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Another Obamacare success story... Part V

Grim17

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This from the Charlotte Observer 2 weeks ago:

Insurance Premium Increases Shock Charlotte Consumers
10/26/2013

In a Sept. 23 letter, Blue Cross notified him that his current plan doesn’t meet benefit requirements outlined in the Affordable Care Act and suggested a comparable plan for $1,208 a month – $980 more than he now pays.

“I’m 62 and retired,” Schwab said. “This creates a tremendous financial burden for our family.

“The President told the American people numerous times that… ‘If you like your coverage, you can keep it,’” Schwab said. “How can we keep it if it has been eliminated? How can we keep it if the premium has been increased 430 percent in one year?”

And that is just one story... There's more. Read it here.
 
If his old plan didn't meet the standards, the new plan is not "comparable."
 
This from the Charlotte Observer 2 weeks ago:



And that is just one story... There's more. Read it here.

Those who buy insurance through the exchange may also qualify for federal subsidies that can make the premiums more affordable, Linker said. The subsidies are tax credits that are available to individuals who make between $11,490 and $45,960 per year. Families of four who make between $23,550 and $94,200 can qualify for subsidies.

It's not a perfect system by a long shot, and some people will ultimately end up paying more which is how some of the costs for those poor who were unable to afford coverage in the past will be covered. However that doesn't mean this guy is just getting a bill and a swift kick in the ass then shown the door, I'm pretty sure he has options.
 
So you agree, he IS screwed?

He was screwed before, he just didn't know it. If the premium difference is that large, his old insurance was terrible.

Plus, the new insurance premiums can't be more than 9.5% of his income, or else he'd either be eligible for subsidy or not subject to the waiver. (in which case he actually can keep the old plan and not pay the penalty)

If Blue Cross wont let him keep the old plan, it's probably because the old plan had harsh lifetime and/or annual limits which will no longer be allowed. (going back to the "screwed but didn't know it" point)
 
He was screwed before, he just didn't know it. If the premium difference is that large, his old insurance was terrible.

Plus, the new insurance premiums can't be more than 9.5% of his income, or else he'd either be eligible for subsidy or not subject to the waiver. (in which case he actually can keep the old plan and not pay the penalty)

If Blue Cross wont let him keep the old plan, it's probably because the old plan had harsh lifetime and/or annual limits which will no longer be allowed. (going back to the "screwed but didn't know it" point)

1. BCBS is pretty good coverage. His premium was low due to his $10k deductible which is 'outlawed' by PPACA.
2. There are other 'horror stories' in this article which reveal similar increases.
3. At this stage without the ability to shop (hc.gov is crap so far) ALL sides are spewing unsubstantiated crap!
 
1. BCBS is pretty good coverage. His premium was low due to his $10k deductible which is 'outlawed' by PPACA.
2. There are other 'horror stories' in this article which reveal similar increases.
3. At this stage without the ability to shop (hc.gov is crap so far) ALL sides are spewing unsubstantiated crap!

Just lowering a deductible does not have that drastic an impact on premiums. There's more to it that we don't have the details on.

There are other "horror stories" and there are also stories of people getting major help.
 
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