Ace of Spades HQ

February 14, 2014

ObamaCare Payment Rates Lagging So Hey, Maybe We Need Another Level Of Plan!
— DrewM

Still no hard numbers but insurers are starting to talk and the numbers don't bode well for the system.

Fully one-fifth of the new enrollment numbers that HHS has been waving around are bogus. Their target for the end of January was 4.4 million sign-ups; a few days ago, they told the country theyÂ’d made it three-quarters of the way there with 3.3 million. In reality, once the deadbeats are bounced from the rolls by their new insurers, theyÂ’ll be in the ballpark of 2.6 million, or 60 percent of their target. And thatÂ’s after HHS pressured insurers to extend the payment deadline from December 31 into January, hoping that a little more time for slackers would pad the enrollment figures even more.

But even that 20% non-payment rate maybe low. Some insurers are saying the non-payment rate for their plans are 25% to 30% range.

Of course the answer to a failure of massive government is more government!

Now, some insurers and a pair of Senate Democrats are trying to change the law permanently so that individuals and small businesses can buy so-called copper plans. The plans likely would have lower premiums, but purchasers would pay more of their ordinary health costs upfront. Greater coverage would kick in for serious, unforeseen health episodes that would require, for example, a hospital stay.
Sens. Mark Begich of Alaska and Mark Warner of Virginia, both Democrats facing close re-election races this year, are sponsoring legislation that would allow people to buy copper plans on the exchanges. Moreover, insurance-industry officials have been talking up the idea with federal officials, though it is unclear whether the administration could make the change through regulations.
The White House said it was weighing the proposal. "The president remains open to all ideas that would genuinely improve the Affordable Care Act and appreciates the careful thought Mr. Begich has given to his legislation," an administration official said.

So what this amounts to is bringing back catastrophic plans. You know the ones the Democrats spent weeks calling "bad apple" and "junk" insurance.

Naturally the people that would be most drawn to these "low cost" programs would be the young invincibles that ObamaCare desperately needs to make this whole scheme work. So what happens if this passed and these young and healthy people start paying significantly less in premiums than the expected ammount to keep the whole thing afloat?

Yeah.

The interesting question is, if Harry Reid agreed to this would the GOP support it? On one hand, it would help people who are getting screwed with the worst of both worlds now, high premiums and high deductibles. But it would kill the GOP's "we oppose ObamaCare" talking point heading into the election. What would be the political cost to the GOP for not helping these people?

Both sides have to be looking at "reforming" ObamaCare as a dangerous political high-wire act. Democrats might be in trouble whether or not they act but at least acting would have the benefit of putting the GOP in a tough spot.

I bet Reid goes for this soon. Sure it will skew the long term viability of the program but that's a medium term issue. Keeping the Senate majority is a right now problem.

It'll be interesting to see what the GOP does if the ball is dropped into their court.

Most likely outcome? King Barack I will just decree these plans into existence. Because...shut up serf.

Posted by: DrewM at 08:02 AM | Comments (152)
Post contains 600 words, total size 4 kb.

1 "So what this amounts to is bringing back catastrophic plans. You know the ones the Democrats spent weeks calling "bad apple" and "junk" insurance."

--------------------------
No, these are "copper" plans. It's way fuckin' different from "bad apple" plans, wingnut.

Posted by: Reflexive Defender of All Things Obamacare at February 14, 2014 08:05 AM (3kFw2)

2 When do get the lead plans?

Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 08:05 AM (4JkHl)

3 Aluminum tier?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 14, 2014 08:05 AM (6bMeY)

4 This is longest train wreck I've ever experienced.

Posted by: HoboJerky, Hash Hunter at February 14, 2014 08:05 AM (E8IHS)

5 Page-loading problems for anybody else?

Posted by: m at February 14, 2014 08:06 AM (omrQI)

6 So what's the "real" plan?

Obama will go on TV and spout some more lies and stale platitudes, must mostly lies.

The Democrats will try to distance themselves from this POS law

Obama will issue some more illegal extensions and exemptions

The MFM will mutter some muffled lies. muffled because it's hard to talk with Obama's balls in your mouth.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 14, 2014 08:06 AM (T2V/1)

7 5 None here.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 14, 2014 08:06 AM (6bMeY)

8 It'll be interesting to see what the GOP does if the ball is dropped into their court. Most likely outcome? King Barack I will just decree these plans into existence. Because...shut up serf. Posted by: DrewM. at 12:02 PM 1. NOTHING, not a damn things. 2. Ok, I will and I will like it.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at February 14, 2014 08:07 AM (HVff2)

9 The interesting question is, if Harry Reid agreed to this would the GOP support it?

The leadership will.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 14, 2014 08:07 AM (T2V/1)

10 When do get the lead plans?

Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 12:05 PM (4JkHl)

Soon, right across the back of our heads

Posted by: TheQuietMan at February 14, 2014 08:07 AM (1Jaio)

11 If you could come up with a plan that shaved a little off the premium and pushed the deductible up to the $3 - $4 million range I think that would really excite the youth.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at February 14, 2014 08:07 AM (+lsX1)

12 The problem is reality. We need to end that shit.

Posted by: WalrusRex at February 14, 2014 08:08 AM (XUKZU)

13 >>>2 Lead plans? Aren't you silly? The EPA has banned lead. We will be lucky if we get the recycled plastic plan.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at February 14, 2014 08:08 AM (HVff2)

14 But even that 20% non-payment rate maybe low. Some insurers are saying the non-payment rate for their plans are 25% to 30% range.

That's way better than I thought, actually.

Wait, so even higher deductibles and OOP than 5/10k? How is that not just a straight up cat care policy?

Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 08:09 AM (Gk3SS)

15 Tin foil tier

Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 14, 2014 08:09 AM (aDwsi)

16 Let it burn.

Posted by: Regular Moron [/i] at February 14, 2014 08:09 AM (CnA98)

17 I suggest Republicans roll over so they can have their bellies rubbed.

Posted by: dogfish at February 14, 2014 08:09 AM (nsOJa)

18 I want the one with the 10 Quadrillion Dollar Deductible.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 14, 2014 08:09 AM (6bMeY)

19 Sign up for the *NEW* and fabulous Coprolite Plan!

Posted by: weft cut-loop[/i] [/b] at February 14, 2014 08:09 AM (aHw7C)

20 This is longest train wreck I've ever experienced.

Posted by: HoboJerky, Hash Hunter at February 14, 2014 12:05 PM (E8IHS)

Relevant: tinyurl.com/kevkflj

Posted by: Kinley Ardal at February 14, 2014 08:09 AM (9LuAk)

21 So billions of dollars down the drain for not much more than crappy marketing campaigns, non-functional websites, and, oh yeah, millions of people being worse off than before. Fa-bu-lous.

I knew it would be bad, but this is chaos on steroids.

Posted by: Lizzy at February 14, 2014 08:09 AM (POpqt)

22 Also, there should be a requirement that all businesses with more than 40 employees have to write a letter to their local newspaper in praise of the new Copper Liberty Freedom Responsibility for America plan.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at February 14, 2014 08:09 AM (+lsX1)

23 Plastic utensils "Picnic" plan?

Posted by: WalrusRex at February 14, 2014 08:10 AM (XUKZU)

24
When I was a yungun..... "insurance" meant "rubbers".

Posted by: fixerupper at February 14, 2014 08:10 AM (nELVU)

25 There's no need for legislation on this. The entire fabric of stalincare is based on whim and fancy of the moment, bouyed by executive overreach, combined with congressional acquiescence.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at February 14, 2014 08:10 AM (AskuI)

26 The existing plans are costing $6K per person now. This would have to shave a damn LOT off of that to make it work.

It will never happen and the it will be yet another shitty fix that doesn't work. So yes, the Republicans will agree to it and get their names on the bad law.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 14, 2014 08:10 AM (T2V/1)

27 The Establishment that Gabe and Charles Cooke are praising will gladly accept these plans because the thought of making a public PR push illustrating just how disastrous the overall plan is to the country isn't the right hill to fight for--right now, because... shut up conservatives.

Posted by: Sean at February 14, 2014 08:10 AM (IQ81y)

Obama's gotten away with granting waivers and extensions, but were he to create Copper Plans without new legislation he'd clearly be usurping Congressional authority in a way that even Chris Matthews couldn't defend.

GOP shouldn't do a thing to help reform ObamaCare. Make Dems own it.

There's lots wrong with ObamaCare but notably by November far more people will know they've been hurt by it than those that have been helped. Usually the Dems are better at this kind of math, by promising to help the many with taxes on just the few.

Posted by: Ignoramus at February 14, 2014 08:10 AM (EPEqj)

I'm pretty sure the GOPe has put all their hopes on NOT having to sign anything that has Obamacare in the title.

They're perfectly happy doing debt ceiling raises, and spending spending spending all the money that allows Ocare to limp along, but they figure if their names aren't directly on the plans, this November will be gravy.

No chance in hades they'll sign onto this.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 14, 2014 08:11 AM (TOk1P)

30 Just wait until the Hasbro sugar free gummy bear plans are 'released'.

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami at February 14, 2014 08:11 AM (bCEmE)

If only we had some kind of power to try and stop this.

Oh we did, you say? It was explicitly mentioned by James Madison in the Federalist Papers re the power of the House? What is this power of the purse you speak of?

The House can refuse to fund obamacare? Is this the same House that got elected promising to do everything in their power to stop obamacare? Then why won't they use their only real power to do so? Why is it a wacko strategy to USE THE POWER GIVEN TO YOU IN THE CONSTITUTION???

Because they're gutless pussies who did nothing but backstab the real fighters in the party from day one. And the so-called conservative media joined the fucking chorus.

And for all the "deep thinkers" here, no one can point me to one piece of fucking evidence that the shutdown was bad other than continuing to say so like a retarded parrot.

So yeah, the establishment is fucked.

Posted by: prescient11 at February 14, 2014 08:11 AM (tVTLU)

32 Today's we hate Bush event has been cancelled in our neighborhood due to global climate change storm Fay. With that said we all want to wish Micheal Obama a happy Valentinrs Day and a Happy President Obama Day weekend.

Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 14, 2014 08:11 AM (GM0uz)

33 10K isn't really that much. I'd spend that much on pie.

Posted by: Slow Joe Biden at February 14, 2014 08:11 AM (Aif/5)

34 President's and Democrats' poll numbers diving? 'Cause of Obamacare eh? Ya don't say? *Ponders* Well, we have consulted with some very smart and strategic-minded people who say the politically smart thing to do is talk about Comprehensive Immigration Reform. It's ok, you can trust us.

Posted by: The GOPee at February 14, 2014 08:12 AM (rCOda)

35 I will oppose this plan proposed by my good friends on the other side of the aisle until they agree to call it a "zirconium plan". Then count me in.

Posted by: Miss Lindsey Graham at February 14, 2014 08:12 AM (yFb77)

36 It's actually quite hilarious to see all Watterson's satirical warnings from Calvin and Hobbes come to full fruition in twenty years after the comic finished its run.

I read a bit of Calvin and Hobbes weekly, and am often struck by how relevant it is to things going on today. >_>

Posted by: Kinley Ardal at February 14, 2014 08:12 AM (9LuAk)

37 We can fix Obamacare!

Let us help , Pleeeease?

Posted by: 'mythical' GOP establishment - Second Place And Loving it [/i][/b] at February 14, 2014 08:12 AM (5ikDv)

38 But remember: the first rule of Obamacare Club is there is no talk of failure in Obamacare. Otherwise, the second rule becomes: welcome to audit hell, bitchez.

Posted by: Lizzy at February 14, 2014 08:12 AM (POpqt)

39 This is longest train wreck I've ever experienced. Posted by: HoboJerky ----------------------- What's interesting is that no matter how much ~~coal~~ renewable biofuel the Dems shovel into the firebox, the train just keeps slowly crawling towards the cliff. They can't make it happen more quickly, which is both good and bad.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 14, 2014 08:13 AM (aDwsi)

40 Math be hard and stuff. .

Posted by: Larsen E. Whipsnade at February 14, 2014 08:13 AM (rXcBX)

41 Whenever the commies "go back to the drawing board," it's time to review all your finances, medical kits and passports.

Posted by: tangonine at February 14, 2014 08:13 AM (x3YFz)

42 My friends.........

Posted by: Senator John McCain at February 14, 2014 08:13 AM (Aif/5)

43 Drew, at least some of the state exchanges have offered "catastrophic plans" from the beginning; you had to be under 30 and over 18 to purchase them for yourself only, but they were there.

Posted by: SDN at February 14, 2014 08:14 AM (hURfj)

44 I read a bit of Calvin and Hobbes weekly, and am often struck by how relevant it is to things going on today. >_>

Posted by: Kinley Ardal at February 14, 2014 12:12 PM (9LuAk)

-----

I have this pen.... and this phone...... AND this Constitutional Transmorgriffier.

---- Barrack Obama

Posted by: fixerupper at February 14, 2014 08:14 AM (nELVU)

45 As compromise between Lead and Copper will they offer a FMJ plan?

Posted by: Buzzsaw at February 14, 2014 08:14 AM (tf9Ne)

46 It's actually quite hilarious to see all Watterson's satirical warnings from Calvin and Hobbes come to full fruition in twenty years after the comic finished its run. TFG's various mandates are eerily reminiscent of Calvinball.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit [/i][/s][/b] at February 14, 2014 08:14 AM (0HooB)

47 Let me know when they roll out the Pyrite Plan level.

Posted by: RWC- at February 14, 2014 08:14 AM (fWAjv)

48 42 My friends.........

Posted by: Senator John McCain at February 14, 2014 12:13 PM (Aif/5)

YARGH!

Posted by: tangonine at February 14, 2014 08:15 AM (x3YFz)

49 I would like to see someone, anyone from the mythical GOP Establishment get out there and discuss how Obama himself has repealed Obamacare.

Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 08:15 AM (Gk3SS)

50 2 When do get the lead plans? Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 12:05 PM (4JkHl) They come with a balloon.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 14, 2014 08:16 AM (0FSuD)

51 How much would be the deductible for a fifteen cent plan?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 14, 2014 08:16 AM (6bMeY)

52 Brought forward from last thread for AtC.... 560 What is it that you are doing tonight? What is it that I am doing? I win, bitches. Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 12:03 PM (Gk3SS) ----------------------- Plans have changed. The wife will be coming home with us on Saturday. The kids are still spending the night at my parents. So I have Saturday afternoon and most of the day Sunday with no one in hte house but the wife and I. You were saying? Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 12:09 PM (da5Wo)

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 08:16 AM (da5Wo)

53 The Lead plan:

If you get sick, a HHS employee shows up and beats you to death with a lead pipe.

You have to pay for the pipe.

Posted by: West at February 14, 2014 08:16 AM (1Rgee)

54 Forget about the fact the we stopped winning elections 6 years ago. Forget about the fact that we've done just as much for Progressivism as Democrats have. This time, it's going to be different baby. Why you ask? Shhhhh, don't talk. Let's just enjoy the moment.

Posted by: The GOPee at February 14, 2014 08:16 AM (rCOda)

55 49 I would like to see someone, anyone from the mythical GOP Establishment get out there and discuss how Obama himself has repealed Obamacare.

Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 12:15 PM (Gk3SS)

I would like to see Star Wars, Episode I without Jar Jar.

Posted by: tangonine at February 14, 2014 08:16 AM (x3YFz)

56 Rush is on about the AGW Valentine CO2 thingy. He's been lurking here again.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit [/i][/s][/b] at February 14, 2014 08:16 AM (0HooB)

57 How soon before the Pine (Box) Plans a.k.a. Liverpool Care Pathway?

Posted by: Lizzy at February 14, 2014 08:16 AM (POpqt)

58 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a malignant traitor.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at February 14, 2014 08:17 AM (PYAXX)

59 Include Herba Life supplements in this and I think we have a winner.

Posted by: Injuin Elizabeth at February 14, 2014 08:17 AM (0FSuD)

60 What kind of carbon credits do you need to get to setoff banging your sweetheart? Does it depend on position?

Posted by: prescient11 at February 14, 2014 08:17 AM (tVTLU)

61 So I have Saturday afternoon and most of the day Sunday with no one in hte house but the wife and I.

You were saying?

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 12:09 PM (da5Wo)

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 12:16 PM (da5Wo)

Just you and the wife? Could be heaven or hell, depending. Seen both.

Posted by: tangonine at February 14, 2014 08:18 AM (x3YFz)

62 OT but from last thread: McConnell gets hero's welcome from GOPe for passing a clean bill:

After the late-afternoon vote, McConnell headed to a meeting with senior adviser Josh Holmes. Then the two went to a National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) fundraiser at its offices on Capitol Hill. They arrived late to a room that Â— surprising to many, given the terrible weather Â— was packed with dozens of attendees. Sources say about 50 to 100 people were present and tell NRO that when the minority leader entered, he was greeted with an eruption of cheers, and that many attendees stood to applaud him.

Posted by: WalrusRex at February 14, 2014 08:18 AM (XUKZU)

63 Obamacare is not the hill to fight on

Posted by: Mitch The Bitch McConnell at February 14, 2014 08:18 AM (Q6pxP)

64 56 Rush is on about the AGW Valentine CO2 thingy. He's been lurking here again. Here or HA, we each steal from each other.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 14, 2014 08:19 AM (0FSuD)

65 You were saying?

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 12:09 PM (da5Wo)

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 12:16 PM (da5Wo)

Brought over from the last thread because Reading Is Hard:

Good for you guys. No, I'm not being snarky that is wonderful.

I have a four day weekend. Is what I was saying.

Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 08:19 AM (Gk3SS)

66 No Cruz, no trolls? I. am. sure. that's just a coincidence.

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at February 14, 2014 08:19 AM (7ObY1)

67 http://www.amazon.com/Want-Inside-Valentines-Funny-Card/dp/B005TAB1U4/ref=pd_sim_op_4

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 14, 2014 08:19 AM (6bMeY)

68 53 The Lead plan: If you get sick, a HHS employee shows up and beats you to death with a lead pipe. You have to pay for the pipe. Posted by: West at February 14, 2014 12:16 PM (1Rgee) Out of your estate, after they take your house and retirement savings.

Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 08:19 AM (4JkHl)

69 56 Rush is on about the AGW Valentine CO2 thingy.

He's been lurking here again.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at February 14, 2014 12:16 PM (0HooB)

Yeah, he snagged some stuff up yesterday.

Posted by: tangonine at February 14, 2014 08:19 AM (x3YFz)

70 Now, some insurers and a pair of Senate Democrats are trying to change the law permanently so that individuals and small businesses can buy so-called copper plans. Scrap the precious metals plans & go straight to the pine box plan.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 14, 2014 08:19 AM (GjYxB)

Dear citizens:

Vote for us and we will do everything in our power to stop obamacare.

Yrs later:

We can't use the explicit power granted to us by the Constitution to defund obamacare. That's a crazy, wacko bird strategy, that will never work, we don't have any cards, we don't have the WH or Senate. What can we do?

Love, GOPe

2014:

Vote for us and we will do everything in our power to stop obamacare.

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. A. Einstein

Posted by: prescient11 at February 14, 2014 08:20 AM (tVTLU)

72 Donna Brazile ✔ @donnabrazile What's on your menu? Just got off the phone with my health care provider asking them to explain why my premium jumped up. No good answer! 9:50 AM - 27 Feb 2013 ----------------------- Note the date. 352 days, and counting. Brazile still mystified.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 14, 2014 08:20 AM (aDwsi)

Posted by: Jaws at February 14, 2014 08:21 AM (eKZp1)

74 If you play the game right you could go an entire year of getting free health insurance. Works like this... Sign up on Jan 25th for a plan starting Feb 1. You're covered on Feb 1. You don't get the bill until sometime in mid Feb. And you have until the end of Feb to pay. You're covered but haven't paid anything. If you end up not paying, the policy cancels. Then rinse and repeat again with every other insurance company.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 08:21 AM (0LHZx)

75 41 Whenever the commies "go back to the drawing board," it's time to review all your finances, medical kits and passports. Posted by: tangonine at February 14, 2014 12:13 PM (x3YFz) Exactly. Nowadays, THE reason to have your finances in order is to protect yourself from attacks by our own government. When King Barack cancels my cancer coverage, I may have to pay out of pocket. He wants me dead. The feeling is mutual.

Posted by: stace at February 14, 2014 08:22 AM (9PXzx)

76 If you get sick, a HHS employee shows up and beats you to death with a lead pipe. No, the hospitals are taking care of that. What are the odds that after ObamaCare kicked in Jan 1, that within five weeks both my father and my wife's father would die a couple weeks apart? Men. Past average life expectancy. But odds are strange.

Posted by: Regular Moron [/i] at February 14, 2014 08:22 AM (CnA98)

77 73

Posted by: Jaws at February 14, 2014 12:21 PM (eKZp1)

Jaws stole the GOP plan for winning and posted it!

Posted by: tangonine at February 14, 2014 08:22 AM (x3YFz)

78 As compromise between Lead and Copper will they offer a FMJ plan? No. But the American people will. Soon.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 14, 2014 08:22 AM (GjYxB)

79 So how about a "lead plan" paid directly to the DNC that covers nothing but you don't get a IRS penalty? Just cut out that middleman and pay up front.

Posted by: Lester at February 14, 2014 08:22 AM (2UPXV)

80 Keep in mind that for people with a moderately-healthy lifestyle, their healthcare costs will average less than $200 per month per person. This average includes people with serious health issues. I'm basing this on the fact that bill-sharing groups can meet the medical needs of their members for around $120-200 per person.

So why does government-mandated health insurance cost 2-4 times as much?

Posted by: Mindy at February 14, 2014 08:23 AM (mQwL2)

81 Oh we did, you say? It was explicitly mentioned by James Madison in the Federalist Papers re the power of the House? What is this power of the purse you speak of? Posted by: prescient11 at February 14, 2014 12:11 PM (tVTLU) The answer to so many questions could be "Because the Constitution, that's why." I'd love to hear that instead of the constant "what can I say that keeps me in good graces with the DC party circuit."

Posted by: Mainah at February 14, 2014 08:23 AM (659DL)

82 Are Warner's numbers against Gilmore that soft? I understand begich is underwater! but is Warner in trouble too?

Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 08:23 AM (4JkHl)

83 Despite the fact that Mitt Romney had more favorable conditions than Carter... Despite the fact that Romney's "Repeal and Replace" strategy failed miserably... Despite the fact that Obamacare is still the Democrat's biggest liability... We're going to stick with that strategy. Because we clearly know what works.

Posted by: The GOPee at February 14, 2014 08:23 AM (rCOda)

84 So how much more can people pay upfront in these "copper" plans? The cheapest bronze plan they were pushing on me was ~400$ a month with no dental or vision coverage, with a 6250$ deductible, and no other benefits (other than the female and pediatric crap we don't need).

Posted by: NWConservative at February 14, 2014 08:23 AM (buZ/8)

85 Brought over from the last thread because Reading Is Hard: Good for you guys. No, I'm not being snarky that is wonderful. I have a four day weekend. Is what I was saying. Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 12:19 PM (Gk3SS) Reading things is bullshit. Just ask any House Democrat.

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 08:24 AM (da5Wo)

86 >> Now, some insurers and a pair of Senate Democrats are trying to change the law permanently so that individuals and small businesses can buy so-called copper plans. This whole goddamned thing is a Pyrite plan.

Posted by: Andy at February 14, 2014 08:24 AM (OAEPo)

87 Next up: The Six Foot Under Plan

Posted by: DangerGirl and her Sanity Prod (tm) at February 14, 2014 08:24 AM (B2fm1)

88 I think Boehner doesn't understand "power of the purse" and thinks it's an accessory, not a responsibility.

Posted by: tangonine at February 14, 2014 08:24 AM (x3YFz)

89

Lookit, there is no one more conservative than John Boner, no one.

This is part and parcel of a pattern, and a pattern that we must ignore, because dammit, it's the right thing to do...

it just is not conservative at all to ask the Present to, uh, work with congress.

And that would require doing something other than drinking and laughing.

And goddamit, we have our phoney baloney jobs to protect.

Posted by: Rev Dr E Buzz Commissar at February 14, 2014 08:25 AM (HQml1)

Mainah:

The GOPe never seems to get the other side of the coin. It's not just enough usually to want to vote against something. What is 100x more powerful is to get people excited to vote FOR something.

Posted by: prescient11 at February 14, 2014 08:25 AM (tVTLU)

91 Scrap the precious metals plans & go straight to the pine box plan. Posted by: rickb223 ------------------------ Uh..., we've studied that plan and found that the cost to the environment is unsustainable. The plan has been re-vamped, and is now called The Hemp Bag Plan.

Posted by: Kathy Sebelious at February 14, 2014 08:25 AM (aDwsi)

92 So why does government-mandated health insurance cost 2-4 times as much? Silly. To pay for 2-4 people who will not have to pay. Not a bug, a feature.

Posted by: The Precedent [/i] at February 14, 2014 08:25 AM (CnA98)

93 Mr moo moo! you realize there are only a couple of insurers in the exchanges, so about the end of June your SOL.

Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 08:26 AM (4JkHl)

94 Reading things is bullshit. Just ask any House Democrat. Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 12:24 PM (da5Wo)

RTFCYMFMF!

Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 08:26 AM (Gk3SS)

95 I'd rather be one of the people who don't have to pay.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 14, 2014 08:26 AM (6bMeY)

96 When you cruise with Cruz, you don't need a comb.

Posted by: Kookie at February 14, 2014 08:27 AM (0FSuD)

97 Next up: The Six Foot Under Plan Posted by: DangerGirl ------------- A co-pay gets the optional Pushing Up Daisies rider.

Posted by: Kathy Sebelious at February 14, 2014 08:27 AM (aDwsi)

98 Aren't American Indians Exempt?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 14, 2014 08:27 AM (6bMeY)

99 RTFCYMFMF! Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 12:26 PM (Gk3SS) C? Constitution?

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 08:28 AM (da5Wo)

100 And Amish.

Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 08:28 AM (4JkHl)

101 "He's been lurking here again." I think Boortz used to lurk here. The only few time I listened to him he used "SCOAMF" a couple of times. Perfect context too.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at February 14, 2014 08:28 AM (rCOda)

102 The GOPe never seems to get the other side of the coin. It's not just enough usually to want to vote against something. What is 100x more powerful is to get people excited to vote FOR something. Posted by: prescient11 at February 14, 2014 12:25 PM (tVTLU) Agreed. It's why Reagan did so well. He gave people a reason to say "America F Yeah!" again after Carter.

Posted by: Mainah at February 14, 2014 08:28 AM (659DL)

103 Posted by: Regular Moron at February 14, 2014 12:22 PM (CnA9

So sorry to hear that, Regular Moron. It's horrible to have a loved one die due to incompetence.

We've got a thoracic surgeon in our community who makes sure people don't linger long in this world. How he has maintained his license, I don't know. He's been escorting people into the next life long before ObamaCare took effect, though.

Posted by: Mindy at February 14, 2014 08:28 AM (mQwL2)

104 So Granny, have you ever been to Liverpool? Want to go.

Posted by: HHS Caretaker at February 14, 2014 08:29 AM (0FSuD)

105 C?

Constitution? Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 12:28 PM (da5Wo)

Comments.

Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 08:29 AM (Gk3SS)

106 Of course Obummer will propose this plan. Who's gonna stop him? He's already changed the damn thing 27 times. And has anyone on our side objected? Hells no. He makes Nixon look like a piker. Prezident Participation Trophey. Just sayin'.

Posted by: Buckeye Katie at February 14, 2014 08:29 AM (1M/xn)

107 When do we get the electrum plans?

Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 08:29 AM (4JkHl)

108 Lousy sacks of crap...

I had a "catastrophic" plan or what I like to call "actual , real insurance" before all this commie mess got started. Now they're gonna dangle it in front of me to try to get me to like 404Care?

Tell me more a about this copper and lead plan.

Posted by: Jaws at February 14, 2014 08:29 AM (eKZp1)

109 "So what this amounts to is bringing back catastrophic plans. You know
the ones the Democrats spent weeks calling "bad apple" and "junk"
insurance."
--------------------------
No, these are "copper" plans. It's way fuckin' different from "bad apple" plans, wingnut.

Posted by: Reflexive Defender of All Things Obamacare at February 14, 2014 12:05 PM (3kFw2)

Of course. One is vegetable, the other mineral.

Posted by: Buck Farack, Gentleman Adventurer at February 14, 2014 08:30 AM (Nk6GS)

110 BTW, those that did not see the Twitchy posts re the ACA tweet sent out by the WH, really ought to go look. Pretty funny: http://tinyurl.com/keya6ur

Posted by: Kathy Sebelious at February 14, 2014 08:30 AM (aDwsi)

111 Aren't American Indians Exempt? We all have high cheekbones now! Heyhowareya Heyhowareya Heyhowareya Heyhowareya How!

Posted by: rickb223 at February 14, 2014 08:30 AM (GjYxB)

112 93 Mr moo moo! you realize there are only a couple of insurers in the exchanges, so about the end of June your SOL. Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 12:26 PM (4JkHl) ________ Who said anything about exchanges? You do realize you can buy insurance outside of exchanges, yes?

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 08:31 AM (0LHZx)

113 "80 Keep in mind that for people with a moderately-healthy lifestyle, their healthcare costs will average less than $200 per month per person. This average includes people with serious health issues. I'm basing this on the fact that bill-sharing groups can meet the medical needs of their members for around $120-200 per person.

So why does government-mandated health insurance cost 2-4 times as much?"

Bureaucracy and red tape doesn't just grow on trees, you know?

I'll bet that those junk "bill-sharing groups" are not run by altruistic government employed union members being paid a living wage ($100,000/yr), are they?

Posted by: West at February 14, 2014 08:31 AM (1Rgee)

114 Comments. Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 12:29 PM (Gk3SS) AH. If we switch it to "Constitution", I'll sign up for that political party. Hell, I'll run for office under that banner.

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 08:31 AM (da5Wo)

115 Who said anything about exchanges? You do realize you can buy insurance outside of exchanges, yes? Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 12:31 PM (0LHZx) For now....

Posted by: Mainah at February 14, 2014 08:32 AM (659DL)

116 And even if there are only a couple, you start the rotation again. After all you cannot be denied coverage for any reason.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 08:32 AM (0LHZx)

117 If we switch it to "Constitution", I'll sign up for that political party. Hell, I'll run for office under that banner. Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 12:31 PM (da5Wo)

Ohhhhh. Can I be your Press Spokes Babe?

Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 08:32 AM (Gk3SS)

118 I meant, Aren't American Indians exempt, whiteman?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 14, 2014 08:32 AM (6bMeY)

119 Who said anything about exchanges? You do realize you can buy insurance outside of exchanges, yes? Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo ---------------- Oh? That do not meet Obamacare 'standards'?

Posted by: Kathy Sebelious at February 14, 2014 08:33 AM (aDwsi)

120 Ace up!

Posted by: rickb223 at February 14, 2014 08:33 AM (GjYxB)

121 Repeal now.

Posted by: Mulva J. Pung at February 14, 2014 08:33 AM (SwHqo)

122 ". The plans likely would have lower premiums, but purchasers would pay more of their ordinary health costs upfront. Greater coverage would kick in for serious, unforeseen health episodes that would require, for example, a hospital stay." You mean like CATASTROPHIC insurance plans, with cheap premiums that millions of people had pre-Obamacare that Obamacare made illegal? What a great idea. i'm glad Democrats thought of it.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 08:33 AM (0LHZx)

123 Russell Simmons ‏@UncleRUSH 34m Encourage your special someone to #GetCovered today! http://healthcare.gov RT! Make sure that they are into that type of thing first though.

Posted by: RWC- at February 14, 2014 08:33 AM (fWAjv)

124 Who said anything about exchanges? You do realize you can buy insurance outside of exchanges, yes? Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 12:31 PM (0LHZx) And there's only a few in the state of Florida. So once I'm done committing insurance fraud for the first half of one year, then what?

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 08:34 AM (da5Wo)

125 78 As compromise between Lead and Copper will they offer a FMJ plan?
No. But the American people will. Soon.
Posted by: rickb223 at February 14, 2014 12:22 PM (GjYxB)
I got my bread and I got my circus. It's all good.

Posted by: The American People at February 14, 2014 08:34 AM (kVfSG)

126 Heyhowareya Heyhowareya Heyhowareya Heyhowareya How! Posted by: rickb223 ------------------- I actually heard a similar thing chanted..., but it was: Howyadoing, howyadoing, howyadoing...

Posted by: Kathy Sebelious at February 14, 2014 08:34 AM (aDwsi)

127 Oh? That do not meet Obamacare 'standards'? Posted by: Kathy Sebelious at February 14, 2014 12:33 PM (aDwsi) ________ No. They all meet the same standards. It's all the same plans. But many are not in the exchange. And you'd have to be a complete idiot to wade into the Belarussian built exchange to begin with.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 08:34 AM (0LHZx)

128 Ohhhhh. Can I be your Press Spokes Babe? Posted by: alexthechick - oh great SMOD can you wait til curling's done at February 14, 2014 12:32 PM (Gk3SS) Hell yes.

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 08:35 AM (da5Wo)

129 Hey guys! In case you forgot to get your sweetie something for V Day stop on by Planned Parenthood and buy her an abortion!! Or what we like to call the "choice plan."

Posted by: Cecile Richards at February 14, 2014 08:35 AM (POpqt)

130 new one

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 14, 2014 08:35 AM (T2V/1)

131 I think Boehner doesn't understand "power of the purse" and thinks it's an accessory, not a responsibility.

Funding for Obamacare is already built into the law. There's little to nothing Boehner could do to defund it- not even a fiscal shutdown.

Posted by: Hollowpoint at February 14, 2014 08:35 AM (SY2Kh)

132 Who said anything about exchanges? You do realize you can buy insurance outside of exchanges, yes? Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 12:31 PM (0LHZx) You don't get that first months grace crap unless you go they an exchange.

Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 08:36 AM (4JkHl)

133 And there's only a few in the state of Florida. So once I'm done committing insurance fraud for the first half of one year, then what? Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at February 14, 2014 12:34 PM (da5Wo) __________ You're not committing fraud. Failure to pay = discontinuation of the policy. With my plan if you got sick during the month, then you'd pay. If you don't get sick, you're not making any claims, so where's the fraud? And as I said further up, after you run through all insurance companies, you start up again with the first one. You cannot be denied coverage for any reason under Obamacare.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 08:36 AM (0LHZx)

134 You don't get that first months grace crap unless you go they an exchange. Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 12:36 PM (4JkHl) _____ Not true. I've had individual insurance for close to 15 years and each time I switched plans, I had that month grace. It's SOP for insurance plans.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 08:38 AM (0LHZx)

135 "18 I want the one with the 10 Quadrillion Dollar Deductible.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 14, 2014 12:09 PM (6bMeY)"

It's OK because you all get trillion-dollar coins!

Posted by: Preznit JEF at February 14, 2014 08:38 AM (3kFw2)

136 Not true. I've had individual insurance for close to 15 years and each time I switched plans, I had that month grace. It's SOP for insurance plans. Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at February 14, 2014 12:38 PM (0LHZx) It's SOP for those with good credit switching from a current plan. I don't think it applies to new plans or to,those with bad credit, why would Obama have made such a big deal out it in December otherwise.

Posted by: Jean at February 14, 2014 08:40 AM (4JkHl)

137 Granny, water? Nah, you don't need water, really it will help you lose weight. Why don't you take a nice nap. If you look out your window you can almost see Liverpool. http://tinyurl.com/a84dp2t

Posted by: HHS Caretaker at February 14, 2014 08:44 AM (0FSuD)

138 Individual plans are a side-show. It's a tiny tiny portion of the market. It has been a great PR tool for our side to beat up Obama and the Dems about Obamacare, though.

So, we should not allow even more changes to the law that the Dems can use to pretend everything is hunky dory.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 14, 2014 08:47 AM (Z7PrM)

139 A compromise between lead and copper is called "brass". ( If the epa finds out brass has lead in it, your balls would be banned.)

Posted by: bergerbilder at February 14, 2014 08:47 AM (8MjqI)

140 Unobtanium Plan - Can't obtain the plan what you were happy with before.

Posted by: Schwalbe: The Me-262© at February 14, 2014 08:50 AM (9Bdcz)

141 "125 78
As compromise between Lead and Copper will they offer a FMJ plan?"

We changed the name to more accurately reflect the offering.

It's now the Hollow Point Plan.

We expect delivery will be very fast, around 1250 FPS.

Posted by: Deptartment of Homeland Security at February 14, 2014 08:53 AM (1Rgee)

142 If only there were a mechanism by which the consumers of these plans could efficiently channel their desire to purchase insurance products. Sort of like they could band together and express their desire through their purchasing decisions, thereby signaling to the producers, who would then package them up and offer them at a price.

Posted by: mjhlaw at February 14, 2014 08:56 AM (0YJYN)

143 How soon before we get to the zinc plan?

Posted by: Strelnikov at February 14, 2014 09:00 AM (96Ijl)

144 Sovietunium?

Posted by: bergerbilder at February 14, 2014 09:03 AM (8MjqI)

145 Obamacare is such an unmitigated disaster the Republicans have to capitalize on it. If you prowl the comment sections on NBC/ABC/other alphabet news sites you'll be surprised at how widespread the anger at Obamacare is.

Posted by: Roadrunner at February 14, 2014 09:09 AM (BOBhx)

146 The Republicans should never have forced this damn ACA down our throats.

Posted by: toby928© with a goatee at February 14, 2014 09:25 AM (QupBk)

147 I want to wish everyone (except Bush) a Happy President Obama Holiday Weekend.

Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 14, 2014 09:48 AM (GM0uz)

148 New offering for red-staters!

The Polonium-210 Plan.

Posted by: HHS at February 14, 2014 10:02 AM (1Rgee)

149 I have had the NSA review/report upon all of your comments to date regarding the implementaion of my universally beloved ACA (aka Obamacare). Needless to say, I am VERY disappointed to hear you mockingly discuss 'alternate plans' (e.g. "lead", "pine box", "pyrite", etc. etc.) However, I am extremely confident the GOP leadership will reach across the aisle in the weeks and months to come to help make Obamacare the success it is destined to be. Nevertheless, and in the same spirit of bi-partisanship which I have ALWAYS brought to the table, I am offering you access to yet another plan - which I am calling the "Bend Over and Spread Your Cheeks Plan". This represents a melding of the very best features of all my other plans, and the GOP leadership is 100 percent behind it. Consequently, I'm sure you will do the same.

Posted by: Barak Name That Plan Obama at February 14, 2014 10:08 AM (V0j3u)

150 Here's a poll I'd like to see: Of the 3.3 million (or 4.3 million or whatever) people enrolled in BozoCare who had insurance plans cancelled, what percentage would have preferred to keep their existing plan? Gallup ARE YOU LISTENING?

Posted by: Pelosi Schmelosi at February 14, 2014 11:11 AM (UxLV7)

151 I first read that as "Maybe We Need Another Level Of Pain!" It would fit.

Posted by: Jeremy at February 14, 2014 11:12 AM (BBSZT)

152 The administration was leaning on the states to accept telephone signatures. No wonder the numbers are going up.

Posted by: Davod at February 14, 2014 11:41 AM (dj3iF)

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