Obamacare...can you figure out the math?

[snakeblitz33]

.....

we also tried getting it through blue cross blue shield through my wife's workplace. It cost the same as obamacare.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/396916/obamacare-can-you-figure-out-the-math#post_3536466
I just don't think it is fair to charge people more for being in good health. Insurance is there when you need it, but statistically speaking, older generations are much, much more apt to use medical care than younger generations.

I agree that hospitals charge an arm and a leg for things that shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. I can't believe that insurance companies actually pay hospitals what they want. I recently went to the emergency room for a puncture wound. Just for a pain pill, iodine and an xray, I was charged $2450. I am still complaining about it on here, but that's the fact. Healthcare costs too dang much in this country for stuff that shouldn't cost hardly anything. Where to consumers and insurance companies draw the line?

My father has had two heart attacks. His last surgery costs right at $150,000. It really makes me wonder if that is necessary? My father said that he would rather die than to get medical assistance again...

There you go...the real problem in a nut shell. If you purchased your insurance (or the government paid for it) they are obligated to pay the bill. When we see some HUGE bill, we freak out and call our insurance company and ask why they haven't taken care of it....the blame for the outrageous charge is on the shoulders of the hospital.

I know the building has to be paid for, I know the medicines cost, I know the doctors need to be paid and so do the nurses. It's going to cost to go to the ER, and I'm glad for emergency care. But...if we add up the cost of each thing we are charged for and see ...the $55.00 bandage ... we should be able to complain to somebody and get something done to stop that kind of gouging.

LOL...If we pay (or insurance) for a bed... considering what the hospital charges after 1 weeks stay, we purchased it...we should be able to bring it home. That would fix their little red wagon. My dad was sick and dying, we purchased a hospital bed identical (except brand new) to the one in the hospital....believe me, 1 weeks stay for what we are charged for a hospital bed...we bought it free and clear.

 

[beth]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/396916/obamacare-can-you-figure-out-the-math#post_3536453
I tried signing up. It would have cost me 650 a month. My wife's was 600 a month. $1250 a month with $6000 deductibles for both of us. Considering our monthly income of less than 2k, it's absolutely impossible for us to have health insurance while I am still going to college. Even then, that is a crap load of money for any 20 something year old couple to pay per month.
Snake, based on the little info I know about you, 3 person hh including child, Louisiana, and the income range you cited, I checked ACA and it looks like your child is eligible for free health care and you and your wife can get a plan for $32. monthly with a $200 annual deductible, and $5 copay for primary and $15 copay specialist and $3 copay generic meds.

That's a pretty good deal, but you be the judge. Of course, I don't know what county you live in so that could change the picture.

Also, as to what hospital charges, they are under contract with each ins co. they accept. They charge what the contract allows for as negotiated with their ins. co. But, no kidding; healthcare prices in this country is ridiculous.

 

[2quills]

Sorry, I'm calling you out on this one.
Just out of curiosity, I went to healthcare.gov and I entered two people, total income of $30,000/year, living in Michigan, Branch Co.  Here's just one of the plans available:
Blue Cross « Preferred Silver
HMO | Silver
Blue Care Network of Michigan
ApplyDetails
Monthly premium
$39/mo
2 enrollees
Premium before tax credit: $493/mo
Deductible
$900/yr
Family total
$450/yr
Per individual
Out-of-pocket Maximum
$2,900/yr
Family
$1,450/yr
Per individual
Copayments/Coinsurance:
Primary Doctor:
$30 Copay before deductible
Specialist Doctor:
$50 Copay after deductible
Generic Prescription:
$4 Copay after deductible
ER Visit:
$250 Copay after deductible and 10% Coinsurance after deductible
Where is this remotely $1250/month for two people?  Granted, I have no clue where you live, but if your total annual income is around $24K, you get federal subsidy assistance.
Isn't that quote from the website with the subsidies already factored in? The actual price of the plan and upfront costs are much higher. People still have to front the money out of their own pocket untill they recieve the tax credit the following year no?
That's still not a great plan considering the size of the deductable for folks struggling to make ends meet who need to caugh up those monthly premiums and pay out of pocket expenses to see a doctor and get your prescritpions.

 

[beaslbob]

Quote:Originally Posted by Darthtang AW http:///t/396916/obamacare-can-you-figure-out-the-math#post_3536410
At this time last year, there were less people uninsured than there are today, all do to the healthcare bill. Can anyone figure out the math on this? Lets see who is paying attention.....
remember the bill was to decrease the number of uninsured...

Yep that's what they told ya.
and also you could keep you current plan and doctor also.
But people were screaming from the start that's not so after they actually read the bill.
Now we're fining out that was true all along.
It is not about all people having health care. It is all about only washington DC can determine what heath care must be. Not intividuals or cites or states or hopsitals, or patients. Only washington know what is correct.

 

[2quills]

If they had all the answers in the first place we wouldn't be in this mess. The ACA was bought and payed for by the insurance companies to get more people into paying them money. It is and always has been about more money and control over the american people under the guise of helping the less fortunate. It may help the less fortunate only after they bleed the people who have the money to pay, dry. Not the rich, but the middle class. You don't think obama or the rest of the federal government have any intention of using their own product for themselves do you?

 

[aggiealum]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/396916/obamacare-can-you-figure-out-the-math/20#post_3536487
Isn't that quote from the website with the subsidies already factored in? The actual price of the plan and upfront costs are much higher. People still have to front the money out of their own pocket untill they recieve the tax credit the following year no?
That's still not a great plan considering the size of the deductable for folks struggling to make ends meet who need to caugh up those monthly premiums and pay out of pocket expenses to see a doctor and get your prescritpions.
Yes it is. The quote does say Premium before tax credit: $493/mo. That's still nowhere near $1200/month. $900 individual deductible, $450/yr familiy deductible and $2,900/yr OOP max isn't a good deal? My family's deductibles and OOP Max's are twice that, and we're under my wife's plan.

 

[aggiealum]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/396916/obamacare-can-you-figure-out-the-math/20#post_3536490
If they had all the answers in the first place we wouldn't be in this mess. The ACA was bought and payed for by the insurance companies to get more people into paying them money. It is and always has been about more money and control over the american people under the guise of helping the less fortunate. It may help the less fortunate only after they bleed the people who have the money to pay, dry. Not the rich, but the middle class. You don't think obama or the rest of the federal government have any intention of using their own product for themselves do you?
Obama supposedly signed up for a plan, albeit just for the "showboat" affect. I have no problem with repealing the free healthcare all government officials receive, not only while they are in office, but afterwards.

 

[beth]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/396916/obamacare-can-you-figure-out-the-math/20#post_3536487
Isn't that quote from the website with the subsidies already factored in? The actual price of the plan and upfront costs are much higher. People still have to front the money out of their own pocket untill they recieve the tax credit the following year no?
That's still not a great plan considering the size of the deductable for folks struggling to make ends meet who need to caugh up those monthly premiums and pay out of pocket expenses to see a doctor and get your prescritpions.
The subsidy applies in advance as a tax credit with the subsidy going directly to pay for the ins. So, the quoted amt to the insured is what they have to pay monthly.

There should be varies plans that one can choose from, but the one I quoted which is actually in Louisiana, sounds like a great deal for a young couple.

 

[2quills]

Yes it is.  The quote does say Premium before tax credit: $493/mo.  That's still nowhere near $1200/month.  $900 individual deductible, $450/yr familiy deductible and $2,900/yr OOP max isn't a good deal?  My family's deductibles and OOP Max's are twice that, and we're under my wife's plan.
How is that a good deal if honest and hardworking families like, Seth and his wife have to come up with an extra $500 a month for the next year and hope that they don't incure any more debt along the way by actually having to use it?
Lets say they do have to use it in an emergancy. You think its easy for everyone to come up with the deductable? Who's going to cover that if people don't have it?
You think everyone out there can somehow pull this money out of thin air? Are we counting on the masses to be responsible enough to take those subsidized tax credits and actually stick it aside and save it for their health care plans?

 

[2quills]

The subsidy applies in advance as a tax credit with the subsidy going directly to pay for the ins.  So, the quoted amt to the insured is what they have to pay monthly.
There should be varies plans that one can choose from, but the one I quoted which is actually in Louisiana, sounds like a great deal for a young couple. 
Ok well that helps get them in I suppose. Many of my other concerns still apply. Most of all is how is this going to help our economic position?

 

[beth]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/396916/obamacare-can-you-figure-out-the-math/20#post_3536503
Ok well that helps get them in I suppose. Many of my other concerns still apply. Most of all is how is this going to help our economic position?
Yes, that is the real issue. Paying the subsidies falls on contributing tax payers. So, those who have not will be relying on the haves to pay their way.

 

[2quills]

Hey that's cool. So now instead of covering people trying to use the E.R. pretending they are sick to try and get some pills, now we can cover their full medical expenses incurred by abusing those pills. Sounds like a win win to me.

 

[beth]

I actually may not mind helping our own citizens (meaning USA citizens or resident aliens who have a proven work history) if other squandered tax dollars was removed from other areas and spent instead on our own citizens. However, the haves just can not keep paying for everything....and in fact we know that since we are currently trillions and trillions in debt.

 

[2quills]

I have absolutely no problems with wanting to take care of our own or assist people when they really just need a helping hand. But there has to be limits. And the ones doing all of the "helping" should have a say so in how it's done. That just isn't happening here and thats why we end up with government shut downs.

 

[beth]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/396916/obamacare-can-you-figure-out-the-math/20#post_3536516
I have absolutely no problems with wanting to take care of our own or assist people when they really just need a helping hand. But there has to be limits. And the ones doing all of the "helping" should have a say so in how it's done. That just isn't happening here and thats why we end up with government shut downs.
They do, through their voting and then through communicating your wishes to congressional reps. As it turns out Obama and Dem representatives got the majority of that vote. So, here we are.

 

[2quills]

Yep, here we are. On shakey economic ground but we've got health care. Maybe 2016 will be the turning point we can start getting back on track for real. As promised.
I am glad that some people can get the help they need now. I just hope it was worth it all in the long run for everyone.
It's been fun guys. I'm off to go do some real work this afternoon lol. Somebodys gotta pay the bills around here.

 

[beth]

Interesting to know that the World Health Org rates Greece's healthcare at the top of the list......of course, Greek society is at economic collapse but they have a health care system that is top-notch! LOL

 

[2quills]

Oh yeah. They'll fix themselves up real good just to kiss their own arse goodbye lol. Brilliant.
Seth, I think you should jump on this opportunity for your family. I'm gonna be more upset than I am right now if I find out all of my money is going only to helping someone who doesn't appreciate where it came from. As far as I'm concerned, hard working couples such as yourselves who are investing in their future and doing a nobel service by educating this nations youth deserve it. I know that once you're in a position to help others some day you will.
Might as well take advantage while you can. Tommorow holds no guarantees for anyone.
Back to work now.

 

[aggiealum]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/396916/obamacare-can-you-figure-out-the-math/20#post_3536502
How is that a good deal if honest and hardworking families like, Seth and his wife have to come up with an extra $500 a month for the next year and hope that they don't incure any more debt along the way by actually having to use it?
Lets say they do have to use it in an emergancy. You think its easy for everyone to come up with the deductable? Who's going to cover that if people don't have it?
You think everyone out there can somehow pull this money out of thin air? Are we counting on the masses to be responsible enough to take those subsidized tax credits and actually stick it aside and save it for their health care plans?
What if Seth or his wife contracted some terminal disease, or Seth gets into a car accident and ends up in the hospital in critical care for two months? Instead of that $6,000 to pay those insurance payments, they're stuck with a couple hundred thousand in medical bills. Could you recover from that financial disaster?

If they have no insurance at all, how do they afford that emergency service in the first place? Oh wait, they waltz into an ER, claim financial disparity and get the services for free on OUR taxes.

I haven't read how the subsidized payments are applied. I presumed that when you sign up for a plan, and are eligible for the subsidy, the Feds make that payment directly and the insured just pays the difference.