CDZ Five ways Obamacare has helped Americans

[Sonny Clark]

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/u...st-increases-falls-to-a-54-year-low.html?_r=0

WASHINGTON — Spending on health care in the United States grew in 2013 at the lowest rate since the federal government began tracking it in 1960, the Obama administration said Wednesday.

It was the fifth straight year of exceptionally small increases in the closely watched indicator. The data defied critics who had said such slow growth would not continue for long once the recession ended in mid-2009.


What happened to all the predictions from Republicans about Obamacare?

The U.S. has the high health care cost and the poorest health among industrialized nations. It's easy to research.

 

[rightwinger]

 

[rightwinger]

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/u...st-increases-falls-to-a-54-year-low.html?_r=0

WASHINGTON — Spending on health care in the United States grew in 2013 at the lowest rate since the federal government began tracking it in 1960, the Obama administration said Wednesday.

It was the fifth straight year of exceptionally small increases in the closely watched indicator. The data defied critics who had said such slow growth would not continue for long once the recession ended in mid-2009.


What happened to all the predictions from Republicans about Obamacare?

The U.S. has the high health care cost and the poorest health among industrialized nations. It's easy to research.

As it did before Obamacare

Universal healthcare would have fixed that

 

[Roadrunner]

I'm kind of new at this, so maybe people can explain to someone totally ignorant concerning the Obamacare. Do all Americans get the coverage now? Or is it still processing?

Not everyone can get it. I have a neighbor that's 59 years old. She called our state representative about getting it. She has no job, no income other what her daughter gives her babysit. But, because she owns her home, she doesn't qualify for anything, nothing. She has no dependent children living at home, so she doesn't qualify for food stamps or any other assistance. So, to answer your question, no, not everyone can get insurance. You have to qualify, just like you have to for credit cards and a bank loan. It's a restricted program.

Yo, sorry, but you are wrong! She just needs to talk to the right people, she is eligible for food stamps, and if she has a medical problem? Yes, she should get medicaid!

"GTP"

"OBAMA SUCKS"

According to what she told me, and I have to reason to believe that she's lying, she doesn't qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, nor Obamacare. I called the state rep for her from my home phone to request the forms and paperwork necessary to apply. After she filled out all paperwork and sent it in, they reviewed the information, called her, and told her she didn't qualify. She had also applied for state Medicaid, same results. They told her that since she owns a home and that the home is paid for in full, her assets are above the qualifying line. Her home was paid for from her parents estate left to her in their will. She baby sits for her daughter and gets $500.00 a month for it. With that, she buys food, pays utilities, gas in her car, car insurance, property taxes, medicine, and other necessities provided any money if left after the primary necessary expenses. I have known her for 6 years now, and she is honest and wouldn't lie about something of this nature. By the way, we live in Georgia. Rules may be different in your state. I'm not an expert on Medicare, Medicaid, and other benefits for each state.

What is the house worth?

Maybe that is the determining factor.

 

[Greenbeard]

5 ways Obamacare has made Americans healthier - Mar. 23 2015

A decent list, but small ball.

I'll list just one (the big enchilada): putting in place a system in which consumers, insurers, and health care providers are all incentivized to pursue and/or deliver better care while slowing cost growth, all while increasing access to care.

Might have something to with the fact that we've now simultaneously achieved the highest insurance coverage levels ever, the slowest health cost growth on record, and the best performance on quality metrics we've ever had. And all of three of those indicators continue to improve! Quite a feat.

 

[Sonny Clark]

I'm kind of new at this, so maybe people can explain to someone totally ignorant concerning the Obamacare. Do all Americans get the coverage now? Or is it still processing?

Not everyone can get it. I have a neighbor that's 59 years old. She called our state representative about getting it. She has no job, no income other what her daughter gives her babysit. But, because she owns her home, she doesn't qualify for anything, nothing. She has no dependent children living at home, so she doesn't qualify for food stamps or any other assistance. So, to answer your question, no, not everyone can get insurance. You have to qualify, just like you have to for credit cards and a bank loan. It's a restricted program.

Yo, sorry, but you are wrong! She just needs to talk to the right people, she is eligible for food stamps, and if she has a medical problem? Yes, she should get medicaid!

"GTP"

"OBAMA SUCKS"

According to what she told me, and I have to reason to believe that she's lying, she doesn't qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, nor Obamacare. I called the state rep for her from my home phone to request the forms and paperwork necessary to apply. After she filled out all paperwork and sent it in, they reviewed the information, called her, and told her she didn't qualify. She had also applied for state Medicaid, same results. They told her that since she owns a home and that the home is paid for in full, her assets are above the qualifying line. Her home was paid for from her parents estate left to her in their will. She baby sits for her daughter and gets $500.00 a month for it. With that, she buys food, pays utilities, gas in her car, car insurance, property taxes, medicine, and other necessities provided any money if left after the primary necessary expenses. I have known her for 6 years now, and she is honest and wouldn't lie about something of this nature. By the way, we live in Georgia. Rules may be different in your state. I'm not an expert on Medicare, Medicaid, and other benefits for each state.

What is the house worth?

Maybe that is the determining factor.

The house is worth approx. $135,000

 

[1stRambo]

5 ways Obamacare has made Americans healthier - Mar. 23 2015

A decent list, but small ball.

I'll list just one (the big enchilada): putting in place a system in which consumers, insurers, and health care providers are all incentivized to pursue and/or deliver better care while slowing cost growth, all while increasing access to care.

Might have something to with the fact that we've now simultaneously achieved the highest insurance coverage levels ever, the slowest health cost growth on record, and the best performance on quality metrics we've ever had. And all of three of those indicators continue to improve! Quite a feat.

Yo, what happen to freedom of choice? SOCIALIST!

"GTP"

 

[hortysir]

5 ways Obamacare has made Americans healthier - Mar. 23 2015

• Fewer uninsured: Millions of Americans now have coverage, many for the first time. The share of the nation's uninsured has dropped to 12.3% for the first two months of the year, from 17.1% in late 2013, before coverage in the insurance exchanges began.

• No one will be turned away: The law banned insurers from turning away applicants because of pre-existing conditions. So those who were previously deemed uninsurable -- either because of minor or life-threatening illnesses -- can now enroll in coverage to help them pay for their visits, tests and prescriptions.

• Staying on parents' plan: Children can now stay on their parents' insurance until age 26. As a result, roughly 5.7 million young adults have gained coverage over the past five years.

• Free preventative care: Insurers must now cover a host of wellness exams and screenings, including annual physicals, mammograms and tests for cholesterol and diabetes.

• Paying for care, not visits: Under Obamacare, doctors and hospitals are increasingly incentivized to treat patients more holistically and to keep them well. Instead of just getting paid per visit or test, insurers and Medicare are moving towards paying providers one fee to treat a patient's condition and penalizing them if patients are re-hospitalized quickly

.

1. Millions have been forced to buy something they never wanted or needed before. Benefit, insurance industry
2. Insurers have unlimited supply of new clients. Benefit, insurance industry
3. Encourages dependency but hey....gives insurance companies more clients. Benefit, you get it by now
4. Benefit healthcare industry
5. "Paying" is right.

If by "helping Americans" you mean helping Americans that head up the healthcare and insurance industries, you're absolutely right.

 

[rightwinger]

5 ways Obamacare has made Americans healthier - Mar. 23 2015

• Fewer uninsured: Millions of Americans now have coverage, many for the first time. The share of the nation's uninsured has dropped to 12.3% for the first two months of the year, from 17.1% in late 2013, before coverage in the insurance exchanges began.

• No one will be turned away: The law banned insurers from turning away applicants because of pre-existing conditions. So those who were previously deemed uninsurable -- either because of minor or life-threatening illnesses -- can now enroll in coverage to help them pay for their visits, tests and prescriptions.

• Staying on parents' plan: Children can now stay on their parents' insurance until age 26. As a result, roughly 5.7 million young adults have gained coverage over the past five years.

• Free preventative care: Insurers must now cover a host of wellness exams and screenings, including annual physicals, mammograms and tests for cholesterol and diabetes.

• Paying for care, not visits: Under Obamacare, doctors and hospitals are increasingly incentivized to treat patients more holistically and to keep them well. Instead of just getting paid per visit or test, insurers and Medicare are moving towards paying providers one fee to treat a patient's condition and penalizing them if patients are re-hospitalized quickly

.

1. Millions have been forced to buy something they never wanted or needed before. Benefit, insurance industry
2. Insurers have unlimited supply of new clients. Benefit, insurance industry
3. Encourages dependency but hey....gives insurance companies more clients. Benefit, you get it by now
4. Benefit healthcare industry
5. "Paying" is right.

If by "helping Americans" you mean helping Americans that head up the healthcare and insurance industries, you're absolutely right.

Tell it to a family who have serious health issues and were denied coverage

 

[hortysir]

5 ways Obamacare has made Americans healthier - Mar. 23 2015

• Fewer uninsured: Millions of Americans now have coverage, many for the first time. The share of the nation's uninsured has dropped to 12.3% for the first two months of the year, from 17.1% in late 2013, before coverage in the insurance exchanges began.

• No one will be turned away: The law banned insurers from turning away applicants because of pre-existing conditions. So those who were previously deemed uninsurable -- either because of minor or life-threatening illnesses -- can now enroll in coverage to help them pay for their visits, tests and prescriptions.

• Staying on parents' plan: Children can now stay on their parents' insurance until age 26. As a result, roughly 5.7 million young adults have gained coverage over the past five years.

• Free preventative care: Insurers must now cover a host of wellness exams and screenings, including annual physicals, mammograms and tests for cholesterol and diabetes.

• Paying for care, not visits: Under Obamacare, doctors and hospitals are increasingly incentivized to treat patients more holistically and to keep them well. Instead of just getting paid per visit or test, insurers and Medicare are moving towards paying providers one fee to treat a patient's condition and penalizing them if patients are re-hospitalized quickly

.

1. Millions have been forced to buy something they never wanted or needed before. Benefit, insurance industry
2. Insurers have unlimited supply of new clients. Benefit, insurance industry
3. Encourages dependency but hey....gives insurance companies more clients. Benefit, you get it by now
4. Benefit healthcare industry
5. "Paying" is right.

If by "helping Americans" you mean helping Americans that head up the healthcare and insurance industries, you're absolutely right.

Tell it to a family who have serious health issues and were denied coverage

Now they get to have a 3-$500/month bill they never had before ACA and a $4000 deductible

 

[rightwinger]

5 ways Obamacare has made Americans healthier - Mar. 23 2015

• Fewer uninsured: Millions of Americans now have coverage, many for the first time. The share of the nation's uninsured has dropped to 12.3% for the first two months of the year, from 17.1% in late 2013, before coverage in the insurance exchanges began.

• No one will be turned away: The law banned insurers from turning away applicants because of pre-existing conditions. So those who were previously deemed uninsurable -- either because of minor or life-threatening illnesses -- can now enroll in coverage to help them pay for their visits, tests and prescriptions.

• Staying on parents' plan: Children can now stay on their parents' insurance until age 26. As a result, roughly 5.7 million young adults have gained coverage over the past five years.

• Free preventative care: Insurers must now cover a host of wellness exams and screenings, including annual physicals, mammograms and tests for cholesterol and diabetes.

• Paying for care, not visits: Under Obamacare, doctors and hospitals are increasingly incentivized to treat patients more holistically and to keep them well. Instead of just getting paid per visit or test, insurers and Medicare are moving towards paying providers one fee to treat a patient's condition and penalizing them if patients are re-hospitalized quickly

.

1. Millions have been forced to buy something they never wanted or needed before. Benefit, insurance industry
2. Insurers have unlimited supply of new clients. Benefit, insurance industry
3. Encourages dependency but hey....gives insurance companies more clients. Benefit, you get it by now
4. Benefit healthcare industry
5. "Paying" is right.

If by "helping Americans" you mean helping Americans that head up the healthcare and insurance industries, you're absolutely right.

Tell it to a family who have serious health issues and were denied coverage

Now they get to have a 3-$500/month bill they never had before ACA and a $4000 deductible

If that was the, plan they chose

They are also free to look for better plans on the open market

 

[airplanemechanic]

I say Republicans pass a law that says every American must buy a gun.

That way it'll boost another private industry, gun manufacturing. Hell, if the gov't can make you buy something, it can make you buy anything.

 

[iamwhatiseem]

When I first obtained my own insurance with a full time job that year was 1988.I am pretty sure the deductible was $250. At some point it became $500, or I am mistaken and it was $500 all along, I don't remember.
In the passing years, and three different employer plans - the deductible was still $500...for decades.
Then in 2009 it went to $1000...all of us had heart attacks. We thought this was outrageous. That was until Obamacare passed. Same employer, same plan, same provider - it is now $2500.
Virtually every single human being I know - their deductible went up after (NonA)CA passed whether they have an ACA plan or not.
Another change is doctor offices wanting to collect more and more up front. Since so many people have such high deductibles, they want $hundreds up front
Some people are not getting care because they cannot afford it...and THIS is a number you don't hear about in the media.

 

[auditor0007]

5 ways Obamacare has made Americans healthier - Mar. 23 2015

• Fewer uninsured: Millions of Americans now have coverage, many for the first time. The share of the nation's uninsured has dropped to 12.3% for the first two months of the year, from 17.1% in late 2013, before coverage in the insurance exchanges began.

• No one will be turned away: The law banned insurers from turning away applicants because of pre-existing conditions. So those who were previously deemed uninsurable -- either because of minor or life-threatening illnesses -- can now enroll in coverage to help them pay for their visits, tests and prescriptions.

• Staying on parents' plan: Children can now stay on their parents' insurance until age 26. As a result, roughly 5.7 million young adults have gained coverage over the past five years.

• Free preventative care: Insurers must now cover a host of wellness exams and screenings, including annual physicals, mammograms and tests for cholesterol and diabetes.

• Paying for care, not visits: Under Obamacare, doctors and hospitals are increasingly incentivized to treat patients more holistically and to keep them well. Instead of just getting paid per visit or test, insurers and Medicare are moving towards paying providers one fee to treat a patient's condition and penalizing them if patients are re-hospitalized quickly

.

Ways that Obamacare has NOT helped people:
(1) Caused premiums to increase
(2) Caused deductibles to increase
(3) Caused insurers to lower benefits
(4) Restricted doctor availability
(5) Caused businesses to rethink hiring due to the added cost placed on them
(6) Increased taxes on upper income workers to off-set cost of Obamacare
(7) Added hundreds of $Billions to our debt
(8) Some doctors do not accept Obamacare patients
(9) Increased co-pays
(10) Caused some doctors to give up the profession here and move to Australia and other places

(1) Premiums are increasing at a much slower rate than they were before the ACA. That is a fact.
(2) Deductibles were increasing significantly well before the ACA and there seemed to be no end in sight.
(3) Benefits have increased as there are no limits anymore. Before the ACA, most policies capped out at $2 million which would no longer be enough to cover my late wife's ten months of leukemia treatment.
(4) May have restricted doctor availability in some cases but we still need more time to know for certain.
(5) There was no added cost placed on business unless they were one of the few that never provided insurance in the past, and are big enough that it is now a requirement. Of course, there are ways around this one too. I've seen companies only provide the absolute most expensive plans they could find so that none of their employees could afford their share of the premium. By choosing the most expensive plans possible, the cost to the vast majority of employees exceeds 9.5% of their income, so they can decline and still be eligible to enroll on the exchange with subsidies.
(6) Agreed, but this could well be offset with long term savings from other provisions of the ACA.
(7) Didn't add as much as everyone thought it would. It's turning out to be cheaper than they thought.
(8) Depends on which plan you purchase. If you purchase a plan from one of the cheapest companies, doctors will be limited as will the hospitals that accept the insurance. That is still much better than being without insurance.
(9) Depends on the policy and what the service is. Preventative care is now covered 100% before any deductible or co-pay.
(10) Australia's system is somewhat similar to that of the UK where there is a crossover of public and private care. Physicians are not likely to be any better off in Australia than they are here. The Australian system is certainly more socialized than our own.

 

[auditor0007]

When I first obtained my own insurance with a full time job that year was 1988.I am pretty sure the deductible was $250. At some point it became $500, or I am mistaken and it was $500 all along, I don't remember.
In the passing years, and three different employer plans - the deductible was still $500...for decades.
Then in 2009 it went to $1000...all of us had heart attacks. We thought this was outrageous. That was until Obamacare passed. Same employer, same plan, same provider - it is now $2500.
Virtually every single human being I know - their deductible went up after (NonA)CA passed whether they have an ACA plan or not.
Another change is doctor offices wanting to collect more and more up front. Since so many people have such high deductibles, they want $hundreds up front
Some people are not getting care because they cannot afford it...and THIS is a number you don't hear about in the media.

We were heading into these super high deductibles anyway. The ACA did not create the high deductibles. Costs have just risen so much that everything is out of whack, and it's not even the insurance companies. If you want a better understanding of how this happened, go visit you local hospital. My girlfriend works at a big hospital and they just keep adding on more and more, and they keep buying out smaller hospitals. They are making so much money it is unbelievable, but they keep throwing it right back into their business, because they are preparing for the influx of increased patients they are going to see over the next thirty years. The real problem is the cost of care, period. You can have a hip replacement in Europe for around $20,000. In the US, it costs approximately $100,000. There are many reasons for this, but that is where our problem lies. At some point we are going to need to have an honest discussion about the way we treat people for all kinds of things. We pay way more than people in any other country of the world, and the end result is the same as anywhere else. So why are we paying so much more?