Oldandtired
Rookie
- Banned
- #41
Not using talking points, exactly how will insurance costs go down...or even stay constant....if we elimintate pre-exisitng conditions.
It only works if you mandate everyone, no exceptions, has to buy health insurance. The idea is that the increased risk from elimination of Pre-Existing Conditions will be spread around to everyone. Because everyone now has health insurance, there will not be folks that are forced to welch on hospital bills, nor will there be medical related bankruptcy.
Part of that sounds reasonable on paper. Part of the reason costs for hospitals is so high is because a person without health insurance is basically a financial black hole for the hospital thanks to the vicious cycle that has developed. Costs increased to cover those that can't pay, meaning more can't pay, meaning costs increase and so on.
With everyone on insurance, theoretically everyone should be able to pay so you get the cycle back under control.
However, I'm against a mandate without a public option for those that can't afford insurance or can't get it through work. Following Katrina, my wife and I were part time employees (Visiting Assistant Professors) at a University. As part time employees, we didn't get health insurance and had to go out on the market on our own.
We were both 30, with no major health issues. We didn't drink, smoke, or do drugs. No STD's or bizarre health risking habits.
The insurance rates we got were ridiculous. I mean purely outrageous. COBRA was a joke and unaffordable on halftime pay. We sucked it up and bought insurance, but it was a major financial drain and the coverage was half of what we'd had as employees. As soon as we could switch to an employer based system we did. Our premiums and deductibles went down and our coverage and access to care increased.
In theory, with everyone on the market the plans and coverage should approach reasonable levels. In theory. I am very skeptical. I will probably not give up my employer based coverage until absolutely forced after my experience trying to "go it alone."
I am 100% in agreement with you. (Time to go kill myself)
But therefore, I see the PO as the only solution...and I am right now convinced that it will cost us an arm and a leg....but I am OK with it. Justr wish they would be honest and say it...so we can properly prepare for it.
I, for one, see no other choice but reform without the mandate, but with a public option...and, of course, eliminate the pre-existing clauses.