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alc

(1,151 posts)
8. wait until 2014
Thu Jan 12, 2012, 11:46 AM
Jan 2012

For now, only a few parts have kicked in (kids/adults up to age 26, people with pre-existing conditions).

Everyone will have to have Obamacare in 2014. But that doesn't mean you will be better off. If you were in good health (i.e. low risk insurance pool) your premiums will likely go up. You will probably have fewer out-of-pocket expenses (you just paid $800 for a checkup) but that will be added to premiums. It's now to the insurance companies advantage to pay for as much as possible. Their profit will depend on medical costs. 80-85% of premiums must go to medical costs. They will turn that around and say they are allowed make premiums around 15% more than medical costs. Profits come from that 15% and the best way to increase profit it is to increase medical payments and premium.

Co-pays, deductibles and other things are still being worked on. They may be low or may not. Your annual checkup and a few other things must have no co-pay, but other co-pays may or may not be good.

LOTS of work is still being done by dozens of agencies to set regulations and standards. This work will determine many things like your co-pays, coverage, premiums, doctor access - some doctors already charging a yearly fee and not taking insurance for certain appointments and I'd guess they're preparing for Obamacare and many providers like the Mayo Clinic said they would not accept one of the insurance packages proposed last spring.

You can bet that insurers, doctors, pharma, and other health care providers are working to get regulations they like (the Mayo Clinic said no to a proposal). It seems like everyone is satisfied that Obamacare passed and aren't still working to make sure it's good. But that work is VERY MUCH needed or it won't be good except for a small % of people who can't get insurance without it.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

How can I get Obamacare? [View all] ThatsMyBarack Jan 2012 OP
I'd like to find out, too. Kick. nt gateley Jan 2012 #1
me three rurallib Jan 2012 #2
You can't... Cameron27 Jan 2012 #3
First, it's not called Obamacare frazzled Jan 2012 #4
In the meantime Coyote_Bandit Jan 2012 #6
Don't look at me frazzled Jan 2012 #7
Ummmm...... Coyote_Bandit Jan 2012 #17
If she has a condition right now, she can get PCIP. TheWraith Jan 2012 #9
You have to be able to pay those premiums to get PCIP n/t Coyote_Bandit Jan 2012 #18
Then look at Medicaid. TheWraith Jan 2012 #21
My friend will have to spend Coyote_Bandit Jan 2012 #22
It's brutal... Cameron27 Jan 2012 #11
Sending good thoughts and warm wishes your way Coyote_Bandit Jan 2012 #19
TY Cameron27 Jan 2012 #20
Turned on the TeeVee lately, or even listened to NPR? It's Obamacare. eom TransitJohn Jan 2012 #14
Think even Obama has embraced that term Hugabear Jan 2012 #24
Add me to that list of folks who need healthcare NOW Coyote_Bandit Jan 2012 #5
wait until 2014 alc Jan 2012 #8
Sure sounds like Medicare E(veryone) would have been easier to implement since it's already in SammyWinstonJack Jan 2012 #16
As a medicaire caseworker Puzzledtraveller Jan 2012 #10
Do you have any idea what is in the bill? Motown_Johnny Jan 2012 #23
This should answer ALL your questions..... kestrel91316 Jan 2012 #12
I'm pretty sure most bigtime first-term legislation Egalitariat Jan 2012 #13
You are a hostage of your current plan until 2014. PA Democrat Jan 2012 #15
Don't you wish you could fire people like Mitt Romney? Motown_Johnny Jan 2012 #26
Just buy private insurance at market prices (before they MAKE you.) Problem solved. Romulox Jan 2012 #25
It depends on what you mean. If you're talking access to your state exchange TheKentuckian Jan 2012 #27
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»How can I get Obamacare?»Reply #8