saying that the requirements of the ACA on insurance

Do not include the following? Mental Health coverage, Maternity Coverage, Preventative exams for women including but not limited to Breast Cancer screenings, Pelvic Exams?

Perhaps you should notify the Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/prevention/index.html

Because they seem to think that they do. But thanks for putting your professional experience out there. So what kind of work do you do for the Insurance Industry?

http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html

1.Anemia screening on a routine basis for pregnant women
2.Bacteriuria urinary tract or other infection screening for pregnant women
3.BRCA counseling about genetic testing for women at higher risk
4.Breast Cancer Mammography screenings every 1 to 2 years for women over 40
5.Breast Cancer Chemoprevention counseling for women at higher risk
6.Breastfeeding comprehensive support and counseling from trained providers, as well as access to breastfeeding supplies, for pregnant and nursing women*
7.Cervical Cancer screening for sexually active women
8.Chlamydia Infection screening for younger women and other women at higher risk
9.Contraception: Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling, not including abortifacient drugs*
10.Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling for all women*
11.Folic Acid supplements for women who may become pregnant
12.Gestational diabetes screening for women 24 to 28 weeks pregnant and those at high risk of developing gestational diabetes*
13.Gonorrhea screening for all women at higher risk
14.Hepatitis B screening for pregnant women at their first prenatal visit
15.Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening and counseling for sexually active women*
16.Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Test: high risk HPV DNA testing every three years for women with normal cytology results who are 30 or older*
17.Osteoporosis screening for women over age 60 depending on risk factors
18.Rh Incompatibility screening for all pregnant women and follow-up testing for women at higher risk
19.Tobacco Use screening and interventions for all women, and expanded counseling for pregnant tobacco users
20.Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) counseling for sexually active women*
21.Syphilis screening for all pregnant women or other women at increased risk
22.Well-woman visits to obtain recommended preventive services*

Because it sure sounds like those things are required to me. Probably because they say that the policies must cover those services. And the Doctors aren't allowed to charge anyone but the insurance company for them. Oh and the insurance companies aren't allowed to charge the individual a higher rate to cover those services based on gender and previous health issues. But what do I know? After all, I've just read it on the Health and Human Services webpage, read it dozens of times in other news stories celebrating the great services that the ACA will provide. So where can we go to get your information out there to help educate the rest of us? I mean, if this is all a misunderstanding, or a mistake, let's get that information out there from some reputable source other than I know and that's all you need to.

Thanks for your sexist response to my previous post.

He hasn't even looked up an ACA policy and is full of baloney

but thanks for mansplaining all that to someone who has worked in and with the insurance industry.

[elehhhhna]

296. WHat part of "pool" is confusing?

Should women pay extra for ladypart coverage? Back to the thread: He hasn't looked at the exchanges, he won't give basic info so DUers can look it up for him (yes -we do shit like that for each other), so this whole thread is bull.

[socialist_n_TN]

49. I would guess that the "upgraded" part of the new plans would be.......

the new coverages.

Medicare for ALL!

[B2G]

43. His insurance company is not

ACA is. All plans on the exchange require the same coverage

The ignorance on this is astounding.

[regnaD kciN]

31. It only "proves" that you don't know enough about the ACA…

…to go out and take advantage if it.

Instead, you're just sitting back and taking whatever your previous insurer chooses to stick you with, and then blaming it on that ol' debbil Obamacare.

Sorry, but everyone who has posted "proof" of the ACA's horrible consequences so far have only proven that they couldn't be bothered to take advantage of it.

[ReverendDeuce]

264. Individual policy premiums for males in my state have risen because of ACA...

LOL... "ol' debbil Obamacare"? Really? REALLY?

[kestrel91316]

118. They are being called liars for blaming ACA for their insurance company's greed.

As they should.

Go to healthcare.gov and see what they have. Then see what kind of subsidy you can get. If you make too much to get a subsidy, then you make enough to buy the plan and survive anyway. And you WON'T be bankrupted by medical expenses if you get sick or injured.

Though I really do suggest the silver level plans. They have a noticeably lower ded and OOP limit.

[cilla4progress]

314. Yes.

How can we have a reasoned discussion about what needs to be fixed in the ACA if we can't accept this basic truth?

[Yavin4]

11. You're getting more things covered. So, it should go up.

You're getting mental illness, maternity, pediatric dental and vision covered. You're getting all of these things covered for another $75.00.

[dairydog91]

16. Fortunately, he now has maternity coverage.

It's time for Junior 2!

[notadmblnd]

25. Well it is a family plan, so obviously he has a wife and possibly children.

[ReverendDeuce]

53. It is not a family plan. It's an individual plan. n/t

n/t

[notadmblnd]

62. Well you circled/highlighted the family numbers as if those were your prices

This is not being offered through the ACA. This is your private insurer giving you this upgraded policy, right? Or won't you answer that?

[kestrel91316]

121. I've been paying extra for coverage of obese people and their ills for my whole life and you don't

hear me complaining in spite of the fact that I am a normal, healthy weight with a healthy lifestyle.

Suck it up. We pool our resources and all of society benefits. Now, if you don't want to be or consider yourself not part of society, perhaps Somalia would make you happier. They don't force medical insurance down people's throats there.

[llmart]

167. Gotta rec your post.

Amen.

We're supposed to be liberal Democrats on this site. The selfishness on a Democratic site is disheartening.

This is part and parcel of living in a society where we have some sense of responsibility for others outside of ourselves. No man is an island, etc. etc. I am a senior whose children are grown and in their 40's and I don't whine and moan about paying taxes for public schools. Someone paid taxes for my children to go to school. When I was younger I didn't whine and moan about paying Medicare and Social Security taxes when my senior years were far off in the distance. It's part of the social contract that we pool our resources to help each other out, and I always thought that Democrats valued that.

I've read so many posts both here and on Facebook that start with, "But this doesn't help me any." Then we complain about the "me" society.

[kestrel91316]

174. Most these assholes are RW trolls. They don't even try to be subtle.

[llmart]

178. Yeah, I figured this was a "plant".....

there have been way too many of them lately, mostly with the onset of the ACA. Some of us can see right through them.

[MADem]

306. I do sense a serious "demotivating" effort by some.

I think the failure to provide basic information so that others can "run the numbers" is a real "tell."

[kestrel91316]

176. Democrats DO value the social contract. RWers don't. You can always tell who is who by that.

[MADem]

304. Getting angry at contributing to maternity care is silly.

All of us, regardless of gender, availed ourselves of a uterus in becoming a person. None of us would be here if it weren't for "lady parts." Further, the people who are grown within those "lady parts" and are born from them will be contributing to social security once they grow, and that money will be used to pay us our old age pensions.

As we age, and maybe need someone to wipe our butts and deliver our Meals on Wheels, the money forked over to "maternity care" will have paid for the birth costs of people who are doing that wiping and delivery.

Consider paying for "maternity care" an investment in old age--even if you aren't planning on having kids yourself. It doesn't just take a village to raise a kid, it takes a village to care for the elderly among us, too.

Most people I know WANT to live to a ripe old age, so they consider the payments an investment in their old age...

[moriah]

189. He also has mental health coverage.

And if the fact that over a million more people can vote for Democrats but we STILL end up with a Republican controlled House doesn't make someone need some therapy....

[SolutionisSolidarity]

191. Yeah, and I gotta pay for school that other people's kids go to.

What kind of raving libertarian nonsense is it that women should pay more for insurance just because they are of child bearing age?

[BlueCheese]

28. An extra $75 a month in premiums, but also higher deductible and coinsurance.

I think part of his concern is that he doesn't need maternity nor pediatric care, given that (I'm inferring) he doesn't have any children and doesn't plan on it soon.

[Barack_America]

13. Sorry, but you have already used maternity coverage.nt

[regnaD kciN]

14. Where are you getting this print-out?

This doesn't seem to be anything from the exchange. Have you tried it?

It looks to me, from the inclusion of "previous year" information (which you WON'T get shopping the exchange) that this is simply your current private insurer jacking up your rates and trying to blame it on the ACA. You know what? Without the ACA, your insurer could have done the same every year -- as they have done to millions of Americans every year.

Personally, I recommend you visit the exchange for your state and see if you can get a better deal -- because the out-of-pocket maximum, in particular, is more than twice that of the cheapest, least-covering "bronze" plan on my state's exchange.

[ReverendDeuce]

18. I did. They are all just as bad, as I said. n/t

n/t

[Th1onein]

36. So you admit that these photos are not from the ACA site, but from your insurance company.

The same insurance company that you, yourself, admit that you're getting a more comprehensive plan from. And yet, you expect us to believe that you got this from the government site and your premiums under ACA have gone up? What about those statements is NOT a lie?

[B2G]

50. Jesus back off

You are the one not getting it.

[Th1onein]

59. Oh, I "get it," alright. I just don't like people playing me for a fool. Neither should you.

[B2G]

67. Here's the deal skippy

He never said they were from the exchange. He said all of his costs had increased as a result of the ACA mandate that all policies contain enhanced coverage beginning in 2014.

Which is absolutely correct and that makes you absolutely wrong. Don't accuse people of lying when you obviously have no idea what you're talking about.

Mkay?

[Th1onein]

82. Here's the quote directly from his subject line in the OP: Here's my ACA rate INCREASE for those wh

You read that? "Here's my ACA rate INCREASE."

Now, you can twist it any way you want to, SKIPPY, but that looks like a lie to me.

[B2G]

84. It is an ACA increase

An ACA mandated increase in coverage for his policy. If it were not for the ACA, his old plan would still be valid. Would his rates have increased? Possibly, but not nearly by that margin.

I know you don't like it, but facts are facts, no matter how much we wish they weren't.

[Caretha]

136. Bullshit

that is a private insurance plan increase. A lie is a lie is a lie, skippy

[darkangel218]

181. Actually, shes right.

It turns out the ACA is mandating certain benefits to be included in all policies, so the private insurence adjusted the benefits and subsequently the rates in accordance to the ACA demands.

I didn't get it at first either.

Its kind of odd though.. why would a male need maternity benefits? Maybe I'm missing something

[Yo_Mama]

197. ACA requires it

because that way premium costs are evened out between men and women. Remember, under ACA you can't charge different rates other than by age or by smoking status.

[darkangel218]

208. I see.

That makes sense, but I bet it will anger a lot of people.

[Yo_Mama]

226. It will shock them

When they stop and think about it they'll understand why.

[Th1onein]

238. Nope.

He's getting a more comprehensive plan, even without the maternity. And this is NOT an ACA plan. He hasn't even looked at the exchanges, so we're supposed to chalk this up to ACA? Sorry, not buying it.

[ReverendDeuce]

246. For the last time I *DID* see the exchange plans...

I've already said it over and over...

[Th1onein]

256. You came on here posting photos of your private insurance carriers rates and tried to pass them off

as ACA rates. You specifically said that you were providing PROOF of the rate increase in the ACA because no one believed anyone else when they posted about rate hikes. That is clearly an attempt to mislead people. Everything you say on the topic from here on out will be viewed with great skepticism.

[ReverendDeuce]

263. What? What are you TALKING about?

These ARE the ACA rates that Blue Cross is giving me! I have a 14-page booklet with ACA rates in them. The gold, the bronze, the silver, the works! All but the platinum, because Blue Cross is not going to offer a platinum plan in Nebraska.

How on earth is that misleading?

ACA demands different benefit structure, so Blue Cross is killing my current policy and replacing it with an ACA-compatible plan which costs more with a staggeringly ridiculous out-of-pocket maximum, copay, etc.

Misleading? How?

My rate/premium is going up because of the ACA.

Again: misleading in what way?

[Th1onein]

271. No, these are Blue Cross rates that are for a Blue Cross plan that has the comparable coverage that

ACA requires. Stop splitting hairs. We're not stupid.

You keep saying that that are all the same, but you give no proof, and all the while you're claiming to be giving proof.

Sorry, doesn't wash.

[ReverendDeuce]

272. It *IS* a plan offered on our state's exchange! What is SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND?

Christallmighty... I feel like I am dealing with the DU version of dittoheads...

[Th1onein]

284. You don't get it. I DO understand what you are trying to tell me.

But YOU are saying that you are providing proof of what you contend, in photos, while you are NOT doing that.

And, by the way, you have no need to insult me, or my intelligence. Keep it up and you will end up on my ignore list.

[MattBaggins]

299. Because we are Liberals not libertarians.

[bunnies]

65. Hey! Dont talk to Jesus that way.

[subterranean]

72. He never said the documents were from the government site.

The reference to the "ACA rate increase" in the heading might have been misleading. The OP blames the ACA for the insurance company discontinuing his old plan and putting him in a new one that, for his purposes, is less generous and more expensive than the previous plan.

[WilliamPitt]

17. I'm going to be paying $1,300/month for coverage until the ACA kicks in after the first.

I'd be doing fucking handsprings if my premium was $236.

[PasadenaTrudy]

38. No shit n/t

[bunnies]

40. Geezus. $1300 for the 3 of you? Thats just insane. nt

[msanthrope]

96. Mine is 2,000. nt

[steve2470]

102. ouchhhhhh

And here I was feeling sorry for myself with 1181 per month. Per valuepenguin (since I can't get on healthcare.gov to compare yet), I can get better coverage for that price than what I have with Aetna right now.

[msanthrope]

142. Yes...my ACA premium is lower. 2k is what I am paying 'til it kicks in. nt

[dkf]

107. Damn, that is brutal. Affordable? Really?

[msanthrope]

141. Um, my ACA premium is less than a third of that. How interesting you assumed an anti-ACA stance. nt

[Ms. Toad]

165. Our family plan through work has been $1800 for three of us.

If my daughter had to buy it on her own it would be around $1500 just for her.

[Warren Stupidity]

154. The last year I was self employed I spent 1200/month.

250 for an individual plan seems reasonable to me.

[The Midway Rebel]

166. Fuckin A!

Mental AND Dental AND Health for $236...that's a bargain.

[WilliamPitt]

170. Right?

SMH

[Recursion]

236. The full premium for Medicare part A & B is something like $1100/month this year

Though a good bit of that is subsidized by the trust fund.

[Sparkly]

248. I hear you. I pay $620/month for an individual plan.

My daughter pays the same for hers. Before Stinky got on Medicare, we were paying close to $30k per year just for premiums.

I don't qualify for a subsidy, but I'm hoping to find a cheaper plan through the exchange.

[B Calm]

20. What's your age, married, single, home state, and annual income

Easy way to get information on your state's health insurance plans [View all]
http://www.valuepenguin.com/ppaca/exchanges

Go to the link above and click your state on the map.

[gollygee]

22. The plan name is different

so these are two different plans. And there's all sorts of stuff for families and kids added.

[grantcart]

23. People are 'not believing' you because you are mixing terms.

There is a huge difference in keeping your current plan (which is compliant with the ACA) and an ACA rate on an ACA plan.

Why don't you go the actual ACA site open an account and see what your rate and subsidy would be with an actual ACA plan?

[4bucksagallon]

26. Not sure your income but do you think that is a huge increase?

When I quit a job back in '93 COBRA sent me estimates of over $500 a month for my insurance.

[Wait Wut]

27. Check the ACA.

My boss just found out he can save about $400/mo between himself and another employee if he gets off of BCBS. Same amount of coverage.

If you're not happy with the increase from BCBS, go shopping.

[pacog]

30. seems about right

Just created this account to type this post. I'm an on and off poster since 2002.

If it's a bronze plan, your coinsurance cannot be more than 40%. I'd contact your insurance company for clarification. My company went from 80/20 to 70/30 and our cost went up 5 dollars per pay period.

If you read the fine print, I guarantee there're less exclusions compared to what you had before.
Sure you might not need maternity or pediatric dental but what if you have cancer down the road?

[gopiscrap]

182. welcome to DU

[Lars39]

35. Individual policy? Get on the exchange and find

different insurance. You don't owe that company any loyalty.

[ReverendDeuce]

125. I did. They are all just as bad. Already did my homework before posting. nt

nt

[Lars39]

133. But you didn't post those results.

[Pab Sungenis]

37. Look at all the increased coverage you're getting.

You're complaining that your Nash Rambler is broken down and the Cadillac you're considering buying costs more.

Shop at the exchanges and see what you can get.

[PasadenaTrudy]

46. I got a similar looking notice

from Blue Shield. My current plan, that I pay for on my own, is going to be discontinued at the end of the year. In it's place, I'm being offered a Platinum plan for $9 less a month than I'm currently paying. I went on CoveredCa.com and did my research and it's a tiny bit cheaper. So, I'm getting more coverage and no deductibles for less $$.

[ecstatic]

48. When I had individual insurance, my rate would go up at least $100 a year

And that was way before Barack Obama was a household name. Is this your first annual increase ever? Somehow I doubt that.

[Marrah_G]

51. Have you tried going through the Exchange?

Because what you posted is not "Obamacare"

[Keefer]

130. You're right...

It is NOT Obamacare, but it is DUE to Obamacare. He is being forced to buy coverage he doesn't want: Maternity, Mental health care, pediatric dental, pediatric vision, etc. He is a single man with no children. Why does he need maternity care or any of those pediatric services? Obamacare mandates all insurance plans provide those coverage's. That's why his old plan is no longer offered; specifically because it DID NOT include those coverage's.

[Marrah_G]

134. I'm thinking that you don't understand how this works

By spreading it around to everyone it allows everyone to be covered. Everyone being able to see a doctor is important right?

[BlueCheese]

175. It is.

On the other hand, that means the argument should be, "Your rates are higher, but it's fairer." Not, "Your rates didn't go up."

[subterranean]

54. Well, that does suck.

I remember your earlier post about this. You had an exceptionally great plan! No wonder you're upset.

I don't understand why the deductibles, OOP limits AND the premiums went up, just because the new plan covers a few more things.

This was probably mentioned in your other post, but have you looked at the plans and prices on the insurance exchange? I know the exchange in my state (Washington) offers better options than your "new plan," but I'm not sure about Nebraska.

[Savannahmann]

58. I understand your point.

Many here ignore it, or miss it but I get it. You are saying you shopped and found a plan that met your needs, your individual need previously. However, now because of all the included mandatory coverage which you had opted out of in the old plan, your costs are going up significantly.

You said you were a single man in your 30's. You had decided previously that mental health was not an issue for you, so you opted out of that coverage. You are a man, and decided that maternity care, OB-GYN care, and screenings for Breast Cancer were not in your medical needs category, and opted out of those. So your cost was pretty low for a narrowly tailored plan to fit your specific needs. Had you needed more of the options, you would have paid more to get them.

Someone here used the car analogy, so I will too. You went to the dealer to get a new car. You decided on the Ford Fiesta, as it met your needs. You just wanted a basic car with nearly no options as you were looking for basic transportation.

Once there, the dealer told you that the base price of the car was $10,000, but once you added in the mandatory options, huge stereo with a half dozen speakers, chrome wheels, low profile tires, tinted windows, cruise control, LED accent lights, ski rack, the seven clear coat paint job, and the safe child 6000 car seat for your non existent toddler, the price was now $16,000. You argue that you didn't want those options, but the dealer informed you that those options were mandatory, the law requires that you have them.

Not a great analogy I admit, but it is what I think you're trying to say.

[Demo_Chris]

68. You're getting hosed, and it's MANDATED. nt

[spanone]

69. oops. nevermind.

[Agnosticsherbet]

71. Maybe you should leave Blue Essentials.

Or check out what you can get through .gov or the state site, if your state has one.

[darkangel218]

73. Im sorry to say this, but youre wrong.

Your PRIVATE insurence ( NOT aquired through ACA ) is going up because you CHANGED PLANS. Nothing to do with the ACA! Who and why is making you change plans??

[subterranean]

79. The insurance company put him into the new plan.

Apparently they are discontinuing the other plan because it didn't include certain coverage mandated by the ACA. They sent him this letter saying, "Here's your new plan as of Jan. 1."

[darkangel218]

177. Ahh i see.

[B2G]

80. I give up

Read the damn ACA legislation. You are 100% incorrect.

[darkangel218]

180. Lol!

No, don't give up. Some of us don't know all the details.

[scheming daemons]

74. the pics you posted are not from the exhange

You're blaming something on Obamacare that is NOT Obamacare!

[B2G]

83. ONE MORE TIME FOR THE SLOW KIDS...

This IS a result of the ACA.

ALL plans, private or exchange, are mandated to provide 10 'essential benefits', as referenced in the OP's pic. That means your former insurance plan that didn't cover these things now must. Your premiums are bound to go up as a result, along with everything else.

Love it or hate it, it's a direct result of the ACA.

So stop spouting disinformation by saying otherwise.

[ProSense]

86. Stop insulting people

The OP is completely misleading, and anyone pushing it as accurate doesn't know what the hell they're talking about.

No one is forcing the OP to keep that plan. He can shop the exchanges because the plan is not employer-based.

People can get better coverage on the exchange and still save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

[B2G]

87. Whatever nt

[Rosa Luxemburg]

93. Exactly!

[B2G]

94. I suppose it's OK for posters to insult the OP

When they are flat out wrong?

OK then. Got it.

[stevenleser]

219. The OP is deliberately withholding several important pieces of information. That is being dishonest.

- OP is not disclosing their income.

- OP is not disclosing the plans available to them in the exchange. We're supposed to take his say so.

- OP hasn't disclosed where they live.

[dkf]

111. But his plan with his doctor is what he wanted.

Isn't that the deal? He gets to keep his doctor and his plan?

[Keefer]

135. Not quite.

[dkf]

138. The sales job was deceptive.

Might as well face it.

[Marrah_G]

92. Until he checks the prices out through the exchange the numbers don't mean anything.

[Ohio Joe]

97. The OP claims he did check out the exchange but does not appear to want to show those numbers

I find that odd... Show one set of numbers but not the other... And be very mis-leading about what is being shown... I'm not buying it at all.

[Marrah_G]

104. If he makes less then 45000, as a sigle person, he will get a subsidy.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

120. Right. Why only half the facts? Half assed, it seems.

[kestrel91316]

122. People are getting really sick of your RW talking points.

[Skip Intro]

221. Some are getting sick of being called names for speaking truth.

Just sayin'

[Puzzledtraveller]

253. add me to that too.

[kestrel91316]

128. For the one REALLY slow kid: insurance companies are no longer permitted to sell REALLY crappy

policies, in spite of some fools liking/getting sucked into them.

I know you HATE that. You've made it abundantly clear with your frothing-at-the-mouth hatred of ACA.

Tough shit. It's the law of the land and it is a great and revolutionary law that benefits the ENTIRE nation as a whole. And you just can't stand that, can you? You hate the very idea of the social compact and you're going to scream and yell and have your tantrum until you pass out from lack of oxygen, aren't you?

[Keefer]

140. The whole point of the OP is this:

He is a MALE with no children. Why is he forced to buy maternity coverage and all the pediatric coverage? That is why his old policy is no longer offered. It didn't meet the minimum requirements to be included in policies offered by the ACA.

[kestrel91316]

146. He is a HUMAN BEING. He is not forced to buy medical insurance. STOP LYING about that, people.

But if he does choose to buy medical insurance, that policy WILL cover all HUMAN medical problems. As it should. And crappy policies that don't cover shit are now illegal, as they should be.

Besides, are you unaware that hermaphrodites and intersex persons exist, and there was no place for THEM at the table until now???????

[Keefer]

147. Ah...

but he IS forced to buy health insurance, or pay a tax.

[kestrel91316]

152. Yep, because in due time, without insurance, he WILL incur medical bills he can't pay.

That's pretty much a given. So tough shit.

And there are plenty of exemptions to that fine if he doesn't purchase, like true poverty, or recent job loss, or a few dozen other reasons. They are all plainly spelled out at healthcare.gov.

[Keefer]

155. Okay.

You win. I lose. <YAWN?> Happy now?

[kestrel91316]

169. Enjoy your stay.

[Seeking Serenity]

172. So, just suck it up and pay, right?

Gawd, your attitude on this thread is sickening.

[bettyellen]

185. He WANTS insurance, so yeah. And if he makes more than 50K, he's getting a god deal.

WTF makes you or him think he deserves a better deal than any woman on this board? He does not.

[Seeking Serenity]

202. It's really not even a question of WANTING insurance anymore, now is it?

Required by law to have it or pay a fine.

[bettyellen]

207. Yes! If you want to shirk responsibility and have resources- you have to pay a penalty. Awesome!!

[louslobbs]

164. Slow kids? That's how you have a conversation with those who may not agree with you?

Why not just agree to disagree rather than trying to force your point of view on others. Is that the way you learned to have conversations and debates, if others don't finally see it your way, then you resort to name calling? Grow up. I guess you didn't much like the "slow kids" huh? Did you try your bullying tactics on them as well and find them easier marks than those of us on DU?
Lou

[Orsino]

316. Yeah, I remember before Obamacare, when premiums didn't rise. n/t

[B2G]

85. And I'm sorry this is happening

A lot of us are in the same boat.

[NMDemDist2]

88. well duh! never go for a HDHP plan

unless you have an employer helping you with the health savings accounts that are designed to go with it.

We have an HDHP plan and a health savings plan that goes along with it. it works for us since we have very little wrong with us (just 2 adults, no kids) and i'm watching that saving plan build and build so in case we every do get sick, all those deductibles are already in the bank.

those two plans are totally apples and oranges. i noticed last year was a HSA too so the insurance company has changed their HSA plan to only a HDHP or you are trying to pull a fast one.

[Pab Sungenis]

151. Bingo.

He's not shopped for the right policy.

[Tarheel_Dem]

90. Mislead Much?

[SoCalDem]

91. A LOT of "Not Covered"s are now covered

Looks like you had a pretty good bargain for a while...and the premium NOW (for what you get) is better than many..

It sucks sometimes to have to share the load, but sometimes we have to..

If your income is low, maybe you can do better in an exchange..

Including the deductible/premium your out of pocket total works out to $445.17 per month...maybe the exchange will be less.. most of the ones I have seen posted are less than that for SILVER... yours is Bronze.. and your age is on the low side for premiums..

Looks like the only thing that could hang you up, would be if your income were too high..
http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/healthpolicy/calculator/

[cui bono]

95. It would be very interesting and educational for us if you would check the exchange

and see what you get for the same price. Or see what the price is for the same coverage and deductible that you have on your current plan.

[bravenak]

100. If you were born at sometime in the past, a woman has been charged higher rates to have you.

It's time for you to give back. If you use your penis on a woman, you may get her pregnant. Women pay higher rates for your prostate and Viagra.
You obviously needed the extra coverage for mental health. I don't want you opting out and doing some wicked ass murders because you didn't have your zyprexa and had a psychotic break. Mental illness doesn't look at your health care plan before causing a psychotic break.
I don't believe that's a photo of your plan.
We need to all pay to cover the children now. They will have to pay our ss and Medicare one day.
Selfishness is not a democratic virtue.

[kestrel91316]

132. [phone]

[Whisp]

288. best post of the week!

[DevonRex]

101. Subsidy Calculator at the Kaiser Family Foundation. For all states. It works.

http://kff.org/

[B2G]

108. ACA put this one up today

Far better than Kaiser.

https://www.healthcare.gov/find-premium-estimates/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=planestimationtool

[DevonRex]

137. LOL! You must not have noticed but they USE the Kaiser site for the subsidy calculation.

The one you gave is great for listing the specific plans offered in each county in each state. Wonderful tool. But if you also want to know what your subsidy might be it will send you to the Kaiser site. You see, the Kaiser Family Foundation is a great foundation. They do good work.

Since my husband happens to be pretty high up in HHS, I've learned quite a bit about ACA and Kaiser and the exchanges. And why certain people keep insisting their ACA policy rates are higher than their "wonderful" old insurance plan that hardly cost anything at all. When in fact they haven't even shopped the exchanges yet. Or they're 27 and have no clue what their "old" policy covered because the most they ever had was a hangover, but they paid that $150 a month last year religiously and trusted that their employer and insurer would NEVER screw them.

[Pab Sungenis]

153. You also left out the most important thing on that site: the warning at the bottom of EVERY PAGE.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The prices here don't reflect the lower costs an applicant may qualify for based on household size and income.

Subsidies will help those who can't afford to pay, and are used in the Kaiser calculator and not the Fed.

[DevonRex]

206. But the ones on the Kaiser site do. So, use the first one to find out which companies and

plans are offered. Use the Kaiser site to get a better estimate based on your family size, ages, smoking status and household income. All you do is go through the process on the government site, print out the companies who are participating in the exchange if that is something you wanted to know and then scroll UP to the shaded area at the top. Click on the link for the subsidy calculator. Kaiser asks more detailed information, but not your name or anything like that. Then it can calculate your subsidy amount and your estimated premium amount.

Your premium amount will be different from what the govt site had because it is specific for all those factors.

[dionysus]

184. don't pop the propaganda balloon.

care for a truffle? I got the goooood ones this time

[DevonRex]

227. I'm trying to

burst as many propaganda bubbles as I can. I just can't keep up. Amazing all these supposed ACA policies that turn out not to be ACA at all and the posters haven't even bothered to see what the exchanges might do for them.

Or the ones who had supposedly wonderful plans that cost practically pennies until mean old Obama had to screw things up for them and make them buy maternity policies when they're strapping 25-year-old men whose wives would never ever get pregnant in a gazillion years!!!!!!!

I always want truffles.

[kentuck]

103. With dental, vision, maternity, and mental health coverage?

Is that the gold plan??

[ReverendDeuce]

242. The ACA only covers pediatric dental/vision to age 19... I am in mid 30s so I get nothing. nt

nt

[pnwmom]

105. What were your pre-2010 annual and lifetime maximums?

They've been eliminated completely as of January.

Your old plan also didn't cover "specialty drugs" -- i.e., the most expensive ones, like cancer drugs; or mental health care. Yes, I know, you plan to never need either; I hope you're right.

[Niceguy1]

106. its silly

To have coverage for stuff you don't want or need.

[jbond56]

109. Why are you refusing to say wether you get a subsidy or your income?

[kestrel91316]

112. Stop whining. You've got yourself a bronze plan there, and that premium is quite reasonable. I

assume you have a regular paycheck that pays more than, say $25k/yr?

My last medical policy (you know, one of these fancy GROUP policies that are so fabulous) topped out with $500/mo premiums, $5000 or $7500 deductible, $10k out-of-pocket, 80/20 copay, and ZERO freebies (unlike the free preventive care and screenings we get now). At that point I couldn't afford both the premiums AND the uncovered medical care, lol. And yeah, as a woman on birth control for decades (which was never covered at all) I had to pay for a policy that covered pregnancy (which I never was going to use, I hate screaming babies).

You have a decent policy for a decent price. And so do millions more Americans. A rising tide floats all boats. Your taxes won't have to cover so many uninsured now.

[dkf]

116. The ACA depends on younger healthier people paying more for sicker older people.

It's not only the "freeloaders" they are targeting to pay more. How else can they make sure sicker and older people get coverage they can afford with no limit on their expenses to the plan?

It was always quite misleading to tell everyone they could keep their plan and their doctors, because they didn't add that it would possibly cost quite a bit more.

[lumberjack_jeff]

117. Wait. Time out.

Is this an individual policy? If so, why aren't you shopping on the exchange?

Also, as a man, you should expect a 15% increase because of elimination of gender as a rating criteria.

Get a quote from the exchange and then get back to us. Until then, stop yanking our chains.

[ReverendDeuce]

123. The rate on the exchange is the same as what BCBS sent me... sigh... nt

nt

[jbond56]

124. Whats your income and do you qualify for a subsidy?

[Pab Sungenis]

156. He refuses to say.

Won't back up his claim.

[louslobbs]

168. Can you post those figures as well?

Lou

[LeftyMom]

119. You're also getting mental health coverage and improved drug coverage.

And the same improvements in preventative care as everybody else.

But good job neglecting to mention the improvements that matter.

[treestar]

127. Then keep the old plan

Isn't that allowed under the ACA? It says you don't have to change if you like your present plan.

[ileus]

131. From a 0 to 50% Copay....you lucked out on that one...what an upgrade.

Has anyone looked at the GD copay amount?


Talk about getting raped...

[demwing]

139. Essentially, you're upset that you have to help pay for children's health care

do you feel the same way about public schools? Should only the property tax of parents go toward our public schools?

[demwing]

143. I have an idea

have you tried the exchange?



could not resist

[gulliver]

148. I don't see ACA circled anywhere.

Until I do, I'm going to have to assume this is just Joe Anonymous Internet being mistaken.

[Hippo_Tron]

149. I do sympathize with the fact that your mental health benefits are usless with a $2500 deductible

But not with the fact that young healthy people have to subsidize older sicker people. One day we're going to be old and sick and somebody will be subsidizing us. It's how things work in a civilized compassionate society.

[bettyellen]

187. exactly, and all the women in this country paid the insurance bump for birthing you. No more!

It is truly an expense that should be shared.

[bettyellen]

158. post your ACA rate now, or this is bullshit.

[louslobbs]

173. It's weird, several people including myself have asked to see these comparative figures, to no

avail.
Lou

[bettyellen]

183. it's not weird, Lou- it's obviously quite deliberate. as a woman who paid extra for maternity care

for a ful thirty years, coverage I KNEW I'd never use, it disturbs me how many men want to take a free ride, and stick their wives and sisters with the costs.
I don;t care if they were born in a barn, or just act like they were. It is SO wrong.

[louslobbs]

217. I agree, it's doing what's not only fair, but what's right. Same thing with paying taxes, I like

paying my fair share. I wear paying my taxes like a badge of honor........paying your fair share is for the greater good of society and community. Plus, it makes me feel good to know that I contribute to help educate our kids, pay my fair share for infrastructure repair and maintenance, and all of the other things our tax money goes toward. And if I have to pay a little extra to make sure others are able to afford health care services, I'm happy to do it, if taking a little more from my pay will prevent a child from going to bed hungry, take it. We're all in this together, that's what I was taught, and that's how I live my life. It's nice to be in the company of others, who not only think of themselves, but who also take the time to think of the needs of others. For the most part, that describes most of the people who lurk, or log into DU each day. A community of people, of which I'm proud to be a member. I just don't understand those who only think about taking.......and taking.......and then taking some more. It's good to know you bettyellen.
Lou

[bettyellen]

220. that is exactly it! i feel educating myself to vote thoughtfully and paying taxes is my give back..

this rugged individualism trip people are on is a delusion. one caused by selfishness more than anything, I think.
good to know you too, Lou!

[freshwest]

198. I didn't bother to ask, as it didn't make sense anyway. The refusal to answer is consistent with it

being something. Weird's not the word I'd use though. Just sayin'

[louslobbs]

218. I'll go with "something." n/t

Lou

[stevenleser]

160. Many pieces of information missing. Like... How much money do you make. I'm guessing a fair amount.

You can tell us since its not your real name you are using anyway.

You are claiming the premiums are going up and you are evidently not getting any advantage from going to the exchanges, that means you don't get subsidies because your income exceeds 400% of the federal poverty level for an individual. In other words, you make in excess of $45,960.

If you don't live in NYC or San Francisco or Los Angeles, that money probably goes a long way. The ACA is aimed particularly at people who make less than 400% of the Federal poverty level who could not afford health insurance before now.

You can clearly afford it. I'm guessing you can afford to go up to a silver plan and get better coverage.

[Turbineguy]

163. I just looked at my numbers.

We now have a high-deductible HSA at $782 per month. Our Insurer has us mapped over to a "Bronze" plan at $1013 per month. This is the plan they will put us in unless we choose differently.

This $1013 would however be reduced by the ACA subsidy which I can only estimate but looks to be around $900 per month. That would be a net premium of just over $100 per month!

If I go to a "Silver" plan the net premium comes out to just under $300 per month with a nice upgrade in bennies.

When you apply you have to enter your "modified gross income". It was explained to me that the subsidy goes directly against the gross premium, but any discrepancy shows up in next year's tax filing. You do not have to change your withholding status.

Even without the ACA our premiums probably would have gone to $950 or so per month under our old plan.

[Lex]

186. So your subsidy made a big difference.

The OP refuses to elaborate on what his subsidy would be.

[Turbineguy]

192. The subsidy makes a big difference

Last year the premium rose 16%.

[SolutionisSolidarity]

195. If you make enough to not qualify for subsidies, you can afford $236 a month.

Last edited Thu Oct 10, 2013, 11:24 PM - Edit history (1)

That's a small price to pay considering in your previous plan there was nothing to stop your insurer from rescinding your policy as soon as you actually got sick. By the way, Democrats tend to think that reproductive services and basic child care ought to be covered by the healthcare system without being a cost adder. We don't like people falling through the cracks, which is why I pay for unemployment benefits even though I have a job. And I pay taxes to the fire department even though my house isn't currently on fire. Crazy, I know.

edit: left out the word "ought".

[hedgehog]

210. I've browsed through the posts on this thread, and I wish yours was on top!

"That's a small price to pay considering in your previous plan there was nothing to stop your insurer from rescinding your policy as soon as you actually got sick."



"I pay for unemployment benefits even though I have a job. And I pay taxes to the fire department even though my house isn't currently on fire. Crazy, I know."

[Skip Intro]

222. That is absolute bullshit.

A majority of Americans live payday to payday. The cavalier suggestion that many of them should just accept a new hardship because the government has determined they "can afford it" is chilling.

Btw, the law doesn't help me either:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023787462

[SolutionisSolidarity]

224. If you live payday to payday, and you don't qualify for subsidies, then you have other problems.

But then, you do seem to know a lot about bullshit. My parents paid 1600 a month for the state emergency plan that was set up to take people who were rejected by insurers, and that barely covered anything. If you want to fight to preserve that status quo, then you don't belong on this website.

Edit: Of course, they only needed that plan because my dad suffered a series of mini-strokes that left him less than fully productive at work. He was layed off, as a result of his injury, and unable to get future work because of his injury, and therefore lost his workplace insurance. It was at this point that he was forcibly retired, and this 1600/month came directly out of his retirement savings. Great system you want to bring back.

[Skip Intro]

229. Oh, there's more.

You bash people who are barely getting by and dismiss our real-life stories - mocking us, showing no compassion, no, er, solidarity, and then purport to tell us we don't belong on this website if we say anything about the situation?

ha!

[HangOnKids]

232. Gee what a swell tale

It is bed time have another story to share ?

[Rex]

267. "I wub creekjdog."

[Ikonoklast]

257. The fellow travelers are all telling the same tale in this thread. And it's laughable.

And they are fooling no one, yet once again.

They deserve to be mocked.

[stevenleser]

240. You hit the donut hole in you Republican controlled state. I replied to you in that thread and PM.

I think there is a solution.

That is different from the OP who makes over $46,000 per year.

[Rex]

268. Wasting your time.

Some here just want to shout.

[Roselma]

201. That's not a rate increase. That's

a different policy. You should check out the ACA exchange in your state.

[ileus]

203. This plan useless...you have to hope to get diagnosed with cancer

to ever see the true worth of only having to pay 50% of your bill up to 7000.

If you're single and healthy you'd be much better off telling them to stuff it and paying the penalty and then 100%.

[bettyellen]

211. it's a private plan, LOL.

[ileus]

239. everyone knows that and it's still useless.

The obvious reason for such crappy and expensive insurance is to get the employees to drop out.

If we didn't have public employees insurance I'm sure that's what my hospital would do.

[bettyellen]

266. No, the OP is useless because it doesn't show comparable exchange policy rates and subsidies. LOL.

[Ian David]

204. OMG, upgrading from "Essential" to "Plus" costs more! That's insane!

Next, you're going to tell me that if I upgrade my cable package from "Rainbow" to "Rainbow Gold," it will cost me more money!

[darkangel218]

212. Its a mandatory upgrade, if he wants to keep his insurance/doctors

ACA aparently mandates certain benefits to be included in all policies.

[lostincalifornia]

213. I just downgraded my satellite programming. Now instead of 300 channels of garbage, I only have 150

channels of garbage

NOTE: this is an independent comment, and not meant to reflect anything about the current thread, just about cable, satellite, etc.

[moriah]

214. No offense, and I do realize that this is a large increase for you....

.... but HSA plans are designed to be supplemented by contributions to an HSA, ideally enough to meet your deductible at least, more if you could do it. If you'd been contributing enough to put your $1500 deductible away every year, that'd be $283 you were budgeting for your health care for a month. Most people don't supplement them with an HSA, though - skating by on a cheap plan as long as they're healthy and not saving for when they aren't. With catastrophic expenses covered, all a person really has to save for is their yearly out of pocket expenses with modern HSAs.

There's a Silver plan for about $300 in Nebraska that has copays instead of needing to exhaust your deductible before seeing your PCP, the ER, an urgent care clinic, or using a prescription. The deductible is high, but most people never touch it under those plans. There's another Bronze plan about the same price as the $2500 HDHP they're trying to transition you to that has a $4500 deductible, but has two PCP visits at a $60 copay a year without having to touch the deductible, as well as ER and urgent care copays that do not touch the deductible. The only prescriptions that go into the deductible are forumulary brand-name drugs or specialty drugs. Both have a $6350 out of pocket maximum so cover you for catastrophic coverage, costs that theoretically no longer need to be taken into account for your health savings goals.

-----

I don't deny that healthy single people who are making more money than average are taking a hit here. When I was advocating for this legislation, I expected my group policy rate to go up quite a bit, like it had done every year prior. Sadly, I don't get to complain about that increase, because I lost my job for being sick too much.

I have to say, though, I have far more sympathy for the people trying to support a family on the incomes that the single people would be making to be over 400% of the poverty line, though. They're being told their insurance is "affordable" if only the worker's premium is 9.5% of their income, not their family -- so don't qualify for subsidies even though their household incomes are well under 250%.

Not saying I don't feel for you. I just feel for people trying to support kids on what I used to make (which would have put me over 400%) and insure them as well, and kind of feel for them more. Again, I mean no offense, and people shouldn't say you are lying.

[salin]

216. For perspective

as a single 30 something female, in 1998, to self insure with Blue Cross Blue Shield cost $500 a month. No health issues at the time - no factors leading to the high monthly cost. I don't recall the deductible or copay. Am guessing that the deductible was around 1,000. I avoided getting health care, for fear of being given something that would later be deemed as a preexisting condition - because if my base (healthy) cost was $500 a month ($11000 a year), and I wasn't earning more than $35,000) - I was exceptionally fearful of how the cost would rise. Yes - pre taxes, I paid nearly 1/3 of my salary to self-insure since I didn't have employee based health care. You read correctly, pre-taxes I lived on 24k (much less after taxes.) This why there are so many uninsured today - rates kept increasing, inflation kept increasing, but due to two financial recessions, wages did not keep up.

It is all perspective - a year - after nearly 15 yrs of skyrocketing healthcare costs, seems to me a bargain per self-insuring. I would have assumed (per my rate in 1998) that the rate would have been close to $750 or more. Even at your stated rate that is nearly $260 less a month than I paid for basic coverage.

The difference is the depressed wages. In 1998, to a single person earning 35K - I would suggest saving the difference each month to build a cushion. That is much harder to do today. That said - I get the high burden (per the deductable and copay) - however, I wanted to add perspective on the monthly rate per what it was 1.5 decade ago.

[Drew Richards]

223. Boo f@%# ho whoa is me i have to pay $238 a month for insurance...

You know what i find funny? Since you wont tell us the full truth i went and plugged in 1 adult non smoker 30 years old 60k_70a year in state of wv...

You know what i got back? A bronze plan for $175 or a silver plan for 177 a month better plan than yours too...so basically you are bitching because your CURRENT premium plan is going up because of ACA trying to ensure more people. Boo freeking hoo even 246 a month for your plan is pretty damn good...but even with no subsidy the ACA plans...according to the hff.org calculator are $70 less a month than your new plan...they nearly match the cost of you old plan...

So...i call bullshit nice attempt at obscuring the truth with half truths and disinformation....

Wanna proven me wrong?

WE would all love to see it...gives us the details required to run the calculation ourselves....

How old 30 ok
2014 yearly salary ____
What state and zip_______
1 adult
No children
No company plan..
Non smoker right? Or that jacks premium up 50%....

But i fear you wont bother....oh by the way mr 30 year old poor exploited human....according to the calculator you would have to be making between 60- $70000 a year to put you in the same $2500 silver bracket and premium that you new insurance will cost....and i submit..at 30 years old and 60- $70000 a year salary...you can afford a piddly $70 dollar increase over your old policy...

This OP is bullshit crying over a $70 dollar increase? Cry me a fuckin river.

[markpkessinger]

233. The premium isn't the only thing that went up . . .

. . . his deductible rose by $1,000, and his maximum out-of-pocket increased fourfold.

[pacog]

228. Here's what I found on the ACA before subsidy

[link:|

[samsingh]

230. the new plan appears to have a lot more benefits

the titles are clear.

[TeamPooka]

234. your current plan sucks balls. If you cant see that you were the sucker at the table....

[ReverendDeuce]

245. Please explain how my current plan "sucks balls"? I racked up nearly $80K in bills two years ago...

I had first class treatment all the way around and my total out of pocket was $1,500. I hit my deductible and that was it. No guff from anyone over prescriptions, physical therapy, etc.

The next year my rate went up about $10/mo, the lowest increase ever.

Under the ACA-compatible plan I'm being forced into, I'd have paid $6,350.

[Recursion]

235. Medical underwriting. You were one of the "free riders" everybody complained about.

As a low-risk, low-usage person you got much cheaper premiums than a lot of people, for years. Congratulations. Now as part of paying for the fact that insurers won't be able to deny coverage to already-sick people, you have to pay more.

[ReverendDeuce]

243. LOL... such vitriol! I'm a "free rider" with low-usage? How do you even know that?

Foolishness. Utter foolishness.

[uppityperson]

237. Our insurance more than doubled

over the last 4 yrs with deductible and copays increasing every year, as did it for my friends and family. For us, it went from around $200 to $550 a month.

Insurance rates always go up, or rather HAVE always gone up.

I am sorry yours will do so again this next year. Ours are going wayyyyyyyyyyyy down, thanks to the ACA.

[BlueStreak]

279. Let's be accurate. Your NET payment may be going down do to the subsudies

but in general, the insurance companies are using the launch of the exchanges as an opportunity to push through huge price increases. And for those who are not getting much of a subsidy (or no subsidy at all) this really sucks.

The argument was that the exchanges would force companies to compete. While that may be happening in s a few places, it appears that the more common outcome is that the companies are raising their prices to match the subsidies.

So let's identifiy the winners and losers

Winner: Anybody who gains coverage due to Medicare expansion

Loser: Anybody whose income is too low to qualify for a subsidy, but has the misfortune of living in a Red state that isn't expanding Medicaid

Winner: People who are getting the big subsidies that bring their net cost down to $0 - $500 a month

Loser: anybody who has to buy their own insurance, but doesn't get much of a subsidy

Not affected (directly): People who are on Medicare and people who are covered by employer group policies.

There are quite a few people at DU who seem to have no concern for the losers in this game. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they are just really ignorant, although they seem an awful lot like Republicans to me.

[uppityperson]

294. I do not think the ACA goes far enough, have lots of concern for losers but also want to make clear

that my insurance more than doubled over the last 4 years. I NEVER had a time when my insurance rates went down, even when benefits decreased except once when I went from "omg how the hell did I get that, too bad no one locally will take it" insurance while an employee to buying my own as self employed. Then it went down, but every year before that (as an employee) the premiums went up and every year after (self employed) premiums went up.

As far as your "seem an awful lot like Republicans to me", the only negative thing I've seen here is skepticism about some quotes. I have seen a lot of DUers being concerned for people who are in those Red states and screwn.

[Puzzledtraveller]

244. We need specifics, account data, your entire family

Tax returns, what is in your fridge and whether you have cable television and air conditioning.

[Ikonoklast]

249. Sorry, not buying what you're selling here.

Of course, anyone with an even passing acquaintance with your posting history would dismiss this out-if-hand as...questionable.


But keep trying, it's amusing.

[Capt. Obvious]

251. Just sell your Obamaphone

That should cover it.

[BainsBane]

254. an HSA is basically self insurance

There is no comparison between that and the kind of policies offered under ACA. Typically those who select ACAs are young people who rarely need medical care.

[uponit7771]

265. ****PLEASE POST COMPARABLE EXCHANGE PLANE SO WE CAN ALL SEE, NOT SPECULATION THAT****

...The exchange will be no better or worse, I would like to SEE that it would be no better or worse.

You should not be asking people to take your word for it, regardless of how credible you are, on this subject seeing the amount of FUD that has been thrown at the subject from the detractors.

Regards

[ScreamingMeemie]

305. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Print screens are rather easy to do. Since the OP is unwilling to do this, while being perfectly able to do the much harder take a shot and upload...welll.... I call BS now.

http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2013/10/14/heres-how-to-respond-to-those-nc-blue-cross-letters-telling-people-their-health-insurance-plan-cost-is-skyrocketing/

Especially when stories like this are coming out this week.

[Rex]

269. Another bogus claim without proof.

[ReverendDeuce]

270. Perhaps you were unable to see the image I posted...

Because that's all the proof you need to see.

[rdharma]

276. You really call that "proof"? Really?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=3832384

[ReverendDeuce]

280. I do call it proof, since it's pretty clear my rate is going up because of ACA...

I've already said that I'm not going to provide my income information. I do not qualify for a subsidy.

I've also already said I am a single male in my mid 30s living in Nebraska.

[patricia92243]

277. Looks like more drug coverage than you had. Should quickly pay for any increase in premiums.

[ReverendDeuce]

281. If I had a daily regimen of prescription drugs, perhaps so. n/t

n/t

[man4allcats]

278. Actually, there IS a way to fix this.

Of course you'll have to first convince President Obama and Congress, but the solution is called single payer, aka Medicare For All.

[ReverendDeuce]

282. I know full well what single-payer is and I advocate it wholeheartedly! nt

nt

[LiberalAndProud]

287. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, right? I believe you.

I notice that dental is now included in the plan. That insurance company has changed its policy package and blamed it on the ACA. People can choose to disbelieve, but that company is replacing its current policies with higher premium, higher deductible plans. They directly blame Obamacare in their correspondence. I think its blatant opportunism and the company should be sanctioned.

[BlueStreak]

291. The shock doctrine is not just for governments anymore

The introduction of the exchanges has created a giant fog that is allowing the insurance companies to run wild. It will be years before any of them can be prosecuted.

[ScreamingMeemie]

295. Agreed.

I also noticed, while I was shopping the marketplace website, BC/BS has a smaller pool of participating doctors (at least in Houston) than Aetna and Humana...and even Molina.

[democrattotheend]

297. And why shouldn't you share the cost of insuring for maternity care?

Men play an equal role in creating babies, so why should women alone shoulder the cost of insuring for it?

That said, as a late 20-something I understand your frustration. People between 26 and probably mid-thirties are getting kind of a raw deal because our premiums are going up in order to lower them for people our parents' age. But if the ACA stays in effect, we'll eventually benefit from that when we are older and younger people are paying more to keep our premiums lower. I don't love the part of the ACA that says that insurance companies can't charge older people more than 3x what they charge younger people, but I can understand why it's there, even if it means that insurance costs go up for people our age.

[davidn3600]

298. What if a man never marries and never wants children?

He'd be paying for something he could never possibly use and never possibly benefit from.

[democrattotheend]

300. Does he never have sex?

Otherwise, whether he marries or wants children or not, he still has as much potential to accidentally father a child as a woman has of accidentally getting pregnant. Therefore he ought to share in the cost of insuring for pregnancy. If anything, men should pay a greater share of the insurance for maternity coverage, since men can father children when they are as old as 70, while most women over 50 cannot get pregnant.

[MADem]

308. He's paying for the "children" who will contribute to social security

and wipe his ass in the nursing home.

Good grief, no man--or woman--is an island. At some point in time, that childless man is going to have to rely on people younger than he is to maintain a decent Quality of Life in old age. He's paying a few bucks for those people to be born.

It's an INVESTMENT in a comfortable old age.

[renie408]

302. Are you making a point or just whining?

[L0oniX]

307. Why am I NOT surprised.

[snooper2]

309. I can't believe I went all the way through this thread

And there isn't one single music video!


WTH is going on around here!

I have to fix everything

[Sunlei]

311. your prescription drug coverage is much better on your new policy.

[Roland99]

315. Ok, you make too much money to qualify for a subsidy and are complaining about $75/mo more??

And for that $75/mo more you have much more coverage included (dental, vision, etc.)

[Myrina]

317. Single female, age 47, make too much for subsidies,

.... the "Anthem Bronze" individual plan would be $230/mo for me (not bad but) .... a $6,000 deductible and a 60% co-pay. There's no way in HELL I am buying this, since, short of getting hit by a bus & having a heart attack, a coma and organ failure all at the same time, I'm never going to come near that deductible.

Oh, and I don't need maternity or pediatric dental, either.


Just

[pansypoo53219]

318. can you afford it?