Reply #12: Yes, I'm an insurance company lobbyist [View All]

[liberalpragmatist]

:eyes:

My point is quite simple: why, if every independent estimate did not have a public plan offering lower rates than private insurance does its removal make a difference in insurance company rates?

(And for the record, yes, I did favor a public plan and think Obama erred in not fighting for one, given that it had 56-57 votes - but in its weakened form it really just functioned as one extra regulatory tool and as a place for useful payment reforms, etc., not a huge cost control measure like a Medicare-rates public plan open to everyone would have been.)

Second, if you earn up to 300% of poverty level (Senate bill) or 400% of poverty level (House bill) you will receive subsidies. If you earn more than that but still don't get insurance through work, then depending on how much you earn you are eligible for an exemption.