October 26, 2013

Healthcare Premium Horror Show [Warden]
— Open Blogger

It's the most frightening time of year--that heart pounding moment when you spot your open enrollment information lurking in your inbox, rip it open with trembling hands, and scream in horror as your annual premium increase leaps from the envelop and mercilessly feasts upon the insides of your wallet, gnashing and shredding in orgiastic ecstasy until there's nothing left but a handful of pennies and a contemptuously belched up KFC coupon.

Expired, of course.

This terrifying scene will be repeated all across America in the next few weeks.

My own horror show arrived in the mail today. I'll spare you the gory details. Here's the short version: A 25% increase in premiums for the same health coverage I carried last year. For someone on a family plan, that translates into a $1,200 yearly increase.

So congratulations. If you make somewhere around $50,000 a year, then more than your entire after tax annual raise just went to pay for Obamacare. Doesn't that feel FANTASTIC? You're bringing home less this year than you did last year.

And you're one of the lucky ones. See, you have a job. And you got a raise. You're one of life's lottery winners. A one percenter.

Oh, but whoops. They also tacked on an extra $600 per year penalty for tobacco users. Well, that's okay. You're a horrible person for smoking anyway. You should probably just kill yourself and make room for someone less of a burden on the system. Like an illegal and all his extended family.

So, what about the rest of you? Have you been attacked by an axe wielding letter from the HR department yet? What was the damage?

And more importantly, what's the reaction of your coworkers? How about the people who declared that the only reason to oppose Obamacare is racism? How they feeling these days?

Let me know in the comments.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 02:08 PM | Comments (240)
Post contains 320 words, total size 2 kb.

1 I'm guessing minx is shitting the bed?

Posted by: Buck Farack, Gentleman Adventurer at October 26, 2013 02:10 PM (ylG8S)

2 Is this a real or phantom post? Hard to tell some times.

Posted by: lowandslow at October 26, 2013 02:11 PM (IV4od)

3 Oh, and first!

Posted by: Buck Farack, Gentleman Adventurer at October 26, 2013 02:11 PM (ylG8S)

4
And prepare yourselves to be shocked and outraged in the coming months when the rallies to protest obamacare commence and Big Media calls them "Anti-Health Care Rallies"

Mark my words. Or don't. Your choice.

Posted by: you got chocolate in my soothsayer! at October 26, 2013 02:11 PM (39q3n)

5 Wait. What? I was all set to comment onNDH,s charity thread and now it's all changed and stuff.

Posted by: Mama winger on her iPad at October 26, 2013 02:11 PM (P6QsQ)

6 My company's CFO is appalled out how HIS insurance is going up (he has his own insurance), and how in the last two years it has gone up basically 100%. We have an employee meeting on Tuesday morning and it will be all about health insurance. And I already know my premium is going up.

Posted by: Severe Conservative riding Orca at October 26, 2013 02:12 PM (v6hyJ)

7 I don't find out any details until next week. All I know so far is that my prescriptions will change, which might be a good thing, since I hate my current prescription folks with the burning rage of a thousand suns.

Posted by: Anachronda at October 26, 2013 02:12 PM (WLpAT)

8

Step One: Bend Ovah

Step Two: Grab Ankles

Step Three: Ask For Reach-Around

Step Four: Repeat Yearly As Needed

Posted by: Pelosi Schmelosi at October 26, 2013 02:13 PM (Mijq/)

9 Mama winger, I got two posts in on NDH's thread. Of course, the first one was directing her to the barrel.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at October 26, 2013 02:14 PM (WD0KF)

10 I think that we in Massachusetts have the highest premiums in the country because of Romneycare, might not be hit so hard. WeÂ’ll know in less than two weeks. One man called local radio show host in Boston yesterday and said his premium was going up $2 month. We hope weÂ’ve already been hit hard enough from Romneycare. IÂ’ll let you guys know when I hear what our group premium rates are in.

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 02:15 PM (z4WKX)

11 Face it, the only people that really "make out" over Obamacare are the working poor who couldn't get insurance before because of "pre-existing conditions" or some what-not, who will now get a subsidy. Everybody else is screwed. And people on Medicaid (unemployed) don't know the difference. And old folks (retired) are going to get screwed on Medicare.

Posted by: Severe Conservative riding Orca at October 26, 2013 02:15 PM (v6hyJ)

12 I confess, ours did not go up all that much. But in fairness it was already stupidly high at $175/pay period (by weekly). I think we already had the "stupid" in Obamacare factored into that.

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 26, 2013 02:15 PM (GaqMa)

13 Join the club, Warden.
We didn't need that $1200.

Posted by: Ian Galt at October 26, 2013 02:16 PM (QdOC1)

14 'If you like your $1,200 yearly increase, you can keep your $1,200 yearly increase. If you're lucky.' Later.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at October 26, 2013 02:16 PM (ytQYB)

15 Too bad, suckers. A federal job pays for those increases. Or you do. And since more people are on means-tested welfare than work full time--and that full time number includes government employees who produce zero wealth--you poor saps just have to pay more and more. After all, do you expect Democrats to buy votes with their good looks?

Posted by: Iconoclast at October 26, 2013 02:17 PM (H+zIq)

16 Mine went up 30%. They split the old plan into a low and high benefit versions. Do not know what I may have gained yet.

Posted by: Fredlike at October 26, 2013 02:17 PM (rF/yy)

17 11 Face it, the only people that really "make out" over Obamacare are the working poor who couldn't get insurance before because of "pre-existing conditions" or some what-not, who will now get a subsidy.

Everybody else is screwed.

Why, it's almost as if there's no free lunch.  That can't be right.

Posted by: pep at October 26, 2013 02:17 PM (6TB1Z)

18 Thank God, we are blessed with excellent health care, that didn't go up. Good thing, too, because Mr. BTEG and I both have serious health issues that we'll have the rest of our lives.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at October 26, 2013 02:17 PM (WD0KF)

19 17 Mine went up 30%. They split the old plan into a low and high benefit versions. Do not know what I may have gained yet.

Posted by: Fredlike at October 26, 2013 06:17 PM (rF/yy)


You have gained the privilege of being TFG's toaster...

Posted by: Ian Galt at October 26, 2013 02:18 PM (QdOC1)

20 Mine was an 11% increase for the same coverage minus a whole bunch of co-pays that didn't exist before.  I feel weird bitching about it when other people have lost their insurance completely and can't afford the shitty Obama plans, but it still sucks.

(It doesn't cover bariatric surgery or "weight loss" anything.  I can't believe Obama approved this substandard plan, particularly when his consort has been bullying fat kids.  Coff.)

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at October 26, 2013 02:18 PM (hO8IJ)

21 Posted by: Spartacus at October 26, 2013 06:17 PM Jeebuz, is that on the individual market or are you covered via your employer (and if the latter did they pass everything on to you?)

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 26, 2013 02:19 PM (GaqMa)

22 I used to smoke a long time ago, but smokers are the hardest hit in taxes. They add taxes to cigarettes every single time the MA legislature needs more money. They added another $1 per pack in July. ThatÂ’s on top of other years that they added $1 per pack. I believe that The SCOAMFÂ’s first tax increase was on cigarettes, wasnÂ’t it?

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 02:19 PM (z4WKX)

23 Step 1: raise everyones rates, or make them drop insurance.

Step 2: ?????

Step 3: UTOPIA!!

Posted by: Communist Underpants Gnome at October 26, 2013 02:20 PM (E7Iyp)

24 I have my own private insurance.  Got my cancellation letter a few weeks ago.  I will not go into the exchange for any reason.  I might go Galt.  Go without.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 26, 2013 02:20 PM (jucos)

25 >>I think that we in Massachusetts have the highest premiums in the country because of Romneycare, might not be hit so hard. WeÂ’ll know in less than two weeks. MA has always had some of the highest insurance rates in the country. MA also has the highest percentage of doctors and nurses to the general population of any state in the country and the 4th highest per capita income. These things are not unrelated.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 26, 2013 02:20 PM (g1DWB)

26 I haven't received  anything in the mail yet.  Does alcoholism  count as a pre-existing condition?  Asking for a friend.

Posted by: Ronster at October 26, 2013 02:21 PM (ATHJ6)

27 PEOPLE ARE DYING OF CANCER!!!11!!!1

Posted by: OUTRAGED LIBERAL at October 26, 2013 02:21 PM (oFCZn)

28 We pay about $450 a month for a high deductible plan for our family. No copays, but no insurance pay outs until we hit our $2500 per adult (me and hubby) deductible. For the same exact plan, that our insurance company says they cannot guarantee will be sufficient to avoid the penalty for non-insurance, is going up to $595 a month. Very unhappy about that, but I absolute refuse to use the bs exchanges. From asking around my area, it appears that in order to get a comparable rate on the exchange we would have to increase our deductible to $10,000. No thanks. Obama and his cronies can kiss my ass.

Posted by: Mandy P., lurking lurker who lurks at October 26, 2013 02:22 PM (qFpRI)

29 Won't see my bad news until we return to Delaware on 11/03. The misses smokes, though, so there is that to look forward to, if your experience is any indication.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at October 26, 2013 02:22 PM (A2sQP)

30 Mine, the cheapest $6,000 deductible through Obamacare, $345.00 a month. Yeah I'm not paying that. I'll put $200.00 away a month and take my chances.

Posted by: lowandslow at October 26, 2013 02:22 PM (IV4od)

31 PEOPLE ARE DYING OF CANCER!!!11!!!1

Many of whom had insurance.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at October 26, 2013 02:22 PM (hO8IJ)

32
re: the sidebar piece about Paul Ryan helping to "free 11 million people"

That little freak luis guitterez could not have said it better. Free.
As in  ♪ everything free in America! ♪

And we all know its closer to 30 million than 11 million. But no sense in quibblin' over tens of million, si?

30 million wards of the State...livin for freedom.

Posted by: you got chocolate in my soothsayer! at October 26, 2013 02:22 PM (xIzGn)

33 Posted by: Mallamutt, RINO President For Life at October 26, 2013 06:21 PM (OWjjx) Come, join us in what I hope will soon be a mimic of Texas. Missouri!

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 26, 2013 02:23 PM (GaqMa)

34 soothie, keep the chocolate out of the barrel.

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami - GO CARDS!!! at October 26, 2013 02:23 PM (bCEmE)

35 #10

That appears to be the pattern nationally. People who aren't seeing a big increase or even a decrease are in place where rates were already the highest. Notably, these places are also deep blue strongholds. A feature, not a bug.

I'm holding off on doing anything. I haven't had any coverage for over a year because the economy has hit my regular employer very hard and I only get billable hours from them very irregularly. Short term contract work has accounted for as much or more of my income in recent years.

I could probably qualify for a free ride. My blood pressure meds run nearly $100 a month, mostly because one of the three is still under patent and US citizens pick up the tab for the cost of developing drugs used around the world. I have little doubt I could get heavily subsidized coverage, probably with a drug benefit to boot.

But self-respect doesn't come cheap and it's already in short supply around here.

Posted by: Epobirs at October 26, 2013 02:23 PM (kcfmt)

36
PEOPLE ARE DYING OF CANCER!!!11!!!1


ZOMG!, quick, put on this pink ribbon!

Posted by: you got chocolate in my soothsayer! at October 26, 2013 02:23 PM (8dspl)

37 FFS, Soothsay in the barrel

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 26, 2013 02:23 PM (GaqMa)

38 MA also has the highest percentage of doctors and nurses to the general population of any state in the country and the 4th highest per capita income. These things are not unrelated. Posted by: JackStraw at October 26, 2013 06:20 PM (g1DWB) it was Romneycare, in 2009 our premiums went up over 30%. One small company went up 55%. Romney signed that law in 2007 effective July 1, 2007. Less than a year and a half later our premiums skyrocketed. Some of what you say may contribute, but the biggest was Mitt RomneyÂ’s signature. He had no business running for president at all because of that law.

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 02:24 PM (z4WKX)

39

My workplace is a non-federal gov't hospital. I received a notice in the mail describing what ACA will do to the various health plans that the employees of this non-federal unit have. The notice said that the one I have will not change at all. BIG sigh of relief, because I really don't pay that much for it ($97/month).

Still, the folks who passed ACA can crunch my s**tcorn.

Posted by: Food at October 26, 2013 02:24 PM (tuPiK)

40
damn, did I do that??

/innocent wide-eyed stare

Posted by: you got chocolate in my soothsayer! at October 26, 2013 02:25 PM (vzLhi)

41 My family's plan went from $800 an individual and $2, 400 for family to $3, 000 an individual and $12, 000 for family. Screw every person who voted for the JEF.

Posted by: jmel at October 26, 2013 02:25 PM (g8jyh)

42 They also tacked on an extra $600 per year penalty for tobacco users.

That's just beautiful, I've been wondering about that.  Got a "so sorry, you policy goes away January 1" letter from those toads at Blue Cross.  Looked at the "covered California" website, a shit policy will cost about the same as what I have now, and a comparable policy will be almost $1000 a month (paying $666 - really - now).  I guess the really great news is that it will have birth control and maternity care which, as a 62 year old woman, is super important to me. 

Posted by: Peaches at October 26, 2013 02:28 PM (8lmkt)

43
Incidentally, did Orlando Bloom's acting career go kaputski?

Posted by: you got chocolate in my soothsayer! at October 26, 2013 02:28 PM (FC8Yl)

44 My husband works in health insurance. He's been dealing with incompetent assholes who want their free insurance. He's a good man, so he does what he can without losing his cool, but I'm afraid it's just going to get ugly one day.

Posted by: Gingy at October 26, 2013 02:30 PM (N/cFh)

45
How much is $$ penalty for indiscriminate homosexual sex? Must be a lot higher than $600 bucks, right?

Right?

What? Why are you all looking at me like that?

Posted by: you got chocolate in my soothsayer! at October 26, 2013 02:30 PM (39q3n)

46 Peaches, I have good news, but they keep putting up a new post. Paul called to tell me he moved his big toe today. First time! Go to last thread and read my post #21. That sucks about your BCBS. We should be able to remove things we donÂ’t need if you have to buy it individually. I donÂ’t need maternity care or BC either. I get it from my employer. Carol

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 02:31 PM (z4WKX)

47 IT'S FREE YOU WINGNUTZ!!!11!! HOLY CKUFING SHIT I JUST LOST MY INSURANCE!!!

Posted by: OUTRAGED LIBERAL at October 26, 2013 02:32 PM (oFCZn)

48 48 Incidentally, did Orlando Bloom's acting career go kaputski? Some people are one trick ponies. And others are made by the director, costumes, make-up and role. Or a combination of both. Plus hubris. Always that.

Posted by: Jack at October 26, 2013 02:34 PM (gWHwW)

49 It's Booooosh's fault. Why? Because ckuf you, that's why.

Posted by: Miss Scarlett at October 26, 2013 02:35 PM (Nsomq)

50 From NRO: The average African-American family is poorer than the average family in India.

Posted by: WalrusRex at October 26, 2013 02:38 PM (PjgvN)

51

Celtic Insurance canceled the wife and me as they can't "comply with certain provisions in the new Healthcare law".

 

Wife managed to get in with Unied Health before O-cide hit the bricks. I got turned down for having the pre-existing condition of coronary heart disease even though I don't have any such thing. 8 years ago I had a precautionary EKG run, which apparently was enough. So now I get to wait and see what happens to me if they ever get the system working.

 

Heck of a job, Barry!

Posted by: Meremortal at October 26, 2013 02:38 PM (jTKU5)

52 Screw every person who voted for the JEF. Posted by: jmel at October 26, 2013 06:25 PM (g8jyh) Screw is too nice a work for the people that voted for the SCOAMF, but weÂ’re trying to be good with Ace on vacation. IÂ’m sure you know what four letter word i would prefer!

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 02:39 PM (z4WKX)

53

$300/month for a high-deductible plan for me and the wife (both of us very healthy with no family history of anything, I've had catastrophic-type plans, only, my entire life and haven't even touched those) becomes ...... $900 for a worse package.  This is private insurance.  Not sure what I'm gonna do.  Might go naked for me (no coverage), just keep her on a plan.  Won't go near an exchange.  At this point, surrounded by people who are in no meaningful way any longer "Americans", a futile gesture of defiance may have its own value.  I certainly couldn't live with myself if I partook of the absurd and unconstitutional tyranny and theft this debacle represents.

 

Hmmm, dunno, don't sense any groundswell of outrage out there.  The bad effects of this are variable enough, and the victims (enough of them) already clueless as to how the world works, that predictions of big blowback seem iffy at best to me.  Who says some frogs can't be boiled a little quicker than others?  The frogs we're talking about are not the same sort that built the country now being degraded in wholesale fashion ....

 

Posted by: non-purist at October 26, 2013 02:40 PM (afQnV)

54 OT: Venezuela creates Vice Ministry of Supreme Social Happiness http://tinyurl.com/lv43uya

Posted by: Friend Computer at October 26, 2013 02:42 PM (Vk2pI)

55 Is it just me or what? I don't see how people will just carry on their everyday activities as if nothing happened once the failed to enroll penalties are enacted. Lefties especially will protest en masse. It would be funny shit if this united the country against big gov.....

Posted by: Regular Guy at October 26, 2013 02:45 PM (N3Al8)

56 "don't sense any groundswell of outrage out there."

Wait till the employer mandate starts to show it's effect. There's no wonder they delayed that a year, if this shit came down all at once the press wouldn't be able to minimize the outrage.

Posted by: lowandslow at October 26, 2013 02:45 PM (IV4od)

57 I'm self employed and my wife is salaried at one of our countries largest children's hospital, and our family gets its benefits through her employer. Working at a children's hospital affords fantastic insurance for a family with 3 kids like ours. We received our scary letter a few weeks ago...our annual out of pocket was approx $2400 last year and will be approx $5200 this year. 127% increase. My wife is in management and as the numbers started coming in regarding increases in premiums related to ACA requirements, costs related to decreases in payments through state and federal (Medicaid) payments, and other "small" things such as a half million dollars in fees from the ACA, she was horrified at the news she would have to deliver to her service line (and to what it would cost our family and the families of her employees she cares deeply about). The hospital is not profitable as it is, and income when over half of your business is already highly cost regulated state and federal welfare and the other highly cost regulated "insurance" there are no prices to raise, so the hit is spread between the physical hospital in decreased maintenance, the patients in lower quality of care, and the employees in reduced salary and/or benefits. In the employee case this year, this resulted in new plans with higher premiums and higher deductibles and the employer now paying 70% of the plan benefit where it had paid a generous 87% as long as I can remember. In addition, all employees below management level were told three weeks ago that beginning Jan 1 all positions will be switched from salaried to hourly. This has to be done to stay afloat and competitive with other local hospitals which have already made this move. Employees have of course been throwing fits, and my wife has had three resignation letters in the past three weeks from some of her top employees. Going back several years the ACA has had an even bigger impact, as compliance costs to the hospital have had to be absorbed and regulations have led two a change in provider and then 3 straight years of changes in plan offerings.

Posted by: MostlyRight at October 26, 2013 02:45 PM (w9AQ4)

58 Went to the dentist this week, the receptionist told me that dental plans are the next casuality of obamacare. I had not heard that mentioned until then.

Posted by: lou's a girl at October 26, 2013 02:45 PM (vgd4f)

59

My company Blue Cross PPO plan premium increases $1,400.00 for next year. Employee and family increases $2000.00 . 

 

The company is passing all the increase to the employees, as they should, since some of them are Obama voters.

 

Posted by: Frankly at October 26, 2013 02:48 PM (qaWNj)

60 Posted by: louÂ’s a girl at October 26, 2013 06:45 PM (vgd4f) I had not heard that either. Thanks, I think.

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 02:49 PM (z4WKX)

61 What am I hearing? Last week, 4 am, full moon, I hear voices in the field behind me. Probably hunters I thought. 'So, what do you think about ObamaCare' I heard. Couldn't really hear the rest of the conversation. Myself, I just run the numbers in my mind over a three to four decade experience of premiums paid vs service received and am pretty certain it was a 10 to 1 ratio of premium paid to service received. Under ObamaCare, where a percentage of your premium is going to pay for the people who are already on welfare, food stamps, and every other safety hammock the Democrats have concocted is that the ratio is now probably 20 to 1. You pay $20.00 to receive $1.00 in benefits. Quite the deal. The problem, for people who decide to 'go naked' or self-insure and pay the nominal penalty is the financial discipline to stick that money in the cookie jar every month.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at October 26, 2013 02:50 PM (U2UQk)

62 Is it just me or what? I don't see how people will just carry on their everyday activities as if nothing happened once the failed to enroll penalties are enacted. Lefties especially will protest en masse. It would be funny shit if this united the country against big gov..... Posted by: Regular Guy at October 26, 2013 06:45 PM (N3Al by: Regular Guy at October 26, 2013 06:45 PM (N3Al I canÂ’t wait until that happens!

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 02:51 PM (z4WKX)

63 The six reasons you should vote for Hillary! from Time. --- http://tinyurl.com/kyaghoc Economic inequality Youth empowerment Selfless ambition. Washington outsider Civility International experience

Posted by: WalrusRex at October 26, 2013 02:51 PM (rwgSb)

64

Heh. You guys think its bad now?

This is just the buy-in to get your panties off

The real pounding will be the next two years.

Don't bother asking for a reach-around. You'll be thankful if they even use lube.

Posted by: Fen at October 26, 2013 02:51 PM (a422o)

65 CarolT, that sounds about right.  Mine is going up about $6 a month, but I also think being in MA and under Romneycare is likely the reason.


Posted by: acethepug at October 26, 2013 02:51 PM (luH5j)

66 Don't worry, costs will be coming down SOONÂ…

Posted by: IPAB at October 26, 2013 02:52 PM (Vk2pI)

67 The six reasons you should vote for Hillary! from Time. --- http://tinyurl.com/kyaghoc Economic inequality Youth empowerment Selfless ambition. Washington outsider Civility International experience Posted by: WalrusRex at October 26, 2013 06:51 PM (rwgSb) It'll be nice to have a President with a pair of balls?

Posted by: The Ballsy Hat at October 26, 2013 02:52 PM (Vk2pI)

68 64 Carol T, yeah I was shocked. She told me to get my dental work done ASAP. Hubby's going to check at work to see what they say about it. Will let you know what he finds out!

Posted by: lou's a girl at October 26, 2013 02:52 PM (vgd4f)

69 Co-owner of a 2 man sub-S services corp in RI. Ages 68 and 63, spouses slightly younger. Gold plated BCBS plan because the less expensive plans seemed to cost as much with co-pays, disalloweds etc and required lots of paperwork as well. Gold plated plan cost? Well, we need to bill $45000 per year just to cover the nut. We're not exactly over-users either. July 1 is our enrollment date so I won't know for several months what will happen. I'm hoping they are still working on the portholes of the sinking ship 404care.gov, which really isn't an unrealistic wish.

Posted by: chuckR at October 26, 2013 02:52 PM (UGxsK)

70 Posted by: acethepug at October 26, 2013 06:51 PM (luH5j) Ace the Pug, I hope weÂ’re right. Thanks for the info. Carol

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 02:53 PM (z4WKX)

71 You just do not get it... Importing more low info / poor voters solves the problem.. It the ACA was never meant to work out for anything other than Single Payer...

Posted by: jet Built Around Cannon at October 26, 2013 02:53 PM (5bB1J)

72 Went to the dentist this week, the receptionist told me that dental plans are the next casuality of obamacare.

Makes sense, dental equipment and drugs and whatnot are all subject to the same taxes and regulations.

I no longer get free annual x-rays/exams.  There's a co-pay.  I didn't calculate how much that premium went up--probably 30%--but it's like a bottle of rum a month, I'll just switch to Val-u-Rite.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at October 26, 2013 02:54 PM (hO8IJ)

73 I think too many people just can't wrap their minds around the idea of having a much smaller government. Or they just can't bring themselves to pull the lever for "those people" so they just keep voting the same way and try magical thinking to hope somehow things will work.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at October 26, 2013 02:55 PM (WD0KF)

74 the ACA was never meant to work out for anything other than Single Payer...
Posted by: jet Built Around Cannon at October 26, 2013 06:53 PM (5bB1J)


And with single payer comes complete control of society, since everything you do can be tied to your health.

Posted by: Country Singer at October 26, 2013 02:56 PM (DE9KP)

75 30 million wards of the State...livin for freedom. Posted by: you got chocolate in my soothsayer! at October 26, 2013 06:22 PM (xIzGn) I havenÂ’t read that sidebar piece. I heard somewhere that the House has only 19 working days left, IÂ’m not sure when I heard it this week. It must be less than 18 now. They wonÂ’t do it this year. If they do it next year, they will be eliminated in states that have others willing to run against the incumbent. It doesnÂ’t happen here in MA. Soothie are you still in MA?

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 02:56 PM (z4WKX)

76 To keep the same coverage, my BCBS premium goes from $445 to $940. If I increase my deductible to $6000, my premium ONLY goes up to $495.

Posted by: laddy at October 26, 2013 02:57 PM (QsoQF)

77 Yep, still here, Carol. And it's nice to hear some positive news about your brother Paul. He certainly deserves it.

Posted by: soothsayer at October 26, 2013 02:58 PM (/ZnTF)

78 58 OT: Venezuela creates Vice Ministry of Supreme Social Happiness http://tinyurl.com/lv43uya --- You either get happy or you get gulagged.

Posted by: WalrusRex at October 26, 2013 02:58 PM (rwgSb)

79 This seems to be an awfully controversial subject, just to throw that out there.

Posted by: Stringer Davis at October 26, 2013 02:59 PM (JNUY4)

80 @ 78 Country Singer Not on my ranch.. I am the game warden here..

Posted by: jet Built Around Cannon at October 26, 2013 02:59 PM (5bB1J)

81

My wife and I have had dual insurance. They just raised the price on that to the point it is cheaper to dump each other.

 

Even if the worst happens, and we have to pay max out of pocket, we'll still save about $3k a year. So, they just took that money out of the pool.

 

Posted by: Invictusq at October 26, 2013 02:59 PM (FBkKA)

82 In addition to the 127% out of pocket annual increase in our family plan, costing our family $2800 this year (and every year plus going forward), I'd add the hospital is adding a $25 per pay period ($650 per year) addition premium added for individuals who use tobacco or have a family member who does. I don't have a problem with this as long as that cost accurately reflects the cost of the increased risk due to tobacco use. This is what insurance is supposed to be...costs spread out among populations in proportion and correlated to risk, plus a profit for the insurer. The ACA is not insurance, it's taxation at levels not correlated to risk for the purpose of welfare and redistribution. I don't know why we can't be honest about this.

Posted by: MostlyRight at October 26, 2013 03:01 PM (w9AQ4)

83 30 years old. Self employed. Stay at home wife and 2 kids. Our premiums went from 600 a month for a 5k family deductible to 620 a month for a 14k family deductible. Our current plan was canceled. I don't qualify for the subsidy. We had a baby this year. Total spent out of pocket about 11k. If we do that with the new insurance it will be 21k. Let me be clear: If you like your insurance, you can go fuck yourself because fuck you.

Posted by: VBJonny at October 26, 2013 03:02 PM (ILDqK)

84 I'm thinking tax revolt! lol Just to see what happens...

Posted by: Regular Guy at October 26, 2013 03:02 PM (N3Al8)

85 Blue Cross MN has already delivered my bad news. Excuse me while I apply for poverty.

Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn at October 26, 2013 03:03 PM (l0lja)

86 Jesus is all the insurance I need...

Posted by: Regular Guy at October 26, 2013 03:04 PM (N3Al8)

87 This is going to take $400 billion out of the real economy. The sad part is the jerks in charge don't see it coming. That will mean about 20 million more layoffs. If it's a bad winter people will be moving to Mexico.

Posted by: Huggy at October 26, 2013 03:06 PM (5gDRC)

88 The average African-American family is poorer than the average family in India.

When you measure the dollar value of household assets.  Poverty in India is pretty different from American poverty.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at October 26, 2013 03:06 PM (hO8IJ)

89 Canada, family of 3 or more $128 month, no deductible. You Americans have screwed yourself. Death panels, wait times, rationing is all going to happen and the privilege of paying more.

Posted by: Jay at October 26, 2013 03:07 PM (a1dXI)

90 I've already posted about this. As a retiree I had been buying my own insurance at group rates through my former employer. On January of this year my rates, instead of going up the usual $10-$20 per month, went up $148 per month. Then a short time ago I got a letter that we would no longer be buying our insurance through our employer, we were told that we will get it through the Obamacare exchanges. My present insurance ends on Jan. 1st. If I can't get this goddamned exchange site to work I will be uninsured for the first time in my entire life. I hate that bastard more every day. I was happy to just pay my own way and buy my own insurance through my former employer. Everything was fine, then a democratic party president comes along and it's all f**ked up.

Posted by: nerdygirl at October 26, 2013 03:08 PM (nAAx0)

91 I think too many people just can't wrap their minds around the idea of having a much smaller government.

We say "we want the government to leave us alone" and they hear "we want the government to leave you to starve in the streets."

I don't know any way around that.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at October 26, 2013 03:08 PM (hO8IJ)

92 My business was quoted a 70% increase. Trying to figure out how that results in a $2500 saving

Posted by: AndrewsDad at October 26, 2013 03:09 PM (2tljF)

93 They also tacked on an extra $600 per year penalty for tobacco users. How does that work? Is it because you smoke, or is it just that all insured being hit up to pay for smokers?

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at October 26, 2013 03:09 PM (/IXKu)

94 Me either, HeatherRadish. Have just started thinking about/looking after my immediate family and myself. Especially since we have two teenage daughters to somehow get started into the world.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at October 26, 2013 03:11 PM (WD0KF)

95 We had a baby this year. Total spent out of pocket about 11k. If we do that with the new insurance it will be 21k. That is insane. A whole bunch of decades ago I remember standing at the cashiers window at the hospital bailing out my wife and newborn. I had a so-called 'Cadillac plan' and can still remember the stack of dead Presidents I handed over. I offered to put the wife up in the swankiest room in the Hilton next door to our apartment instead of the hospital, but she declined. I would have saved seven dead Presidents per day, and they would have gotten better food and service. You're right, Michelle Obama. Your husband has 'fundamentally transformed' Amerikkka. For the worse.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at October 26, 2013 03:11 PM (U2UQk)

96 If our family annual premium increase due to ACA's hit remains at "only" $2800 per year, ACA will cost my family $56,000 over the next 20 years. I also believe it will result in a lower overall net quality of care, a larger and more intrusive federal government, and a corresponding reduction in net liberty. The worst piece of legislation of our lifetimes.

Posted by: MostlyRight at October 26, 2013 03:11 PM (w9AQ4)

97 I'm only working part time, and when I checked the Kaiser calculator I found that the lowest cost plan I could get is $576 per month which is twice what I make in a month. Not eligible for either subsidies nor Medicaid

Previously I could get a minimal plan for $35 a month

Posted by: kbdabear at October 26, 2013 03:11 PM (aTXUx)

98 I plan on eating my in-laws first when the depression hits. Fucking liberal idiots.

Posted by: VBJonny at October 26, 2013 03:12 PM (ILDqK)

99 there is no way I will put any personal information into one of those online deals, and I am astonished that anyone would, especially after all the stories about fraud and crapweaselry.  i really need to email my insurance agent and dump this on her.  can't stand thinking about it.  i keep hoping some nice Chinese company will offer me coverage at a reasonable price.  as someone detailed upthread a ways, i don't get 10 cents on the dollar back for what I pay in insurance.  would much rather have a catastrophic plan and pay out of pocket for everything else -- which is what I do anyway, none of the good docs have taken insurance in years.

Posted by: Peaches at October 26, 2013 03:13 PM (8lmkt)

100 97. It's a penalty charged to the smoker himself only. Because fuck them. Don't they know that only King Barack himself can handle nicotine? /

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at October 26, 2013 03:13 PM (GmTxn)

101 From each with no ability, to each according to his needs!

Posted by: Zombie Louis Blanc at October 26, 2013 03:14 PM (Dwehj)

102 My business was quoted a 70% increase. Trying to figure out how that results in a $2500 saving Posted by: AndrewsDad at October 26, 2013 07:09 PM (2tljF) YouÂ’re going to have to learn Obamamath! IÂ’m sorry to hear that. Lying SOB!

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 03:14 PM (z4WKX)

103 I plan on eating my in-laws first when the depression hits.
Fucking liberal idiots.

I bet they'll be tough and stringy. Not to mention bitter.

Posted by: Zombie Louis Blanc at October 26, 2013 03:15 PM (Dwehj)

104 Mad Mandy Marcotte was on Twitter the other day saying anyone who was paying more for Obamacare was a liar, and if even if it was true you were getting crappy insurance that doesn't cover all the wonderful things 404Care covers. She was demanding screen shots of everyone who replied that their premiums were going up ..

http://tinyurl.com/n3ucdvk

Posted by: kbdabear at October 26, 2013 03:16 PM (aTXUx)

105 Regarding the $600 plus in additional premiums being charged on many plans for tobacco use, my understanding is the increase is charged based on the honor system of who admits by checking a box on paperwork that they or their spouse uses tobacco. So only those who are honest will be penalized...

Posted by: MostlyRight at October 26, 2013 03:17 PM (w9AQ4)

106 She was demanding screen shots of everyone who replied that their premiums were going up ..

Next demand? Line up for the camp trains.

Posted by: Zombie Louis Blanc at October 26, 2013 03:17 PM (Dwehj)

107 My health insurance went up 9.5% with 5% of the 9.5% being due to ObamaCare. The other 4.5% is from too high of use of the plan by everyone else.

Posted by: Bear Grylls at October 26, 2013 03:18 PM (KIV2m)

108 IDK if it's because... Obamacare, but my company is no longer offering BC/BS next year. We have a choice of four plans, all from CIGNA. I think I will sign up for the HSA option.

Posted by: Gregory of Yardale at October 26, 2013 03:18 PM (azHfB)

109 I'm just waiting for my cancellation notice.

Posted by: YIKES! at October 26, 2013 03:19 PM (mETGQ)

110 Posted by: Peaches at October 26, 2013 07:13 PM (8lmkt) PEACHES! Please read this! Paul called to tell me he moved his left toe on his own today. PT said there are”trace movements” in his knees and legs. Carol

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 03:20 PM (z4WKX)

111 So I guess if you like your plan you keep your plan as long as the health insurance provider says you can.

Posted by: YIKES! at October 26, 2013 03:21 PM (mETGQ)

112 Carol, I read it, responded in a previous post.  Great news!!!  Hopefully a harbinger of some real progress coming. 

Posted by: Peaches at October 26, 2013 03:23 PM (8lmkt)

113

From the numbers leaking out from the state exchanges (the only ones "transparent" enough to let it out), it looks like it will implode sooner that anyone expected. The vast majority of the new "enrollees" are actually Medicaid referrals. It's as high as 90% in Maryland. NY is the lowest I've so, at 65%.

 The only ones showing up are thus the poorest and sickest. The young "bros" aren't, and in such low numbers that the actuarial death spiral is assured. It's going to blow up state and federal budgets.

    Barky and his pals have detonated s a Tsar Bomba in the US economy.

Posted by: publius(NotBreitbartPublius) at October 26, 2013 03:23 PM (M5Os+)

114 I'm watching Night Of The Living Dead right now. Not sure if George Romero was a man of vision, or that I had one too many beers. But this look's alot like Obamacare in a month or two.I'm not kidding it's on ktla ch 5 if your in LA.

Posted by: oc joe at October 26, 2013 03:24 PM (5fkya)

115 Retailers should be experiencing boot puddles over the upcoming holiday season.

All of the items for holiday stock have to be at port in China this week in order to make it to the shelves by Thanksgiving weekend.

If anyone still has investments in brick-and-mortar retailers, rebalancing might be in order.


Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at October 26, 2013 03:24 PM (xz0nG)

116 So I guess when the scoamf said that my premiums would go down he meant not keeping your current plan.

Posted by: YIKES! at October 26, 2013 03:24 PM (mETGQ)

117 "I don't have a problem with this as long as that cost accurately reflects the cost of the increased risk due to tobacco use."

It doesn't.

Posted by: lowandslow at October 26, 2013 03:25 PM (IV4od)

118 By the way, I got onto a site that I thought was the governments exchange site. It turned out it was some insurance broker trying to get you to buy the Obamacare exchange plans through them. The thing is, you could get through to see the actual plans that are offered. They're really shitty deals. The ones with affordable premiums have horrendous yearly deductibles. Many of them have $6000-$9000 yearly deductibles. In order to get a more reasonable deductible, you pay a LOT higher rates. I can see why they're making it hard for people to see the detailed plans. They suck. The deductible on my current plan is $750.

Posted by: nerdygirl at October 26, 2013 03:25 PM (nAAx0)

119 I'm looking forward to the rollout of "ObamaPhys", where the administration repeals the Laws of Physics and simply demands every household have a green perpetual motion machine and a faster-than-light means of travel, or pay a fine.

Posted by: T. at October 26, 2013 03:26 PM (dD9eD)

120 This entire deal is a bailout for democrat strongholds and a punishment for the rest of us. We're going to need some help from Castro figuring out how to block the broadcasts coming out of these areas. It's going to be so easy for them to add the little flames to the red state maps when it really gets hot. Enjoy your red courtesy of NBC. Between MSNBC, 30 Rock, SNL, CNBC one could argue that's the first target to mount a sustained protest against. Ought to have people making lawful protests all around 30 Rock giving it to them with bullhorns and sit ins.

Posted by: pc at October 26, 2013 03:26 PM (zeWyX)

121 For my fifth and probably final installment of ACA woes in this thread, one personal story unrelated to health insurance premiums but directly related to this terrible law. Our Section 8 tenant...a rare great Sect 8 tenant who truly needed help (no family, left with 2 kids in Italy when her military husband emptied the bank account and ran off from family and country for some Italian floozy) had finally found a full time job last January and begun weaning herself off welfare. With the income she was responsibl for a larger portion of her rent and the tax payer less. 3 months ago her employer dropped her and 20-something of her coworkers to 29 hrs per week...admitted during the announcement this was completely due to the ACA. As a result of her pay dropping, I just received an adjustment letter from our city housing office that her responsibility for rent is down again, the tax payer's up. Multiply this times the dozen other welfare benefits she has told me she receives. I'm sure this story is being repeated a million times across the country. This law is a country killer financially.

Posted by: MostlyRight at October 26, 2013 03:26 PM (w9AQ4)

122 I just got home. Any chance we get a World Series post?Game on in 5 mins if you're in Mountain time.

Posted by: L, elle at October 26, 2013 03:28 PM (0PiQ4)

123 Our politicians are either corrupt or incompetent not to make this a geographical fight.

Posted by: pc at October 26, 2013 03:28 PM (zeWyX)

124 Strangely enough from the libs it's 100% radio silence on Obamacare since October 1st, other than to be happy for the end of "pre-existing conditions." Obviously, that could have been put into law without creating the mess of Obamacare.

Posted by: Onlooker at October 26, 2013 03:29 PM (lw5+8)

125 Tobacco causes health problems, some of them fatal.  And it is evil so its use must be penalized by paying higher premiums.


Indiscriminate homosexual sex also causes health problems, some of them fatal.  But who are we to judge?  

Posted by: mama winger at October 26, 2013 03:29 PM (P6QsQ)

126 Peaches IÂ’m sorry I missed your post. Thank you and the Horde Prayer Circle. Carol it sucks about your insurance, but we knew that was going to happen. Maybe the dems that are afraid of losing their seats will try to pass the bill to delay the mandate since the website isnÂ’t working & it wasnÂ’t meant to show how much youÂ’ll have to pay.

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 03:30 PM (z4WKX)

127 Any chance we get a World Series post?

-------------



Yes please.  That would be great.

Posted by: mama winger at October 26, 2013 03:32 PM (P6QsQ)

128 It's not party driven a this point. Peter King and Chris Christie are allied with Obama and the California bitches out of regional self interest, not political.

Posted by: pc at October 26, 2013 03:32 PM (zeWyX)

129 Watching 'The Gray' With Liam Neeson. Can't remember if this was a Moron thumbs up or not.

Posted by: Gregory of Yardale at October 26, 2013 03:33 PM (azHfB)

130 I want everyone to be crystal clear that "Obamacare" was never meant to work. It is supposed to fail. The plan is to bankrupt all of the private health insurance companies, or drive them out of the business completely. Then the government will have to do socialized medicine. This is the communist plan, and all the libs know it. They are not talking about it. Remember they want to bankrupt the competition and then the government takes over the whole system. The best way to stop this is for the healthcare.gov to not work. That way people won't have any health insurance in January or after. Do not help them. Screw the whole lib system.

Posted by: Onlooker at October 26, 2013 03:33 PM (lw5+8)

131 I've been fortunate in terms of premiums the last couple of years but now me premium's been canceled since John died two months too late for our policy to be "grandfathered". I just found out that I've been doing my dental insurance *all* wrong (insurance pays for cheap routine stuff but not the big stuff like the four impacted wisdom teeth Eldest Kidlet needs removed). Is it better to self insure for dental? I'm afraid to try to make any changes and draw the company's attention to the fact that I've moved out of state (and the whole canceling thing that I don't want to remind them of either).

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at October 26, 2013 03:33 PM (Pexsc)

132 "121 It doesn't" You don't think $600 per year accurately reflects the cost the choice to use tobacco products has on an individual's average health care costs in their lifetime? I think that's probably pretty close. I have no problem with someone choosing to smoke. I do have a problem with helping them pay for the cost of that choice.

Posted by: MostlyRight at October 26, 2013 03:34 PM (w9AQ4)

133 Tobacco causes health problems, some of them fatal. And it is evil so its use must be penalized by paying higher premiums.


Indiscriminate homosexual sex also causes health problems, some of them fatal. But who are we to judge?

Posted by: mama winger at October 26, 2013 07:29 PM (P6QsQ)


fine, then let's apply this rationale across the board to the overweight, anyone who has unprotected sex, rides a motorcycle, well, you see where I'm going here, right?

Posted by: Peaches at October 26, 2013 03:35 PM (8lmkt)

134 There might be a way to beat this bastard. If you believe Rush and one of his ditto-heads.
Don't buy a policy, get your medical needs taken care of ad-hoc, and please, owe the IRS money on your tax return
According to them, the only way the JEF can collect from you is by withholding from your tax refund. So, if you owe them $$$, they can't collect.
Apparently they cannot tap into your bank accounts.
Now if we could get everyone to not pay, this bitch would collapse next week.

Just dreaming out loud,

Posted by: Geeorge at October 26, 2013 03:35 PM (C9mIM)

135 IÂ’m sure you know what four letter word i would prefer! Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 06:39 PM

Just got a letter from MassHealth, which basically said if you have Plan "A." you'll (probably) automatically get put into New Plan "A," but if you have plan "B," you are SOL and will have to sign up for plan "X." Or maybe not. And you may pay more. Or less.

In other words, the dimwits who run MA's system are as clueless as the rest of us. They don't know nothin', but wanted to let us all know that. In eleventy-seven different languages.

A word of warning to those in other states: the MA healthcare system, which has been around since the days when Mutt rMoney was governor, has websites that still take a crap on users with some regularity, miserable affirmative-action drones operating their "help" lines, and said phone lines are apparently a French telephone company design using old Commodore 64s and cassette tape machines to answer/give you choices, etc. In other words, the whole system, from online signup to help with problems, sucks rotten bananas. You think ChoomCare's system is gonna be any better?

Yeah, I been burned by the MA boondoggle. I can hardly wait to see what shit President Historic First© and his co-conspirators drop on us!

Posted by: MrScribbler at October 26, 2013 03:35 PM (kaGpp)

136 Strangely enough from the libs it's 100% radio silence on Obamacare since October 1st, other than to be happy for the end of "pre-existing conditions." Obviously, that could have been put into law without creating the mess of Obamacare.

Posted by: Onlooker

Um, no. They're hitting two notes quiet loudly right now.

See comment #108 for the first one: your previous HC insurance was crap so you should be thankful for O-care.

The second is that only greedy companies are canceling insurance and it's anecdotal only.

I can't take the cant and insanity of the Sinestrosphere but it's good to keep an eye on their ravings lest it creep up on us by surprise.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at October 26, 2013 03:35 PM (xz0nG)

137 NRO has petition to fire Sebeilus.

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 03:36 PM (z4WKX)

138 Can anyone explain why FNC is showing the Texas Tech game?

Posted by: Mr. Alu Fods: Semi-Pro Lurker at October 26, 2013 03:36 PM (md9OS)

139 I have no problem with someone choosing to smoke. I do have a problem with helping them pay for the cost of that choice.

Posted by: MostlyRight at October 26, 2013 07:34 PM (w9AQ4)


--------


You are paying for a whole host of other choices that people make that impact their health.  Why just single out smoking?



Posted by: mama winger at October 26, 2013 03:37 PM (P6QsQ)

140 141 Carol T, hurumph, she does not work for us lowly people, don't ya know!!

Posted by: lou's a girl at October 26, 2013 03:37 PM (vgd4f)

141 Got BCBS letter in mailbox today. Check. Got increase. Yup. Increase is 16%, $2,858.63 annual increase over what I pay now. PS. Have you imagined what the increase for the teachers and public employees in your town? Your taxes will be going up. What's in your wallet? Not very fucking much, thank you.

Posted by: Greg Toombs at October 26, 2013 03:37 PM (OoA/B)

142 *sucks in a deep deep breath*

HEALTH INSURANCE IS NOT HEALTH CARE!   HEALTH INSURANCE IS NOT HEALTH CARE!   DID YOU NOT PAY ATTENTION TO THE ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER SONG YOU LEMUR BALL SUCKING LAMPREY FRENCH KISSING TIGER TAIL PULLING JACKHOLES?


*pant pant pant pant pant*


Ahem.


I am utterly blessed that my current employer is still paying 100% of our premiums.   Of course, we've gone through some hellish shit over the last few years and the firm has contracted by over 75% and it's pretty much a reward for the few who have remained there and remained loyal.  

Of course, I haven't had a raise in three years and with various tax code changes and whatnot, I'm now netting less but my perspective is that I have received a raise and I just don't know it due to the insurance being paid.


The boss asked all of us to review if we'll save money going to the exchanges.   Of course we will.   Hands down the best idea would be to drop health insurance coverage for us and throw us on the exchanges.   How the hell am I supposed to be a good enough person to cut my own throat and tell him that?


brb drinking


Posted by: alexthechick - Really Universe Really? at October 26, 2013 03:37 PM (Gk3SS)

143 "Under ObamaCare, where a percentage of your premium is going to pay for the people who are already on welfare, food stamps, and every other safety hammock the Democrats have concocted is that the ratio is now probably 20 to 1. " My brother started a conversation about Obamacare with me by saying, "You're going to love this." He was being sarcastic. He ran into an engineer he knows. This guy was raving about how great Obamacare is. He and his wife decided that they were tired of working so they both work part time. Their combined income is $15,000 per year. They pay $49 per month for a higher level, Silver, Obamacare plan. It's premiums are 94% covered by subsidies.

Posted by: nerdygirl at October 26, 2013 03:37 PM (nAAx0)

144
So congratulations. If you make somewhere around $50,000 a year, then more than your entire after tax annual raise just went to pay for Obamacare.




!Gracias!

Posted by: The Illegal Alien Whose Medicaid You Just Paid For

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 26, 2013 03:37 PM (kdS6q)

145 I'm watching Night Of The Living Dead right now. I was around nine or ten when I first saw that flick, and it scared the you-know-what out of me.

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at October 26, 2013 03:38 PM (/IXKu)

146 I'm watching Night Of The Living Dead right now. I was around nine or ten when I first saw that flick, and it scared the you-know-what out of me.

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at October 26, 2013 03:38 PM (/IXKu)

147 #58

I'm just trying to imagine the meeting where they cooked that name up.

"OK guys, take a moment and try to channel Orwell, because I want to most chillingly Orwellian name for this thing we can possibly conceive."

Posted by: Epobirs at October 26, 2013 03:38 PM (kcfmt)

148 #58

I'm just trying to imagine the meeting where they cooked that name up.

"OK guys, take a moment and try to channel Orwell, because I want to most chillingly Orwellian name for this thing we can possibly conceive."

Posted by: Epobirs at October 26, 2013 03:38 PM (kcfmt)

149 Can anyone explain why FNC is showing the Texas Tech game?

------------



FOX channel was scheduled to show it apparently but they are carrying World Series instead, so it got bumped to FOX News.

Posted by: mama winger at October 26, 2013 03:38 PM (P6QsQ)

150 Can anyone explain why FNC is showing the Texas Tech game?

------------



FOX channel was scheduled to show it apparently but they are carrying World Series instead, so it got bumped to FOX News.

Posted by: mama winger at October 26, 2013 03:38 PM (P6QsQ)

151 Can anyone explain why FNC is showing the Texas Tech game?
Posted by: Mr. Alu Fods: Semi-Pro Lurker at October 26, 2013 07:36 PM (md9OS)


I don't know why it's on FNC but World Series coverage on Fox started at 7:30 and the start of the Texas Tech game was delayed due to weather so Fox kicked it to other channels because ahahahaha like Selig is going to move aside for college football.

Posted by: alexthechick - Really Universe Really? at October 26, 2013 03:39 PM (Gk3SS)

152 Can anyone explain why FNC is showing the Texas Tech game?
Posted by: Mr. Alu Fods: Semi-Pro Lurker at October 26, 2013 07:36 PM (md9OS)


I don't know why it's on FNC but World Series coverage on Fox started at 7:30 and the start of the Texas Tech game was delayed due to weather so Fox kicked it to other channels because ahahahaha like Selig is going to move aside for college football.

Posted by: alexthechick - Really Universe Really? at October 26, 2013 03:39 PM (Gk3SS)

153 My enrollment period starts Monday, and I'm still waiting to find out if I am going to get a raise. If not, I may have to start testing the market to see if I can get an increase that way.

Posted by: Name at October 26, 2013 03:39 PM (4zLy9)

154 My enrollment period starts Monday, and I'm still waiting to find out if I am going to get a raise. If not, I may have to start testing the market to see if I can get an increase that way.

Posted by: Name at October 26, 2013 03:39 PM (4zLy9)

155 In happy news, I bought a locked Explosion Proof Storage Cabinet today at a machine shop auction for $100. It was stretch wrapped to a skid and impossible to inspect so mine was the only bid. Imagine my surprise when I got it back to my shop and picked the lock to find 5000 rounds of Wolf Target .22 LR Match

Posted by: Dept. Of Acuracy at October 26, 2013 03:40 PM (MhA4j)

156 In happy news, I bought a locked Explosion Proof Storage Cabinet today at a machine shop auction for $100. It was stretch wrapped to a skid and impossible to inspect so mine was the only bid. Imagine my surprise when I got it back to my shop and picked the lock to find 5000 rounds of Wolf Target .22 LR Match

Posted by: Dept. Of Acuracy at October 26, 2013 03:40 PM (MhA4j)

157 So, tomorrow is our last day of freedom. Are we going to really trash up the place?

Posted by: Jesse Pinkman, PhD Bitches! at October 26, 2013 03:41 PM (As/N8)

158 Imagine my surprise when I got it back to my shop and picked the lock to find 5000 rounds of Wolf Target .22 LR Match

Posted by: Dept. Of Acuracy at October 26, 2013 07:40 PM (MhA4j)

Dude, no way!!!!  That is so cool.

Posted by: Peaches at October 26, 2013 03:42 PM (8lmkt)

159 brb drinking You have some serious catching up to do.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at October 26, 2013 03:42 PM (U2UQk)

160

>>Are we going to really trash up the place?

 

Going to?

 

Haven't you noticed the smell already?

Posted by: Mama AJ at October 26, 2013 03:42 PM (SUKHu)

161 Thanks Mama Winger. Sorry for the OT. It was weird looking up from reading the comments and seeing football. And to bring it back on topic, I won't see what coming in my health insurance for another week. Not looking forward to it,

Posted by: Mr. Alu Fods: Semi-Pro Lurker at October 26, 2013 03:43 PM (md9OS)

162 142 Can anyone explain why FNC is showing the Texas Tech game?
Posted by: Mr. Alu Fods: Semi-Pro Lurker at October 26, 2013 07:36 PM (md9OS)
I think someone pushed the wrong button somewhere.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at October 26, 2013 03:43 PM (tnJb0)

163 ...rides a motorcycle,... We have auto/motorcycle insurance for that.

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at October 26, 2013 03:43 PM (/IXKu)

164
We say "we want the government to leave us alone" and they hear "we want the government to leave you to starve in the streets."

I don't know any way around that.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at October 26, 2013 07:08 PM (hO8IJ)




Exactly.  And the talking heads/conservative advocates/tea party can't fight back with rhetoric when they're doing it in the opposition media. They get shot down or cut off.  And Faux News, etc.


Somehow, limited government and LIBERTY have become bad things in bizarro barry world.  Can somebody wake me up???



Posted by: Sphynx at October 26, 2013 03:44 PM (OZmbA)

165 I don't think the penalties will be felt by many who get hit, since the penalty is just a nip on the refund. It's not as if you will be getting a frightening notice from the IRS.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at October 26, 2013 03:44 PM (tmFlQ)

166 In happy news, I bought a locked Explosion Proof Storage Cabinet today at a machine shop auction for $100.
It was stretch wrapped to a skid and impossible to inspect so mine was the only bid. Imagine my surprise when I got it back to my shop and picked the lock to find 5000 rounds of Wolf Target .22 LR Match

Posted by: Dept. Of Acuracy at October 26, 2013 07:40 PM (MhA4j)

 

--------Cool

Posted by: The Jackhole at October 26, 2013 03:45 PM (/7Xis)

167 92 The average African-American family is poorer than the average family in India. When you measure the dollar value of household assets. Poverty in India is pretty different from American poverty. Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at October 26, 2013 07:06 PM (hO8IJ) I'm limiting my concern for poor people to those who don't drop out of high school, who work full time, and who don't have babies out of wedlock. The rest are causing their own poverty and need to grow up and act like adults.

Posted by: nerdygirl at October 26, 2013 03:45 PM (nAAx0)

168 Watching 'The Gray' With Liam Neeson. Can't remember if this was a Moron thumbs up or not.

Posted by: Gregory of Yardale

I think it's 'thumbs sideways.' Not great, not horrible.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at October 26, 2013 03:46 PM (xz0nG)

169 Gee, remember when Obama said if you make $250K or more, you were an evil rich person who should be paying a lot more taxes?

Then it became clear that he really had a figure near $100K in mind for those who deserved to pick more of the tab for the unproductive.

Now the truth has really been shown that earning the median income for the nation makes you a target for financing the FSA.

The dead giveaway was how much he and his cronies loved to talk about saving the middle-class. Whenever leftists speak of saving something, they really want to destroy it. If they accuse someone else of doing something bad, it is a thing they are in fact guilty of doing.

Posted by: Epobirs at October 26, 2013 03:46 PM (kcfmt)

170 We have auto/motorcycle insurance for that.

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at October 26, 2013 07:43 PM (/IXKu)


up to your policy limits, sure.  even with 100/300/100, that would last until maybe Tuesday if you had a really serious injury or, God forbid, something that made lifetime care necessary. 

Posted by: Peaches at October 26, 2013 03:47 PM (8lmkt)

171 I know our premiums and deductibles went up, but I've left the details to Mr Y-not. Obamacare has had a devastating affect on the university where he works, especially for the part-timers and adjunct faculty. I think I mentioned last year when the administrative leadership met to work out how to handle the Obamacare thing, people my husband works with (VP level folks) were literally in tears over the suffering that they knew was to come. So many hard-working families where the wives had part-time work to try to make ends meet who were (and are) going to be slammed. Really sad. Handling the part-timers was especially bad. If even one of their workers inadvertently went over the maximum allowable hours under Obamacare, the university is facing millions of dollars in fines. Apparently the fines are calculated based on total number of employees, not per employee. And this is NOT some hippy-dippy uber-privileged asshole university. So for the most part the people being smacked around don't deserve it.

Posted by: Y-not at October 26, 2013 03:47 PM (5H6zj)

172 135--- I just found out that I've been doing my dental insurance *all* wrong (insurance pays for cheap routine stuff but not the big stuff like the four impacted wisdom teeth Eldest Kidlet needs removed). Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at October 26, 2013 07:33 PM (Pexsc) ------------------- Polliwog, it seems that many comprehensive medical plans do this for dental care and it drives me crazy. I don't need help to pay for regular check-ups. I need help for a root canal or something big like that. It's absurd.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 26, 2013 03:48 PM (dfYL9)

173 Watching 'The Gray' With Liam Neeson. Can't remember if this was a Moron thumbs up or not.

Posted by: Gregory of Yardale

I think it's 'thumbs sideways.' Not great, not horrible.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 26, 2013 07:46 PM (xz0nG)


I really liked it but then again I really like Liam Neeson and any movie that is honest about how Outside will actively hunt you down and kill you.

Posted by: alexthechick - Really Universe Really? at October 26, 2013 03:48 PM (Gk3SS)

174 And this is NOT some hippy-dippy uber-privileged asshole university. So for the most part the people being smacked around don't deserve it. Posted by: Y-not Deserve's got nuthin' to do with it.

Posted by: William Munny, Unforgiven at October 26, 2013 03:49 PM (v6hyJ)

175 The good news is that I get to keep my coverage as long as I don't leave the state. The bad news is that Blue Cross has spent the last five years jacking up my rates.

Posted by: t-bird at October 26, 2013 03:50 PM (FcR7P)

176 >>Deserve's got nuthin' to do with it. I only point that out b/c often people will say "oh, those are the liberals who voted for Obama, let them suffer." That's not the case at our school.

Posted by: Y-not at October 26, 2013 03:51 PM (5H6zj)

177 Imagine my surprise when I got it back to my shop and picked the lock to find 5000 rounds of Wolf Target .22 LR Match

Posted by: Dept. Of Acuracy

well, that'll brighten your day. Just don't tell any bigmouths.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at October 26, 2013 03:51 PM (xz0nG)

178 50% increase for Youngest Son's premiums, adds another $600 a year.

Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde, NC Chapter at October 26, 2013 03:52 PM (yh0zB)

179 So I guess when the scoamf said that my premiums would go down he meant not keeping your current plan. You get kicked off your plan and then can't access the Obamacare website until next year. You're saving money!!

Posted by: t-bird at October 26, 2013 03:53 PM (FcR7P)

180 I'm with a big group but they refuse to answer the question "how much will it cost." All they have said is they will get hit by the Cadillac tax, will pay it, then raise our premiums accordingly. So that means we have to wait to the end of 2014 to find out what the Cadillac tax is?

I'm' making every MD or eye doc appt I may need before the end of the year. Even if I'm covered I don't want to be anywhere near a medical center after January 1. When you have millions of canceled people and TFG's clunky website still on the fritz, hilarity (or rioting) will ensue.

Posted by: PJ at October 26, 2013 03:53 PM (ZWaLo)

181 "You don't think $600 per year accurately reflects the cost the choice to use tobacco products has on an individual's average health care costs in their lifetime? I think that's probably pretty close. I have no problem with someone choosing to smoke. I do have a problem with helping them pay for the cost of that choice."

There's been study on top of study that say different. The vast majority of costs associated healthcare is with end of life care, and we all die. A non smoker cost just as much as a smoker.

Posted by: lowandslow at October 26, 2013 03:54 PM (IV4od)

182 And this is NOT some hippy-dippy uber-privileged asshole university. So for the most part the people being smacked around don't deserve it. Posted by: Y-not at October 26, 2013 07:47 PM (5H6zj) Hide posts from (5H6zj) Enemies of the People must be Punished! And by "people" I of course mean privileged leftist socialists who know better than everyone else. And by "Enemies of the people" I of course mean everyone.

Posted by: Merovign , Dark Lord of the Sith [/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at October 26, 2013 03:54 PM (qyfb5)

183 I have no idea yet.  My corporation doesn't even put out the plan options until the 1st week of November. 

But keep in mind that they've been maltreating US employees for over a decade - with quarterly firings of people.  With morale this bad, people are leaving if they can find a better job.

That said, according to my W2 last year, the company paid out about $11,700 for me and my spouse.  In addition, I paid almost $5,000 for my share of the premiums.  That doesn't include the co-payments and deductables I have paid and that's 2012 data.

Some retirees were moved to a insurance exchange, much like the ObamaCare exchanges except they are private.  Retirees were very confused with the changes and it appeared the options weren't quite known.

Net - I'm guessing that there will be around a 25 to 35% increase in premiums and I'm expecting that the employees will bear the entire cost increase.  I have no idea if my HMO will be on the list of options.

In my area, there is only one provider under the MNsure (Obamacare) portal, needless to say my area also has the highest cost of coverage in the entire state - almost double the the Mpls/StPaul prices.  That policy has extremely high deductables and is a bronze level plan.  There are no silver, gold or platinum options.

Posted by: Frank Reality at October 26, 2013 03:55 PM (Bn9It)

184 I have a really good ppo plan through my job. I hope I am not affected, but I am just waiting for the letter or Email

Posted by: The Jackhole at October 26, 2013 03:56 PM (/7Xis)

185 PJ, that is a great idea. Thank you, Carol

Posted by: CarolT at October 26, 2013 03:56 PM (z4WKX)

186 It is perfectly okay for an insurance company to charge more for premiums as a function of risk. It is not okay at all for government to jump in and set prices for risks, define risks, and mandate outcomes. Liberals are tyranny incarnate.

Posted by: eman at October 26, 2013 03:56 PM (AO9UG)

187 From the DC Caller

HereÂ’s some good news: the Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, sent an Army-wide memorandum ordering a halt to all briefings classifying Christian groups as domestic hate groups.



Another story I read today said that soldiers at Ft Hood were told donations to christian and tea party groups would be considered breaches to the military code.

Posted by: phreshone at October 26, 2013 03:58 PM (Pr6hk)

188 You don't think $600 per year accurately reflects the cost the choice to use tobacco products I remember reading claims that, no, smokers are cheaper overall because they die so much sooner. The rest of us just hang around, sponging long-term care, taking advantage of the lack of death panels.

Posted by: t-bird at October 26, 2013 03:58 PM (FcR7P)

189 we got whacked last year (went from a $3000 family deductible to a $7500 family deductible, 30% premium increase). hammer drops on Monday.

Posted by: Kevin In ABQ at October 26, 2013 03:58 PM (laaM1)

190 I canceled my own policy shortly after ACA passed because it went up 32% for 2011. 2012 rolled around and being self employed I checked again. This time it doubled. 841/mo. This year it went to 1590/mo. Liberals don't believe me. Next year the premium will be no less than 1400/. Add that up and you get almost 17k per year not including the money we pay for Rx's. I am already paying cash and I won't let them put anything in a computer. My penalty since being forced to go without will be as much as one premium payment or more.

Posted by: DefendUSA at October 26, 2013 03:59 PM (nAHMK)

191 169--- Obamacare has had a devastating affect on the university where he works, especially for the part-timers and adjunct faculty. Posted by: Y-not at October 26, 2013 07:47 PM (5H6zj) ------------------------ Tell me about it! I don't complain because Mr. DeVille has okay coverage for us from his job (for now, anyway) but those without such recourse are hurting. And more than half of the adjuncts have been Obamacared into part-time positions. Then they double the number of students in your classes! The only good side is that some (not all) of the people hardest hit voted for it. I am sorry to say that their suffering brings me pleasure. I don't like feeling that way, but there it is.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 26, 2013 04:00 PM (dfYL9)

192

My prediction?    P A I N


Suck on it proles

Posted by: Barry 'Clubber Lang' Soetoro at October 26, 2013 04:00 PM (Pr6hk)

193 #169

White? Middle-class? You're on Obama's target list. Because his grandma being afraid of large black men in the street is your fault.

It's remarkable, really. A man who only got dark skin and negroid features on a genetic coin flip (imagine if he looked like his mother instead), had an upbringing far removed from the typical African-American, and is by and large an outsider to the culture that regards him as a divine being. This is the man who brought about the great revenge on the white man, not any of the race baiters you'd expect. Jesse Jackson? Al Sharpton? Mere amateurs by comparison.

Posted by: Epobirs at October 26, 2013 04:00 PM (kcfmt)

194
ObamaCare?  Never heard of it

Posted by: Charlie Gibson at October 26, 2013 04:01 PM (Pr6hk)

195 An insurance policy is a contract between the insured person and the insurance company. It is a contract based on risk vs. risk. The insurance company promises to pay and the insured promises to pay and conditions for each party are contained in the contract. The government should stay the fuck out of it.

Posted by: eman at October 26, 2013 04:01 PM (AO9UG)

196 We pay over 1200 a month for excellent insurance for myself and our employees. Every year insurance costs go up quite a bit. Some people's Ins. Is more expensive. I see the incentives to not go above 50 employee and give everyone a raise and send them to the exchanges. Pay the fine. We would be better off in the long run.

Posted by: CaliGirl at October 26, 2013 04:03 PM (J8Q1Z)

197 Operators are standing by... laughing!

Posted by: 1-800-F1UCKYO at October 26, 2013 04:03 PM (FcR7P)

198

I remember when I was told:

If you like your security team, you can keep your security team.


Posted by: Ambassador Stevens at October 26, 2013 04:05 PM (Pr6hk)

199 #186


The claims for horrendous expenses from smokers were due to the belief that the most common form of premature death was lung cancer, which generally meant a long, drawn out, expensive death. But it isn't true and they've known this for a long time. Congestive heart failure advanced by smoking is a greater cause of death by a huge margin. And it tends to be quick. BAM! DRT. And it tends to happen before retirement age.

So the majority of dead smokers paid into the system for decades without taking any back. If smoking were outlawed tomorrow the losses from prolonged life spans would be far greater than the costs of lung cancer.

Posted by: Epobirs at October 26, 2013 04:06 PM (kcfmt)

200


Choke on it crackas

Posted by: Eric The Chinless at October 26, 2013 04:06 PM (Pr6hk)

201


Looks like you all won a fishing trip on the lake

Posted by: Fredo at October 26, 2013 04:07 PM (Pr6hk)

202

Miss me yet???


Posted by: James from Plains at October 26, 2013 04:08 PM (Pr6hk)

203 Game just getting ready to start central time too. Coincidence? I think not.

Posted by: teej at October 26, 2013 04:09 PM (erYRT)

204 "143 You are paying for a whole host of other choices that people make that impact their health. Why just single out smoking" I singled out tobacco use because it was relevant to the specific example in the post of charging $600 additional premium for tobacco use. There are a host of other choices that impact health, and a true free market insurance system would price to the risk of those choices. For example, choose to wear a seatbelt or buy a safe vehicle or pay for an auto theft security system, pay lower auto insurance. All I'm saying is insurance is spreading cost among a group by pricing the individual's risk, grouping it, and adding in a bit of profit for the work it takes to do so. Tobacco use is a good example because there is a solid history of knowledge as to the costs of its use...insurance companies need to know this stuff if they want to be able to accurately forecast financials. Now there is a valid point raised above...I think by Peaches...regarding the slippery slope argument of accurately pricing the risky behavioral choices of individuals. She raised such things as being overweight or driving a motorcycle or (oh my!) sexual lifestyle. Putting aside the fact that many of these choices are reflected in various insurance prices (check a 18 year old's motorcycle insurance rates), the privacy point is valid. This is the grey area that has to be hammered out between the insurer and how far their customers are willing to have that privacy invaded for the benefit of having insurance, through the amazing power of the free market. I think it is reasonable to price the risk of choice of tobacco use into an individual's insurance. I think at a certain point (generally where attributed to choice and not hereditary) it is reasonable to price the risk of obesity. Drug use. Choices. At a certain point, logistics of collecting data or privacy concerns outweigh the fairness of the insurance being more accurately priced to risk. At that point you spread costs in a more general manner. I just ask that it be reasonably priced to risk if we're going to call it insurance, and that we stop calling the welfare redistribution product mandated by the ACA insurance, when it is nothing of the sort.

Posted by: MostlyRight at October 26, 2013 04:09 PM (w9AQ4)

205 Posted by: MostlyRight at October 26, 2013 08:09 PM (w9AQ4) The point is the government is forcing people to sign contracts against their will. The insurance companies should measure risks and assign premiums as they see fit. Those seeking insurance should find and pay for the plan that best suits them and that they can afford. The government should stay the fuck out of it.

Posted by: eman at October 26, 2013 04:13 PM (AO9UG)

206 eman has the nub of it. We do not belong to each other. The Squattopee Tribe wins every war it picks, because they can get us to start in on each other over smoking and motorcycles. Once everyone's business is everyone's business, a lot of you stick-up-your-ass nannies are going to be aw'fly surprised where health care expenses come from, and what you're going to give up to avoid them.

We've been screaming "This is communism" at govt healthcare for 50 years now as the left sneered, and half the almost-right have, consistently, been on the other side. Whatever it takes to outlaw those bobby socks crooners and milkshake parlors. Pissants.

Posted by: Stringer Davis at October 26, 2013 04:13 PM (JNUY4)

207 Wife works for Hilton under an SEIU contract. No increase or other changes for us members of the protected classes, but union dues went to up $15 a month ($40 to $55).

Posted by: GeneTheRINO at October 26, 2013 04:14 PM (QSHbO)

208 My premiums have been going up at least ten percent a year to $683 a month and I have a $4,000 deductible. I was fortunate in that my chronic condition showed up after ten years on this plan. I have no idea what will happen next year, though, and I am afraid that this incremental creep will bring me to the "Cadillac plan" before I can get on Medicare.  I am living on my savings right now which really sucks because it's all outgo.

Posted by: vivi at October 26, 2013 04:15 PM (+/8mE)

209 In case you're wondering what would happen if a Thieve's Guild got a hold of a nation... wonder no more.

Posted by: CPT. Charles at October 26, 2013 04:17 PM (kfSXj)

210

Most states have already been reimbursed for costs "due to smoking-related diseases" by means of the settlements with the tobacco industry in the 90s.  That, at least, was part of the rationale the states used to get the money.  And, dig this, the settlement calls for annual payment to the states in PERPETUITY.  So how many times do we have to pay for the same (imagined) treatment?  From the Mass. gov website:

"In 1995, the Attorney General brought a lawsuit against major cigarette manufacturers to stop deceptive cigarette marketing practices; to require cigarette companies to disclose research concerning smoking, health, and nicotine addiction; to fund public education and smoking cessation programs; and to recover the significant costs incurred by the Commonwealth due to smoking-related diseases.

In November 1998, the Attorney General and the attorneys general of 51 other states and territories entered into a landmark settlement of this litigation ("the Master Settlement Agreement  file size 5MB "). Among many other things, and subject to certain exceptions, the Master Settlement Agreement  file size 5MB :

Requires the participating manufacturers to make annual payments to the settling states in perpetuity. "Base payments" - subject to various adjustments, reductions, and offsets - total more than $204 billion through 2025, with more than $8 billion for Massachusetts."

Posted by: Trotsky with an ice-pick in his head at October 26, 2013 04:17 PM (MAlP4)

211 And the stories about insurance companies lust for profit have already started. They, not King Mulligan's redistribution abomination, are the reason that you can't keep your doctor/insurance. Fox has a video about the head of the NY doctors association demanding that congress investigate why insurance companies are dropping doctors. Also, Dianne Sawyer, the head bobbing mewling quimby , is a lying rat bitch.

Posted by: The Hobo Hooker, Needs a hug and a Quaalude, Wears Prada at October 26, 2013 04:19 PM (GeVLX)

212 If all types of cancer could be cured tomorrow with the gulping of a tasty pill, the government at all levels would keep the tobacco taxes in place no matter what they had to say or do. Tobacco taxes and fees and all other associated fines have nothing to do with health or fairness and everything to do with power and control.

Posted by: eman at October 26, 2013 04:21 PM (AO9UG)

213 nu up

Posted by: DAve at October 26, 2013 04:24 PM (b7yum)

214 Anyone who has put even one piece of personal information on that govt website deserves a swift solid kick in the ass and a lobotomy.

Posted by: alcoa fedora at October 26, 2013 04:25 PM (V+Pei)

215 From my beginnings 7 years ago as a self-employed buisinessman (home repairs / maintenance...and this after a 25 year career in corporate sales), I've purchased insurance from the first day on my own (of course, I always had insurance through my employer(s) with help from my contributions). 

I'm single, 54 with no pre-exists, med conditions or Rx's.  Couple that with an excellent family history and pretty healthy habits causes me to purchase high-deductible insurance ($5k annual) along with an HSA option.  My premium last year was $169/mo...my early renewal to avoid 0-Scare is $240...+40%.  Needless to say, my billing rates to clients will rise for 2014 to offset those increased premiums...but I'm really thinking of just banking those payments for a year and taking the risk.

Reading most of the stories makes me feel pretty fortunate to be paying what I do -- but, like most things in life, your personal situation is what matters...and I find a +40 increase to be most retarded!

Posted by: billygoat at October 26, 2013 04:30 PM (ebUCW)

216 140 - My comment was in response to OP, not a general statement.

Posted by: Onlooker at October 26, 2013 04:35 PM (lw5+8)

217 The story about the hiring of the Canadian firm CGI is just getting uglier and uglier. The stench of Chicago-style corruption is all over this thing. HHS hired CGI on a no-bid basis. CGI already had an established record of failure at building government websites. It had been fired by the government of Canada for completely botching a gun registry site there. It had also been fired by several regional governments in Canada for botching other website construction projects. Why hire an established failure for such a big and important project as the Obamacare website? Because CGI had the right connections: a Michelle Obama crony, and a Valerie Jarrett son-in-law are both on CGI's payroll. The Obama/Jarrett cabal will have to spin like mad to keep the lid on this filth.

Posted by: Trivial Pursuer at October 26, 2013 04:39 PM (/sohm)

218 Lord Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles, please help CarolT's brother Paul!

Posted by: Empire1 at October 26, 2013 04:45 PM (ra8D2)

219 "re: the sidebar piece about Paul Ryan helping to "free 11 million people" Pau Ryan can suck a fat Dick Durbin. Fusing lying, two-faced shut-weasel. Want to know why conservatives don't and shouldn't trust the GOP? oom at Pulp Ryan.

Posted by: blindside at October 26, 2013 04:47 PM (ajjwb)

220 I'll have an annual increase of $650, for the closest equivalent to my current plan...close, but higher deductibles and copays and all that. Still, my employer did keep plans in place rather than cancelling and dumping us all into the non-functioning exchanges. So, could be worse.

Posted by: Stu-22 at October 26, 2013 04:53 PM (k4bdL)

221 Out here in the (beautiful!) boonies, my husband got notice that to keep comparable (though worse) insurance through his employer, instead of an $88 every two weeks for us and our kids, it's going to go up to something like $238, which is a HUGE hit to us. His employer is offering a second plan, which offers a lot less, but will "only" cost something like $144 a paycheck. We'd go without, but we're expecting baby #3 in February, so that might be a bad idea too. Of course, because his employer is offering insurance, we aren't eligible for any subsidies, but even if we were, we can't get anywhere with healthcare.gov, because apparently we're somehow supposed to magically enroll through our state exchange - which will not offer policies until November 2014 (if things go "well" - the no-bid contract that the company contracted to build the Idaho exchange is worthy of Chicago-type corruption - http://www.idahoreporter.com/2013/exchange-obamacare-idaho/).

Posted by: Idaho mountain mama at October 26, 2013 04:59 PM (YWt3A)

222 I have an Iliinois BCBS policy for the last 15 years.  My rates did not change, but I pay $1850 a month with a $7500 deductible.  So I didn't get fucked like you people did. (sarcasm, don't pop a vein).

Posted by: Dan in Michigan at October 26, 2013 05:14 PM (2yD4G)

223 I feel like the horse in animal farm

Posted by: BacktoGA at October 26, 2013 05:34 PM (4DSQv)

224 Why go after smokers? Because some animals are MORE equal than others!

@221 Get back to work plowing so I can FEAST!!

Posted by: Napolian Pig at October 26, 2013 05:36 PM (E7Iyp)

225 55 Celtic Insurance canceled the wife and me as they can't "comply with certain provisions in the new Healthcare law". Wife managed to get in with Unied Health before O-cide hit the bricks. I got turned down for having the pre-existing condition ofcoronary heart disease even though I don't have any such thing. 8 years ago I had a precautionary EKG run, which apparently was enough. So now I get to wait and see what happens to me if they ever get the system working. Heck of a job, Barry! Posted by: Meremortal at October 26, 2013 06:38 PM (jTKU5) Dead thread, so I dunno if you'll see this, but just submit an appeal. Attach a copy of your medical records showing that the test was negative. I do it all the time. If you have an agent he should be telling you the same thing, and helping you do it.

Posted by: Weirddave at October 26, 2013 05:39 PM (N/cFh)

226 Got no insurance. Don't want any. If I go to the doctor, I pay for it. If I can't afford to go, I don't go. Simplest, cheapest healthcare available... by a LOT. For this privilege, I'm on the hook for 1% of my income (since 1% is more than $95). So I am looking at around a 1500% increase. Haven't been to a doctor in 20 years or so. If guesstimate that saved me $200/ month in premiums, that means I have $48,000 to pay for future doctors visits, if I go. Yup. Been gaming the hell out of the system. That's me. The IRS is about to find out that I am becoming a Muslim and protesting the tax/ penalty on religious grounds.

Posted by: Damiano the Economic Traitor at October 26, 2013 05:42 PM (j0wOO)

227 And then you die.

Posted by: Corona at October 26, 2013 05:44 PM (fh2Y7)

228

Yeah we got our Open Enrollment stuff Friday.  The plan I'm on went from $275 bi-weekly to $470 bi-weekly.  Looks like I'll be getting the "low" plan.

 

But again... job, insurance, decent house... so I'm not complaining too much.

Posted by: Lone Marauder, utterly denounced at October 26, 2013 05:46 PM (eHBHk)

229 My company actually had our premiums jump last year. Went from $160-$330 for my family, if I wanted to stay on same plan (a PPO). Decided to go with HSA with deductible of $5000; that is working out ok so far. This year, they said that they managed to keep premiums same. However, they neglected to note that in order for my working husband to stay on the plan, I'd have to pay an extra $25 per WEEK. So, we've opted for him to go on his own "Premium" at $18/pay.

Posted by: roman10s at October 26, 2013 05:59 PM (th1wb)

230 It's not as if you will be getting a frightening notice from the IRS. I am so looking forward to writing the IRS to tell them "Go 1-800-fuckyo selves, comrades"

Posted by: Methos at October 26, 2013 06:02 PM (hO9ad)

231

Mine went up 30% plus a big increase in the MOOP... PLUS it use to cover 100% of expenses (after copay) when the deductable was met, now only 90%...still a good plan considering but it adds up to an additional $1,800 annually...Almost forgot to add they warned us to expect larger increases next year!

Thanks Obama!

Posted by: Ken at October 26, 2013 06:11 PM (KSgPs)

232 My future:

Won't Pay for Obamacare
Won't Pay Penalties
ER for doctors visits.


Posted by: JB at October 26, 2013 06:42 PM (K/J3u)

233 "I have my own private insurance. Got my cancellation letter a few weeks ago. I will not go into the exchange for any reason. I might go Galt. Go without." Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 26, 2013 06:20 PM (jucos) Right there with you, buddy. Not only did my plan get cancelled, the whole damn insurance company is going under. They're closing their doors on December 31. They said the company is so small (and it is -- which is one of the reasons I liked it) that it cannot absorb the costs of Obamacare. They would be bankrupt within the first few weeks of full implementation, so they're closing up shop. And NO WAY will I join one of Obama's exchanges.

Posted by: Kathy from Kansas at October 26, 2013 07:44 PM (afLO3)

234 Couldn't afford insurance before the exchanges, certainly can't afford it now (wifey stays at home with the kid and we intend to keep it that way). We do have insurance for our son. It was supposed to go from $200 a month to under $100 when he turned 12 months. It has remained the same, and the explanation given by our provider was the ACA forcing our provider to cover additional costs. Oh, and our deductible has gone up as well as our co-pays. For my fellow Christians, look up the exempt share plans Ace linked to a few days back. Affordable and exempt from the exchanges.

Posted by: RampantConsumerism at October 26, 2013 08:02 PM (eDHo4)

235 Got my notice last week. I can extend my current plan until November 2014 but it has already gone up twice in the last two years. It is now at $520/month for two adults and a teenager. According to my insurance broker, when I have to get a government approved plan I will be paying $1250 per month with a $6K out of pocket...this means that I will have the privilege of paying more to pay more. I will not do this. Instead I am going to choose a medical sharing plan so that I don't have to do the DumbassCare mandate. I am looking at Medi-Share. It's not a perfect solution but at least I don't have to go through the identity theft exchanges and pay through the nose so that I can get raped by a bronze plan. That's my personal plan for going Galt.

Posted by: trapeze at October 26, 2013 08:09 PM (uonlI)

236 >>"The dead giveaway was how much he and his cronies loved to talk about saving the middle-class. Whenever leftists speak of saving something, they really want to destroy it. If they accuse someone else of doing something bad, it is a thing they are in fact guilty of doing." Posted by: Epobirs at October 26, 2013 07:46 PM (kcfmt)<< THANK YOU, Epobirs. I've been beating the drum about this for 5 years at least. You can always tell exactly what the Left is up to because it's exactly whatever they're ACCUSING US of doing. If they see we are greedy, racist, and violent, you can be sure it is because THEY are greedy, racist and violent. Because they are so delusional, so lacking in mature self-examination, they project all that shit onto US. And they are always doing the exact, 180-degree opposite of what they say aloud. I've gotten more and more nervous these last few months as Obama has INCREASED his protest-too-much pleading for the middle class -- it means he is coming after me, and in a BIG way. #WeAreSoScrewed

Posted by: Kathy from Kansas at October 26, 2013 08:28 PM (afLO3)

237 oops, that shoulda been "if they SAY we are greedy, racist and violent" in my last comment

Posted by: Kathy from Kansas at October 26, 2013 09:11 PM (afLO3)

238 It won't matter. It won't matter that so many people will have to pay for coverage that they can ill afford. It won't matter because no one will hear the proverbial tree falling in the forest. it won't matter because the only people that will hear any of the stories are those that watch Fox New, Glenn Beck, or Rush Limbaugh - preaching to the choir! The Low Information Voter will never know, but even if they did, it won't matter. It will be glossed over, blacked out by the media, and we will have Hilary in the White House because the Republicans will run yet another feckless candidate.

Posted by: Mistress Overdone at October 26, 2013 09:41 PM (2/oBD)

239 Hey dude, you need to get with the Oconomy program -- get divorced and put the kids on the wife's Ocare plan -- both of your incomes will be half of what it was married and your family will both get heavily subsidized coverage and come out ahead. 

It's all part of the plan...  Ya'all just got to go with the flow... 

Posted by: Seipherd at October 26, 2013 10:43 PM (AortR)

240 I love Rush dearly, but want to scream when he starts talking about everyone paying their heath care directly out of pocket without insurance. He is a multi millionaire, cash payments are feasible for him. The way the system has been run now for 50 years makes that completely impossible for anyone who ISN'T a multi millionaire. I ended up in the ER last year for a concussion and subdural hematoma and was admitted for overnight for observation and possible surgery if the hematoma enlarged. All stable by am, released to go home with lots of instructions,etc. I received a BP med while there, two CAT scans, fluids, and yes, Tylenol and a Tetanus vaccine. Excellent care, consults with neurologists, etc. Was there less than 24 hours...cost was billed at $16,0000, with the crazy insurance write offs, came into around $8400. What average American family can fork out $8400(assuming one could negotiate fees as do insurance providers) for a one day stay at a hospital? I realize I am paying not only for myself, but for the deadbeats who have no money, no medicaid, no insurance. And the trial lawyers, and the access to 24 hour staffed care. This is the type of thing INSURANCE is supposed to cover, an accident or unforseen illness. Of course, Obamacare is designed to EVEN OUT the fact that people who are not working and paying for a catastrophic coverage plan should get the exact same care I did and not have to pay for it. But of course, add in all the extras that everyone was expected to pay for out of pocket, such as Dr. visits, routine tests, etc. and it is no longer insurance, it is a prepaid health care plan. That the deadbeats still don't have to pay for.

Posted by: Jen at October 27, 2013 07:16 AM (Ec2Uw)

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