Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says she paid twice as much for insurance as a waitress as she will in Cong

[Eugene]

Source: CNBC

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says she paid twice as much for insurance as a waitress as she will in Congress

Abigail Hess 2 Hours Ago

A year ago, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was working as a waitress. In January, she'll begin her term representing New York's 14th District as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.

In recent weeks Ocasio-Cortez has remained characteristically transparent, discussing her difficulties renting an apartment in Washington D.C. and live-streaming conversations with her constituents while she cooks dinner.

Over the weekend, the Congresswoman-elect said that the health insurance she will receive as a member of Congress will cost significantly less than the health insurance she paid for as a waitress. "In my on-boarding to Congress, I get to pick my insurance plan," the 29-year-old tweeted. "As a waitress, I had to pay more than TWICE what I'd pay as a member of Congress."

Members of Congress and their staff choose a gold-level healthcare plan through the open marketplace. According to Snopes, Congress members pay approximately 28 percent of their annual healthcare premiums through pre-tax payroll deductions and receive federal subsidies that cover 72 percent of the cost of premiums.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/04/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-calls-for-medicaid-for-all.html

We want an affordable solution that covers our needs, like the rest of the modern world.

Medicare for All:
- Single-payer system
- Covers physical, mental, & dental care
- 0 due *at point of service*

42.8K
11:48 AM - Dec 2, 2018

Link to tweet

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

1. Love the way AOC is quick to call attention to the plight of the working class.

She has a very bright future in politics.

[Power 2 the People]

6. +1000

[dlk]

2. AOC is Shining a Light on the Enormous Inequalities in Our Health Care Options

One inequality being the excellent, low-cost health Congress receives that Republicans are so adamant about denying to their constituents.

[FBaggins]

3. If course that's nonsense

The total cost of coverage would be higher... it’s just that her employer is paying a higher percentage of it. I’d bet that most waitresses have to pay the whole premium (before ACA credits of course).

I think she’ll find that her total compensation is also far more attractive than her wait staff position.

[Guppy]

4. Here is a more detailed explaination

The members of congress are in the Exchange but get the benefit of being in the small business pool. While people who are independent fall into the worst pool with all the sick people who can't get insurance and are charged the total amount. I recently signed my wife up for the bronze blue cross plan. They all stink. I am paying $710 a month and you pay everything out of pocket.

Because you are in no pool you are totally screwed. I have been yelling about this for 18 years. I met with my congressman who is a total empty suit. He had no idea how insurance worked. His name is Rob Woodall.

[exboyfil]

5. This is my plan if I lose my job before 65

Available from my regional public university. You may want to check to see if your university does something comparable.

So long as you are not eligible for Medicare, you are eligible for this insurance irrespective of preexisting conditions or age.

Individual (a couple would need to each be students)

$215/mo. Medical
$25/mo. Dental
$1,700 out of pocket maximum for services
$1,000 out of pocket maximum for prescriptions

Requirement is to be admitted (try a general studies type degree) and take two courses/year. At this university that would be $1,214 for a three credit course twice a year (there is a possibility for fewer credit hours).

Total cost for individual would be $8K and you get to take two fun classes.

$16K is a lot for my wife and myself.



My current situation with a S&P 500 employer
$90/mo. for Health Insurance
$5/mo. for Dental Insurance
$3,300 out of pocket maximum
Less $1,400 Company HSA contribution
$3K per individual