[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by annerk

Finally there needs to be an overhaul of the Medicaid system. It needs to be more HMO in nature.

FYI that was passed a few years ago

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/07/us/07florida.html

[annerk]

Originally Posted by macrodome2

In 1986, Congress passed and President Regan signed the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). This required hospitals to treat anyone who showed up regardless of whether or not they could pay. For those that could not pay, the cost was tacked on to those that could- people who had insurance!

If you're going to go to the GOP, Tea Party, and Fox News talking points about not expanding (Medicaid- that's how it's spelled by the way) then why not just advocate repeal of this 1986 law. If you don't have insurance and you show up at the hospital, they can kick your sorry butt to the curb and say "Sorry, you can't pay, we can't treat you". None of the politicians has the balls to propose that. They'd rather try to repeal Obamacare 50 times with the mandatory insurance requirement and let those of us who have insurance continue to pay. BTW- I've never had a day in my life since I was born that I haven't had health insurance- that was either employer or personally paid for.

My husband is already on Medicare and he can go anywhere in the country and find a doctor. If you have private insurance, you're only covered in ONE state! Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only company that started covering people for 2 states when Obamacare kicked in. Unfortunately, they only have 2 state coverage in 31 of the 50 states. The 19 that are not included all have REPUBLICAN governors. That means if we're at our house in FL and I have to go to a doctor, I have to pay out of pocket or fly back up to NJ. By 2016 all insurers will be required to offer multi-state (although, I'll be on Medicare by then).

Total insanity- There should have been a public option (I'd love to purchase Medicare coverage) or Medicare should have been expanded to everyone and cut out the profit from the insurance companies.

You are VERY mistaken about BC/BS. We are covered by my husband's employer based out of NJ through BC/BS. We have lived in Florida for 10 years, covered under the same policy the entire time. We have ALWAYS paid in-network for ANY doctor we choose to see who accepts BC/BS in ANY state. That includes CA, NY, and PA, where we have also seen doctors. This is all LONG before Obamacare.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

FYI that was passed a few years ago

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/07/us/07florida.html

It's obviously not working very well. They are still at the ER's left and right.

[macrodome2]

Originally Posted by annerk

You are VERY mistaken about BC/BS. We are covered by my husband's employer based out of NJ through BC/BS. We have lived in Florida for 10 years, covered under the same policy the entire time. We have ALWAYS paid in-network for ANY doctor we choose to see who accepts BC/BS in ANY state. That includes CA, NY, and PA, where we have also seen doctors. This is all LONG before Obamacare.

That's because your husband's employer negotiated that. I would assume his employer may be rather large and in multiple locations.That's like some of the public sector and union workers (police and teachers) that have wonderful coverage, but if they were to leave that employer, they couldn't buy that coverage even if they were willing to pay for it. If you're looking for an individual policy or you're a small business, you're out of luck. I've looked for a multi-state policy for NJ and FL and can't buy one.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by macrodome2

That's because your husband's employer negotiated that. I would assume his employer may be rather large and in multiple locations.That's like some of the public sector and union workers (police and teachers) that have wonderful coverage, but if they were to leave that employer, they couldn't buy that coverage even if they were willing to pay for it. If you're looking for an individual policy or you're a small business, you're out of luck. I've looked for a multi-state policy for NJ and FL and can't buy one.

So in effect, you admit you were wrong when you stated, "Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only company that started covering people for 2 states when Obamacare kicked in." Maybe YOU were unable to buy the coverage you wanted, but that doesn't mean multi-state coverage didn't exist prior to Obamacare. Perhaps you shouldn't make such blanket statements.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

Canada's single-payer worked so well (sarcasm), they had to out-source care to PRIVATE, FOR-PROFIT practices because the government single-payer system could not provide timely, appropriate care for patients

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/26/in.../26canada.html

Yes a friend needs expensive medication for a life threatening illness and the Canadian system will not pay for it ... unless you belong to an Indian Tribe, are a refugee or in prison. Go figure. Want that here?

[macrodome2]

Originally Posted by annerk

So in effect, you admit you were wrong when you stated, "Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only company that started covering people for 2 states when Obamacare kicked in." Maybe YOU were unable to buy the coverage you wanted, but that doesn't mean multi-state coverage didn't exist prior to Obamacare. Perhaps you shouldn't make such blanket statements.

Lucky you! You better hope your husband doesn't lose his job or the company doesn't cut his retirement benefits- like that never happens or you'll end up like the rest of us common people.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by macrodome2

Lucky you! You better hope your husband doesn't lose his job or the company doesn't cut his retirement benefits- like that never happens or you'll end up like the rest of us common people.

I could always pick up BC/BS through my employer, no biggie. As far as retirement benefits, not counting on anything but our 401K/IRA/other savings. Interest on the savings will be enough to take care of necessities and have some left over each month. The promised pension and SS payments will fund our travel plans. If they aren't there, we just won't travel as much.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by expatCA

Yes a friend needs expensive medication for a life threatening illness and the Canadian system will not pay for it ... unless you belong to an Indian Tribe, are a refugee or in prison. Go figure. Want that here?

Knowing what Canadian and British friends have gone through trying to get medical treatment in their respective countries, no thanks.