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This was already proven by the results of romneycare, where the ER visits increased 25% after it was started.
That Harvard Study looked at only a handful of hospitals and did so for just a 2 year period following the enactment of Romney Care. What did decline was the number of visits that could have been addressed outside the ER.
On a global basis, those nations that have consistently spent substantially less than the U.S. on healthcare either own /operate most hospitals or government imposes itself on how hospitals are managed and negotiate costs. Compensation for admin/management cannot increase more than the rank and file.
So long as the massive and powerful healthcare lobbies are in the pockets of Congress, U.S. healthcare costs will continue to escalate at a greater percentage than elsewhere.
Best case, ACA, as constructed, can only make a slight dent in costs, over the long haul, with preventative services and fewer hospital write-offs of bad debt.
My experience has been positive as far as the prices are concerned. The website glitches are temporary and quite honestly everyone's making a big deal out of nothing.
Also, the amount of people loosing their current plan is small in comparison to those not affected and to those that can now get insurance.
since my original thread will probably be merged or closed for this thread, here is what it was:
Okay.. so I wanted to have a thread where each can talk about their experience shopping on the exchange for insurance in their state/County.
Be nice .. please - I don't want any bashing of anything.. no angry hyperbole from either side. This isn't a thread about its merits or its bad points.
I simply want to see what kind of premiums people are getting on their exchanges.. what options they have that are available to them.
My experience:
Today I looked and compared the plans. Doing my homework I called the actual companies to find out what my drug coverage would be for the things I take - what it's considered (generic, preferred, etc) and how they view certain things I need for myself medically in order to balance which plan would be best for me.
I looked at Platinum level because I would need more comprehensive coverage with a pre-existing condition. If I didn't have a pre-existing condition I'm sure I'd elect for a lower premium with higher deductibles.
I live in PA
Geisinger Market place Solutions 1 Platinum Plan
$290.97/month for me (without tax credit or subsidies) (my son already has chip so I don't need it for him, but if I did it would be about $520 to cover us both - again without subsidies, etc)
My medication is tier 4 (non-preferred brand) so it's $50/month (which is typical for what I've had in the past and currently)
$30 specialist (my current doctor is in network)
$15 PCP for illness/injury - no cost for well visit
one of my scripts is not covered at all so I'd have to switch brands. But that isn't really too big a deal.
THat is PHENOMINAL..
For a family (you, spouse and kids) $815.44
Again.. PHENOMINAL. Way better than the previous individual markets.
So I've had a positive experience.
Highmark offers a platinum for a little over $300 with a $500 deductible. Haven't looked into what the prescriptions will cost me a month but primary and specialist are covered 90% after deductible.
I'm leaning toward the Geisinger.
Comparison to now:
I'm covered on PCIP plan (bridge plan till 2004) .. had to meet a deductible ( I believe it was $1500). Insulin out of pocket $100 for a 3 months supply (if ordered through mail order). Copay with specialst $30.. not sure about Primary care because I haven't had to see mine.
I did get a little screwed this past year because i had the state sponsored Pre existing plan at the beginning of the year and met that deductible, then they swithced me into the national and i had to meet deductibles twice this year (grrr).. but still grateful to have had insurance at all considering...
My fiance currently pays about $400/month for a plan with deductibles. So he will be making out better on the exchange as well (his insurance is one that will be cancelled on Jan 1st). Funny.. they tried to get him to "lock in this years rates for another year before prices go up when the exchange comes out" . They did this before the prices were revealed and the exchange opened. Cut off date was BEFORE the exchange opening date. If he did, he would be paying over $100 more AND have to meet deductibles again. So I'd say he's getting a better deal as well. (he was quite excited when I went over the details with him.. he'll probably get the same plan)
Please share your experience.... State, plans and costs, etc. and how it compares to what you have (if you have) now.
"and quite honestly everyone's making a big deal out of nothing."
Thats a pretty bold statement compared to some other peopke who are getting screwed. Good for you that you found a plan that you can afford and has all the benefits that fit you and your family.
But f*ck you for even assuming people are making a big deal out of nothing when you have NO idea what kind of situation they are in or what changes they may now face.
You really are a small minority. Considering that about half of you are going to come out better with subsidies, you really are getting far more attention than your numbers deserve.
I do get this on a personal level. The one who do not qualify for subsidies and had good insurance will pay more in some areas. Some of them may also have fewer choices than they did in the past.
Having said this, the other half that will come out in a better position are being ignored.
The 5% thing is a political victory because it ignores the percentages and speaks in millions to create the perception, it's most people. From a political standpoint, the Murdoch and Koch Misinformation Machine exceeded their objectives. The irony is that these two don't give a rat's behind about insurance.
I have not said ACA was a Republican idea. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The principals of a mandate and human right were championed by a once influential conservative think tank. Heck, Teddy Roosevelt campaigned on the platform of universal healthcare back when. Other events competed for his attention and it died.
Republicans vowed to oppose anything Obama wanted back in 2009. I lost count after the 41st attempt to repeal ACA. Where's the alternative?
We don't need no stinkin alternative. The MAJORITY of the people had insurance. Barack put us all at risck by meddling in something he was not qualified to touch.
"and quite honestly everyone's making a big deal out of nothing."
Thats a pretty bold statement compared to some other peopke who are getting screwed. Good for you that you found a plan that you can afford and has all the benefits that fit you and your family.
But f*ck you for even assuming people are making a big deal out of nothing when you have NO idea what kind of situation they are in or what changes they may now face.
Out of context much? Geez. The remark clearly applied to the website and he is absolutely right. The website works reasonably well now. The info that is being passed around about it (including screen shots not seen since week one) is making a big deal out of nothing.
Yes, Southern Belle, the one thing nobody is answering is, Why are Dem senators Feinstein, Landreau, Manchin and Heitkamp saying the things they have been saying about the problems with the ACA?
It can't be that they are concerned about pleasing the racists and Obama-haters in their states, or that they do not care about the poor and the uninsured. So what is the explanation? I can't figure it out, and no ACA supporter has come within a mile of that question.
They are fully aware that the GOP will use the ACA to attempt to whip their butts in future elections. It's self-preservation. Why do you think Clinton said what he did, when he did? It was not all about putting some space between Hillary and Obama.
I will continue to hold with the position that Obama did not intentionally mislead the public about keeping their plans. There was absolutely no upside in doing so. Nonetheless, he did mislead and it needs to be addressed.
Out of context much? Geez. The remark clearly applied to the website and he is absolutely right. The website works reasonably well now. The info that is being passed around about it (including screen shots not seen since week one) is making a big deal out of nothing.
I don't know if you noticed but lots, LOTS, of people are angry about how this has affected them. So much so we now have the president apologizing. If some people got on the site and found viable options (whatever THAT may be) GREAT. Doesn't take away that this whole thing is still a clusterf*ck mess.
So out of context? No. Please don't assume every other person should have the same experience as that lady did or will be able to afford care.
I don't know if you noticed but lots, LOTS, of people are angry about how this has affected them. So much so we now have the president apologizing. If some people got on the site and found viable options (whatever THAT may be) GREAT. Doesn't take away that this whole thing is still a clusterf*ck mess.
So out of context? No. Please don't assume every other person should have the same experience as that lady did or will be able to afford care.
Your quote cut off half the sentence it was taken from. Then you use a four letter word on the author for what he did not say. You were out of line.
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