Kaiser Chart: The Requirement to Buy Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act

[flpoljunkie]

[BlueToTheBone]

1. There's a penalty for not buying prescription

drug insurance too. Put in place by the pukes when they forced us to buy insurance to buy drugs that could NOT be negotiated.

[Scuba]

2. Anybody vet the "key facts"? The $12-15K number for Bronze cov'g looks high.

[flpoljunkie]

4. Have read the Silver Plan is the 'best bang for the buck.'

The Bronze Plan has higher deductible costs. The deductible applies for hospital stays, out patient procedures and non-generic drugs.

[frazzled]

7. Silver plan definitely best for people who qualify for both subsidies and cost-sharing

Please note:

Q. Can I get help with my out-of-pocket expenses, like deductibles?

A. People with incomes between 100 percent of the federal poverty line ($23,550 for a family of four) and 250 percent ($58,875 for a family of four) are also eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which means you’ll pay less for items including deductibles and co-payments, and you’ll have lower out-of-pocket maximums.
There is a big caveat: you can qualify for the reductions only if you buy a silver plan. When choosing a silver plan — and compare them closely, because they will differ — the exchange Web site will automatically show what you will pay, with the cost-sharing reductions included, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Even if you’re tempted by the bronze plans’ lower premiums, remember you’ll probably end up paying more for out-of-pocket costs. For people who qualify for both premium and cost-sharing subsidies, the silver plan will usually be the better deal, Ms. Fish-Parcham said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/28/your-money/health-insurance/a-guide-to-the-new-health-insurance-exchanges.html?pagewanted=1&hp&_r=0

[BadgerKid]

3. I was wondering about ACA vs. Medicare

and found this link: http://www.medicare.gov/about-us/affordable-care-act/affordable-care-act.html

Are things in motion to let Medicare fade away (like over a 20 year span) as today's new Medicare recipients pass on?

EDIT: And no, I'm not trying to sneak in some RW talking point. As it is, some people already pay an insurance premium plus SS tax. ACA doesn't aim to change that. But if a person can qualify for subsidies under ACA, why have separate pots of money?

[NYC_SKP]

5. Kick! (nt)

[bunnies]

6. "There is no penalty for being without health insurance"

Youre just totally fucked if you get sick. But, chances are that if youre in this bracket for financial reasons, youre totally used to it by now. Carry on.

[bhikkhu]

8. If you're in that income category, you qualify for free medicaid

...which my family does, for the next couple of years. After that (kids moving out) we still qualify for subsidized coverage, which we can actually afford. Accidents or illness will still get us into co-pays or out-of-pocket limits, but its a whole lot better than the current unlimited liability that would probably lead to bankruptcy or the loss of our house.

I think, overall, the set-up is pretty fair and affordable. I started planning for the costs a couple of years ago. A co-worker (with no kids and a wife who works) will have to pay $200 a month for coverage, which he can't afford as they bought two nice cars recently on payments...

[bunnies]

10. Not in my state.

Im under 65 and have no kids. The only way for me to get medicaid is for the state to rule me disabled. Until that happens, I can either pay full price for a plan on the exchange, which would be almost $300 a month, or I can go without. Many of us are in this position. It sucks.

Im truly glad that it will help so many people. But without single payer, millions (especially poor people) will still go without.

[bhikkhu]

11. Wow- just looked up the state policies on that

I'm in Oregon myself, so its hard for me to imagine a state (especially one with a democratic governor) banning the formation of a state exchange and sending back the funding, but that is what they did...

There is a federal-level exchange being set up for people in states where the local governments are blocking progress, but I don't see where that is operational yet to see the costs. Hopefully you'll have better options soon, though.

[bunnies]

12. Crazy isnt it?

Our state legislature is run by Republicans. Aint gerrymandering great?

[Adsos Letter]

9. kick n/t