General Discussion

HereSince1628

(36,063 posts)

12. I suspect that 'means' testing will ultimately go beyond mere income

Thu Jun 28, 2012, 10:46 AM

Jun 2012

It already does for other federally funded healthcare, such as VA priority 5 and priority 8, where ability to pay depends upon various assets including retirement accounts and home equity.

Wherever there is a pile of money, be it in a retirement account or a person's home, the insurance companies will demand that government require people to liquidate those assets and hand the cash over to the for-profit insurers. And government, not really wanting the responsibility for healthcare of scores of millions will create the laws that make that wealth transfer possible.

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And now, let the ACA be forever known as OBAMACARE. [View all] pnwmom Jun 2012 OP

Even as premiums skyrocket... nt Romulox Jun 2012 #1

I think that is a common fear about the mandate. HereSince1628 Jun 2012 #3

There is no price control mechanism built into the system that I'm aware of...simply percentage caps Romulox Jun 2012 #4

Well there are now going to be insurance exchanges Bandit Jun 2012 #11

Right. And why should people without insurance face higher charges pnwmom Jun 2012 #19

People need CARE, not insurance. Buyer's clubs don't solve that. nt Romulox Jun 2012 #29

I suspect that 'means' testing will ultimately go beyond mere income HereSince1628 Jun 2012 #12

We have now Entrenched the bloodsuckers into the system woo me with science Jun 2012 #18

+100 Myrina Jun 2012 #23

I believe insurers will somehow become less power/entrenched over time, as forced premiums roll in. Romulox Jun 2012 #30

The Congressional budget office says that the cost curve is already bending down. pnwmom Jun 2012 #5

Without price-controls, that's not logically possible. Massive new demand = price increases. nt Romulox Jun 2012 #6

States already have to approve premiums. They can and do refuse to approve increases pnwmom Jun 2012 #8

It's a rubber-stamp, in my state. nt Romulox Jun 2012 #31

It doesn't have to be. It isn't in my state pnwmom Jun 2012 #32

Don't expect anyone in America to understand basic economics. Leopolds Ghost Jun 2012 #20

Riiiiiiight. WinkyDink Jun 2012 #9

Summation Electro Jun 2012 #2

It doesn't fully take effect until 2014, so I think nothing might happen for you right away. pnwmom Jun 2012 #7

And Medicare premiums for the Middle Class? WinkyDink Jun 2012 #10

Will depend on age group and be held to a certain percentage of income. pnwmom Jun 2012 #14

You'll be forced to go onto Medicaid or apply for exemption from the FINE. Or you can tax protest Leopolds Ghost Jun 2012 #21

Turn. On. Your. TV. It is the topic du jour. Or use Google. MADem Jun 2012 #33

can we expect then hfojvt Jun 2012 #13

I think there's going to be more publicity now about what's really in the law. pnwmom Jun 2012 #15

Most people have changed their minds Harmony Blue Jun 2012 #16

I expect public opinion to slowly turn to Obama's favor. boxman15 Jun 2012 #25

Me, too. Now that the law has passed, there should be more publicity pnwmom Jun 2012 #27

OH! Wanna bet the pukes will try to rename it? Gold Metal Flake Jun 2012 #17

... as opposed to Romneycare Myrina Jun 2012 #22

It'll be known as Romneycare if Romney were to win in the fall Leopolds Ghost Jun 2012 #24

He had his chance. I suppose he could do another ridiculous flip-flop on the issue, pnwmom Jun 2012 #26

let the nay sayers cry, because that is what they do, cry cry cry! part man all 86 Jun 2012 #28