I cannot resist commenting on the official launch of Obamacare exchanges. I tried to access the Florida exchange, which is run by the Feds as it is in 36 states. I could not get past the application because it required I answer the security questions which did not exist to answer. I will accept that new programs have glitches, but the form is very simple and not to be able to get through it is concerning. I give the programmers an F for not beta testing it enough.
?We need to ensure the sick get treated.? - Bob Ehrlich
Assuming these glitches are worked out and the average American can fill out the simple form without a technical issue, then we can judge what is actually available. I did access the exchanges earlier and rates for some states were available. It is a hodgepodge of higher rates mostly and sometimes lower than existed before Obamacare. Most states have increases and some are substantial.
The higher rates will be mostly for the young and male who can expect to see double what they would have paid before. Older folks get a break and especially those with pre-existing conditions who were
essentially uninsurable before. I will say I strongly support the policy goal of not letting people go bankrupt because of health issues. I also support the aim of Obamacare to free people from jobs they hate because they cannot risk being uninsured if they leave.
The big issue is whether the major goal of insuring everyone will be achieved. We know the people with pre-existing conditions will sign up. The vast majority of the uninsured are healthy, however, and whether they will sign up or pay a penalty remains to be seen. That of course depends on the rates versus the penalty. Under the new system a healthy person can wait until they are sick to sign up. Given many of these new exchange plans have high deductibles they really only serve as catastrophic coverage plans. Would a healthy person pay premiums, even if subsidized, for coverage that is not likely to help them? If a person finds out they have an expensive to treat disease they can then sign up.
The debate in Washington needs to shift to how to achieve the Obamacare goals most efficiently. Republicans should offer an alternative that achieves the goals set out by Obamacare. That is what the American people need to hear. If there is a better way then present it. I reject the calls for repeal without specifically knowing the alternative. We are a compassionate nation and we need to ensure the sick get treated. Obamacare is not likely to do that at a cost we can afford.
I am the ultimate pragmatist. Let us find a way that makes us a healthier nation and not go bankrupt doing it. Obamacare is not my preferred approach but I need the Republicans to identify the specific alternatives to the new Obamacare law. I know they say they have identified ways but mostly they involve a general tax credit to buy insurance. That does not address the issues of pre-existing conditions and portability.
We have gotten ourselves into a ridiculous debate with destructive hyperbole from both sides. Republicans are not engaging in a ?war on women.” Democrats are not ?killing grandma with death panels.? Reid, Pelosi, Boehner, Cruz and Obama have to stop demonizing the other side. Enough already please. I know politicians think everything is about winning and getting power. Most people just want affordable solutions to problems. It is that simple, whatever works will be accepted by both Republican and Democrat voters.
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