Pittsburgh Gazette - "Debunking those Obamacare horror stories"

[TomCADem]

A Deborah Cavallaro has been making the rounds of conservative media complaining about how she is an Obamacare victim. Of course, the cable media refuses to actually fact check her claims. Here is one writer who actually did.

http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2013/11/01/All-those-horror-stories/stories/201311010033

Insurers and the media need to better explain how the new health insurance system works

"Please explain to me," she told Maria Bartiromo on CNBC Wednesday, "how my plan is a 'substandard' plan when ... I'd be paying more for the exchange plans than I am currently paying by a wide margin."

* * *

Ms. Bartiromo didn't take her up on her request. So I will. . . Here's what I found.

I won't divulge her current income, but this year it qualifies her for a hefty federal premium subsidy. At her age, she's eligible for a good "silver" plan for $333 a month after the subsidy -- $40 a month more than she's paying now. But the plan is much better than her current plan -- the deductible is $2,000, not $5,000. The maximum out-of-pocket expense is $6,350, not $8,500. Her co-pays would be $45 for a primary care visit and $65 for a specialty visit -- but all visits would be covered, not just two.

Is that better than her current plan? Yes, by a mile.

If she wanted to pay less, Ms. Cavallaro could opt for lesser coverage in a "bronze" plan. She could buy one from the California exchange for as little as $194 a month. From Anthem, it's $256, or $444 a year less than she's paying now. That buys her a $5,000 deductible (the same as she's paying today) but the out-of-pocket limit is lower, $6,350. Office visits would be $60 for primary care and $70 for specialties, but again with no limit on the number of visits. Factor in the premium savings, and it's hard to deny that she'd still be ahead.

[Scuba]

1. The truth means nothing to those who would destroy America. Kudos to the Gazette.

[FSogol]

2. K & R. n/t

[Avalux]

3. Anyone from Pittsburgh? The Post-Gazette has a rich history.

Since 1786, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has chronicled the history of the city of Pittsburgh and the United States of America. One of the newspaper's first public services was the printing of the newly adopted Constitution of the United States in 1787. In its early history, the paper was also known for promoting the expansion of our growing nation and fighting for the abolition of slavery.

http://www.post-gazette.com/about/history/

The publisher and editor-in-cheif, John Robinson Block (also for Toledo Blade), is a real newspaper man. AND a pit-bull advocate:

John Robinson Block, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Blade, is being recognized by a Pittsburgh-based “pit bull” rescue, education, and advocacy group.

The group, Hello Bully, is presenting Mr. Block with the first Hello Bully Hero Award, an annual recognition of greatness in the community. Mr. Block is being commended for the work he did in Ohio with helping to change breed-specific legislation, said Nicole Meloy, director of development and events for the nonprofit group.

http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2013/02/14/John-Robinson-Block-to-be-recognized-by-Pittsburgh-pit-bull-advocacy-group.html

The Post-Gazette and the Toledo Blade are truly independent newspapers run by a journalist. The Post-Gazette's biggest competitor, the Tribune, is part of the Knight-Ridder chain and carries water for conservatives.

I just wanted to point that out, since progressive newspapers like the Post-Gazette are vital to keeping real investigative journalism alive. I hope it can stay alive and not get pushed out or gobbled up.

[lastlib]

4. Maria Bartiromo is a Republican tool.

I have NEVER seen her take a progressive view of anything.