Weekly Address: Affordable Care Act is Making a Difference for Millions of Americans

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Source: White House

In this week’s address, the President discussed the progress we’ve made because of the Affordable Care Act. As the law’s coverage provisions have taken effect, 17.6 million Americans have gained coverage, and the nation’s uninsured rate now stands at its lowest level ever. The deadline to sign up for 2016 health coverage on the Marketplace is quickly approaching on January 31, and the President encouraged even more Americans to join the more than 11 million people who have already signed up so far this year – and who are enjoying the financial security and peace of mind that comes with knowing you have affordable, portable health coverage.

Read more: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/01/23/weekly-address-affordable-care-act-making-difference-millions-americans

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If you haven’t looked at your new coverage options, you’ve still got time to get covered on the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2016. You have until January 31 – next Sunday – to enroll. Just go to HealthCare.gov, CuidadoDeSalud.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596. Most folks buying a plan on the Marketplace can find an option that costs less than $75 a month. Even if you already have insurance, take a few minutes to shop around. In fact, consumers who switched to a new plan for 2016 ended up saving an average of more than $500.



https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/01/23/weekly-address-affordable-care-act-making-difference-millions-americans

[BumRushDaShow]

1. As always - thank you!

We're in the middle of a blizzard so they preempted the regular broadcast of this today.

[cal04]

2. Good Morning BumRushDaShow

We are too. Stay safe and warm

[Android3.14]

3. How does the ACA help low income people to afford healthcare?

I have healthcare with Mrs. 'Droids plan from the university. We make enough money (barely) that we can afford medications we need, so this question isn;t about me.

I buy a coffee once a week at a local convenience store. A clerk who has been working at this Circle K for years told me how she needs medication to control her blood pressure, but cannot afford the doctor visits, lab tests and medication because she cannot pay the $650 deductible. Even with the ACA, she cannot afford to pay enough to cross the threshold for care.

What angers her is that she cannot afford to use the insurance that the government forces her to buy.

[passiveporcupine]

6. Obama is correct that more people have insurance

And ACA has helped to save lives. For those who can afford it.

But for those who can't, it's only a catastrophic plan...it only covers them in a dire emergency, because like your clerk friend, they can't come up with the deductibles.

I know Obama is aware of this, and if he were staying in office longer, he'd probably be trying to do something about bringing costs down; but he needs to get on board with single payer, as that is truly the only way to bring down the runaway costs of for-profit health care. And I know he knows this. He's too smart not to.

I love Obama dearly, and I know he never had a chance of passing single payer or public option...but damn I wish he'd stand up and start fighting for single payer now.

[99th_Monkey]

7. Except that 29 Million Americans still are totally uninsured & many more under-insured

Not to take away from those who now DO get some kind of coverage who didn't have it before.

And yes it's true there were other great benefits, like no more "pre-existing conditions" used to
disqualify applicants for healthcare insurance.

But ACA still represents a pretty sweet-deal for the insurance companies and allows price-gouging
by big pharma, which are bitter pills for those who simply still can't afford any of this, i.e. the very
poor, who's numbers seem to be growing btw.

[passiveporcupine]

8. absolutely!

ACA still represents a pretty sweet-deal for the insurance companies and allows price-gouging
big pharma

[99th_Monkey]

9. I knew you agreed... it was just for the record, for those still apparently unaware. n/t

[Doctor_J]

4. interesting that the president pitches for profit insurance at the same time that the candidates

are debating whether we have to keep the profiteers in the system. Sort of a stealth Clinton campaign ad.

[Auggie]

5. Still too expensive. We need a public option.