A very good friend of mine signed up at health care.gov last week.

[NCTraveler]

She lives under the poverty level, is not married, no children, and tries her best to be independent. She has mailed her first $300.00 check to Blue Cross Blue Shield. Every month she will be sending them $300.00. I helped my friend with the application and reviewed all of the plans available to her. I spoke to a doctor about the plans and what insurance policy will give her the care she needs. This is one of the better plans. Most of the other plans would have had her coming out of pocket for the same amount and the deductibles are unacceptable. She has gone to family to ask for their help in paying the premium each month, they agreed to do so. The only way under the current process for her to get health insurance that will turn into health care was to go for the better plan. She is receiving a subsidy.

This is crap. Under the poverty level and her family has to help her to pay for something they should not have to. She should not have to ask them. This is what Democrats are celebrating. This is where we are at. this is called success. After the great success that is the ACA, a young woman under the poverty level has to ask relatives to help pay for her health insurance.

Bright side - She will have a very good health insurance plan that will provide her with health care.

Bad side - She truly cannot afford it. Had to ask for help.

How many out there cannot afford it and don't have someone to ask for help in paying? How many out there are listening to how great the ACA is while not being able to benefit from it?

The ACA is a mixed bag for me. It leaves many out in the cold. What the democrats are claiming was the best they could do isn't good enough.

When will the people at the top of the party start fighting for health care as if it were a right and not a gift they are graciously giving to those with limited income. They piss a little money down on her(not really her but a private corporation) all while she gives all she has left to BCBS. This peasant isn't going to act grateful anymore.

If the ACA helps you, congratulations. It leaves many people in the dark.

For those who want to throw stats out, good for you. You can call this my little anecdote that doesn't amount to a hill of beans. What you are missing is that this anecdote is my life and the life of someone I love. It is our reality.

[tcfrogs]

1. Won't the subsidy help?

Obviously it doesn't help with the short-term cash flow for your friend. Just wondering.

[yeoman6987]

3. Why is she not eligible for Medicaid?

Is this the best she can do? 300.00 a month sounds high especially since she will have to pay out of pocket for doctor's visits and pharmacy. Best of luck to her. What happens when the family can no longer help her?

[NCTraveler]

9. She is not eligible for medicaid. Not everyone living under the poverty level is.

It is a very good plan she now has. Very good. It was one of the only plans that would provide her the care needed. Hopefully she pulls herself up by her bootstraps as the trickle downers want her to do and she doesn't have to be as dependent on family in the future.

[Lex]

27. That's because NC stupidly didn't expand Medicaid when the ACA came into effect.

That's the problem---not the ACA itself.

Read here: http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2014/02/11/wall-street-journal-article-exposes-folly-of-not-expanding-medicaid/

[NCTraveler]

32. It is federal legislation that has left her to the whims of the state.

It is the ACA itself. It falls way short. I know it is easy to blame the state for the lack of effectiveness of a piece of federal legislation in an individuals life. It is clear that the authors of the ACA in no way feel that healthcare is a right.

[Lex]

34. No. The ACA called for Medicaid expansion for ALL states.

Then the US Supreme Court overruled that and said individual states could decide about Medicaid expansion.

[wendylaroux]

104. No, the ACA had most every poor person covered with medicaid expansion,

then the "supreme?" court said each state could decide for themselves whether to expand medicaid.

Some states want to help the poor,some states don't care if they live or die.

Your sisters state does not give a shit about her, or other poor people.

[CreekDog]

109. No, the Supreme Court did

this is a travesty but you don't have the facts right.

[JTFrog]

130. Wrong wrong wrong.

And spreading this kind of misinformation is not helpful.

[JNelson6563]

73. No, no, that can't be right.

It absolutely must be the faults of Obama/Dems. NC has a Rethug governor who missed a great oppotunity for the people of his state, yes, that is all true but, what really matters here, is that Obama/Dems just totally fucked this up!1!

And all those other people, in states that *did* expand Medicaid and are now covering thousands who previously went without, yeah, those are just flukes. Don't be fooled, Obama/Dems are screwing everyone over!!11



Julie

[stopbush]

87. Yep. My family qualified for MediCal in CA under the Medicaid expansion.

The options under the program are fabulous. We elected to sign up for the Kaiser network to start. You're allowed to change your network every 30 days if you don't like the one you're in. The only expense involved is for prescriptions, which cost a max of $4.

I've been out of work for 3 years. We're living on my wife's part-time income and raiding our retirement funds to get by. Were it not for the ACA, we wouldn't have insurance. Let me repeat that: were it not for the ACA, we wouldn't have insurance. Before this, we were on my wife's COBRA (@ $400 per month) until it expired in September. We went 4 months with no insurance. I checked out the Covered CA website, found we were eligible for the Medicaid expansion as of 1/1/14, and here we are today - covered for medical, dental, vision, meds...everything.

My wife is a cancer survivor. Do you know what we'd be paying for a basic, crap insurance policy - in the individual market, no less - were it not for the ACA?

THAT'S what the ACA has done in states like CA where the governor accepted the FREE FEDERAL MONEY to expand Medicaid.

So, THANK YOU, PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE DEMOCRATS!!!

And FUCK YOU, Republicans - ALL Republicans!

[Whisp]

106. thanks for that post, stopbush.

I am very happy things are better for you now.

I can't imagine living under that pressure of not being able to afford getting sick and the constant worry that comes with that. (I'm from Canada).

Just the fact that less stress makes you healthier is a difference.

[stopbush]

149. It is a HUGE relief to have insurance again.

Interesting: at my last job, I had insurance through Kaiser, which was excellent. They take your blood pressure every time you show up!

Anyway, on Monday, I got a letter from Kaiser, a letter based on the fact that I used to have their insurance. They were trolling for customers, trying to cash in on Obamacare being around: "Come back to Kaiser for ONLY $510 a month!"

Yep. $510 a month for a plan that covered only me, not my wife and kids.

Under Obamacare, my entire family now has Kaiser for free.

[Lex]

113. Exactly how it should work under the medicaid expansion portion of the ACA. nt

[freshwest]

131. You don't say now, huh?

[choie]

107. That's not necessarily true...

I am in NY and my husband and I are not eligible for a subsidy, which makes the available plan with the high deductible, etc. unaffordable for us.

[Lex]

111. Why are you ineligible for a subsidy?

What causes that?

[choie]

114. We are over income

by about $75 and unfortunately, with the high amount of rent we have to pay, the cost per month without a subsidy is prohibitive.

[NCTraveler]

7. Yes, the subsidy helps. It is actually a pretty significant subsidy.

She still cannot afford $300.00/month.

[tcfrogs]

22. Not many under the poverty level can afford that

It is quite a payout each month for those at that level.

[JDPriestly]

94. That's a sign for a Moral Monday march. That's where you need to air this grievance.

The federal government is not allowed to force the states to fully fund Medicaid. Stop your Republican governor and maybe your state will be a better place to live at least for the poor who cannot afford healthcare on their own.

[CreekDog]

110. why aren't you responding to the error you've been corrected on?

when you said the ACA didn't provide Medicaid for the poverty level in ALL states, you were wrong and more than one of us corrected you on this.

the Supreme Court's ruling meant that a governor could reject Medicaid expansion with little the feds could do to fill the gap.

[NCTraveler]

118. Nothing I have said is incorrect. nt.

[CreekDog]

134. Yes, what you have said is incorrect, perhaps Rush Limbaugh will quote it tomorrow too!

and you were corrected on this multiple times but you press on...

It is federal legislation that has left her to the whims of the state.

It is the ACA itself. It falls way short. I know it is easy to blame the state for the lack of effectiveness of a piece of federal legislation in an individuals life. It is clear that the authors of the ACA in no way feel that healthcare is a right.

[pnwmom]

145. I don't know why it is so high, even after the subsidy.

I know a 26 year old who paid the full amount for a gold plan, and they were all around the $300 mark with no subsidy.

[GoCubsGo]

83. Not everyone is eligible for subsidies.

I plan to make $0 this year, unless my luck changes. I looked into the exchanges yesterday. I have no children, I am single, and 53-years-old. I am not eligible for Medicaid, having no kids, not that it matters. The vermin that occupy my state's governors mansion and state legislature are refusing the Medicaid expansion, so many others will be screwed over in that regard. According to Healthcare.gov, there are no subsidies available for people like me. I cannot afford the $400/mo for a catastrophic plan, so I will continue to go without.

[brush]

155. Something doesn't sound right with the OP.

The numbers point to a subsidy for this person. Something seems to be left out of the OP.

[Romulox]

2. She has to borrow money to pay the premiums--how is she going to pay the co-pays?

Mandatory private insurance solves little.

[NCTraveler]

18. The co-pays are very small. Her decuctable is almost nothing.

It is an insurance plan that will result in health care. Not all insurance plans do that. It is a very good health insurance plan. If she needs help with the costs, she will get it from family or friends. I know not everyone has this option.

[joeglow3]

37. Does she have poor health?

You stated that she is young. She may be better off getting a "lesser" plan and putting the difference away each month for the increased deductible. She can tap that if she needs to.

[JDPriestly]

96. Her state did not accept the federal assistance for Medicaid.

It isn't a matter of mandatory private insurance. It is a matter of a heartless, cruel state government.

[ProSense]

4. Not sure

She lives under the poverty level, is not married, no children, and tries her best to be independent. She has mailed her first $300.00 check to Blue Cross Blue Shield...She is receiving a subsidy.

...I understand this. I assume that she was ineligible for Medicaid under the pre-ACA rules.

If she's below the poverty level and is in NC, which didn't expand Medicaid, she likely falls into the gap, where she is ineligible for subsidies.

If NC had expanded Medicaid, she would be eligible for Medicaid.

Also, isn't the state under pressure to expand Medicaid?

[NCTraveler]

10. I am actually in Florida. I just love NC and travel around the mountains there when possible.

Thanks for the reply. She does not qualify for Medicaid.

[ProSense]

16. Florida didn't expand Medicaid either. n/t

[libtodeath]

17. It is still the same thing,Florida did not expand either.

Be pissed at asshole Rick Scott not the ACA.

[NCTraveler]

36. Be pissed at Rick Scott for a piece of federal legislation.

A signature piece of federal legislation. I am pissed that he is the governor in the first place. I am not shocked in any way that he didn't do the expansion. No one should be. It is a huge problem with the ACA, not Rick Scott.

[libtodeath]

38. For the last time,the rw supreme court allowed it,the ACA did not intend to let states opt out.

[oldhippie]

42. Again, the ACA, that signature piece of federal legislation .....

... DID call for the expansion of Medicaid in all states. It was the Supreme Court that said Congress did not have the power to do that. Don't blame the legislation, blame the Court.

[CreekDog]

139. If you keep saying that maybe Rush will quote you

Remember last time? Yeah the wrong thing you posted here about the social security tax ended up on his show.

You could do us a favor and get it right in case it happens again.

[Skip Intro]

141. Quell dissent by insult, eh?

Nobody's going to stop talking about reality and join you in blindly singing from your lockstep hymnal simply because you sling personal barbs their way, nor should they.

The ACA works for some, is a trainwreck for many more.

Not saying it and belittling those who do won't make it not so.

[CreekDog]

143. so you've never insulted Obama?

and most people here will know if you are dishonest in your response.

[LiberalEsto]

5. To answer your question:

'When will the people at the top of the party start fighting for health care as if it were a right and not a gift they are graciously giving to those with limited income ''?

When we elect new people to head the party. People who don't accept donations from the insurance industry.

[el_bryanto]

6. Your right - we shouldn't throw stats out.

I mean what relevance could those have compared to this anecdote. You've turned me around and I think we should scrap the whole ACA. After all your reality is the only one that matters, apparently.

And why didn't she apply for the subsidy?

Bryant

[NCTraveler]

11. I don't think you read the op. nt.

[el_bryanto]

28. I did read it and I feel sorry for your friends situation

But your last paragraph is basically saying that your friends situation matters more than Statistics or general trends, and that's where you lose me.

Bryant

[NCTraveler]

40. Blue Cross likes the general trend.

It was a little lesson in anecdotes. Sorry that is all you see when you read the op. Please tell the family in Afghanistan that just lost their son to a drone attack that the numbers of deaths by drone have gone down this year. Using their son as a talking point is just an anecdote. Show them how happy the stats are. Show them how much money we have given their country. They will then beg forgiveness for that little anecdote called their son.

There truly are people who don't understand that anecdotes are simply peoples reality. That seems to be where I lost you.

[el_bryanto]

43. Great emotionally manipulative comparison

So you say that the ACA is like the Drone Program? That like the Drone Progam it is killing people and should be scrapped?

Or let me ask it another way- now that I know about your friends situation what should I do? Argue that North Carolina should have expanded Medicaid? or repeal the ACA?

Bryatn

[NCTraveler]

49. The comparison is right on.

It has to do with your very clear thought on using anecdotes. That is all your reply was really about. You do not understand that anecdotes are individuals reality. They overcome statistics to the individual. They live in what many simply write off as an anecdote.

[el_bryanto]

72. Except you can't expect to govern from anecdote

If you are suggesting that the ACA should be scrapped, than you can't just say "My friend is hurting under the new system, so let's scrap it." Because of course there are people who are having the opposite experience, who were working two jobs to afford insurance/get covered on a health insurance plan, and who are now, thanks to the ACA able to have easier better lives.

So why is your friends story relevant and these other people's not?

As for your cheap, manipulative drone analogy, if I believed that considerably more people were being protected or saved by that program than were being killed by it and if I argued for that, than you might have a point; but as far as I know I haven't argued that (and I'm guessing I would know). I think the Drone program is a failure both because of the collateral damage and because I don't believe it's accomplish anything to make up for that collateral damage.

Bryant

[zeemike]

112. Anecdote or not, people living at or even above the poverty level cannot afford 300 a month.

And there are millions like her, and many of them don't have family that can help them with it.

The whole fucking thing is a disaster, and it would have been such a simple thing to give us the public option...but that was off the table because it would compete with private insurance...and they want to keep that monopoly.

[JDPriestly]

99. I don't mean to insult you personally, but you and a lot of other people are falling into the

trap the Republicans are laying. Republican governors are refusing to take the federal money to fully fund Medicaid. They are throwing a temper tantrum that hurts the poorest in their states including your friend. Get a Democratic governor and legislature and suddenly you will discover that the ACA was not the problem. The Republicans are the problem.

It would be better to have single payer, but there will always be problems when it comes to healthcare because no doctor or nurse can heal everyone every time. Our medicine is just not that perfect. In fact, life is not perfect. But Republicans make it much, much, much less perfect for the poor than it would be without them.

Tell this story to your Republican governor and to the Supreme Court justices.

[NCTraveler]

119. Or I can tell my story to the people who wrote the piece of legislation...

that couldn't meet constitutional muster. You have not insulted me. The republicans have not worked out some trap here as you describe.

"But Republicans make it much, much, much less perfect for the poor than it would be without them."

True words....

Why would I tell my story to the republicans? I will tell it to the people in the party who should believe that health care is a right, not a privilege. The ACA embodies our current concept that health care is a privilege.

What is insulting is that we do not have health care for all of our citizens. As wealthy as this country is, it should be done.

How many republicans voted for the ACA?

[JDPriestly]

128. You will not get improvements to the bill unless you vote for Democrats who will

change it. The Republicans voted against it. What kind of health insurance coverage would your friend have if the ACA did not exist? If you vote for Republicans and they remain in charge of the House, the ACA will be repealed. What kind of health insurance will your friend have then?

Before the ACA was passed, people with pre-existing conditions had no insurance in many states. Complainers about the ACA who blame Democrats are biting the hand that is feeding them. It is sheer nonsense. Hard to believe that the complaints are sincere when it is clear that with more Republican support at the state level, your friend would have a Medicaid subsidy and perhaps not owe $300.


One thing that your post does not acknowledge is the fact that as enacted by the Democrats in Congress, the ACA, the bill provided Medicaid subsidies for all states. It is the CHOICE of Florida's very wealthy, very stingy, very cruel governor to refuse the Medicaid funding from the federal government and to refuse to fund Medicaid adequately at the state level that is causing your friend's problem.

The Republican governor and legislature of your state are to blame, not the ACA.

I gave you the links that prove my points. Biting the hand that feeds you.

[libtodeath]

8. You should be angry that the NC,assuming that is the state,repuke gov refused the medicaid expansion

That is the problem.

[NCTraveler]

14. Actually I am angry that there is a federal healthcare bill,

that is suppose to be a signature piece of legislation, that leaves many out in the cold. Are you saying that the ACA, a piece of legislation at the federal level, has left my friend at the whim of the state. Doesn't sound too strong to me.

[libtodeath]

20. It was the reich wing supreme court that did that

They allowed states to opt out.
That is why we need to fight to keep a Democratic president who will appoint justices that are not puppets of corporations and the 1%.

[frazzled]

12. Blame your state and the Supreme Court, not the ACA

By all rights, under the ACA, your friend should be totally eligible for Medicaid. The Medicaid expansion provision in the law includes people up to 133% above poverty level and includes childless adults.

The Supreme Court, however, ruled that states did not HAVE to accept the Medicaid expansion, and many have not. That was a blow to the ACA, but not its fault. States run Medicaid. The law did everything in its power to encourage the states to make this expansion--including 100% funding of the expansion for the initial years and 90% funding after. But nooooo.

[NCTraveler]

21. I am not going to blame the state for a signature piece of federal legislation. nt.

[libtodeath]

26. The scotus allowed states to opt out,please get your facts right.

[frazzled]

59. Then you are simply being recalcitrant and oppositional

And we can't take you seriously. Your friend would be covered under this federal legislation if your state hadn't been granted the right to reject it. The fault lies entirely with your state.

[1StrongBlackMan]

98. Please place your hands over your ears and repeat after me ...

"I'm not listening."

To this point, posters have told you no less than 7 times why you should blame your state for the Democratic Signature Healthcare program's gap; but on the off chance you missed it (and are just not being obstinate) ...

27. That's because NC stupidly didn't expand Medicaid when the ACA came into effect. That's the problem---not the ACA itself.

Read here: http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2014/02/11/wall-street-journal-article-exposes-folly-of-not-expanding-medicaid/

Or,

34. No. The ACA called for Medicaid expansion for ALL states. Then the US Supreme Court overruled that and said individual states could decide about Medicaid expansion.

Or,

38. For the last time,the rw supreme court allowed it,the ACA did not intend to let states opt out.

Or,

42. Again, the ACA, that signature piece of federal legislation ..... ... DID call for the expansion of Medicaid in all states. It was the Supreme Court that said Congress did not have the power to do that. Don't blame the legislation, blame the Court.

Or,

8. You should be angry that the NC,assuming that is the state,repuke gov refused the medicaid expansion
That is the problem.

Or,

20. It was the reich wing supreme court that did that They allowed states to opt out.
That is why we need to fight to keep a Democratic president who will appoint justices that are not puppets of corporations and the 1%.

Or,

12. Blame your state and the Supreme Court, not the ACA. By all rights, under the ACA, your friend should be totally eligible for Medicaid. The Medicaid expansion provision in the law includes people up to 133% above poverty level and includes childless adults.

The Supreme Court, however, ruled that states did not HAVE to accept the Medicaid expansion, and many have not. That was a blow to the ACA, but not its fault. States run Medicaid. The law did everything in its power to encourage the states to make this expansion--including 100% funding of the expansion for the initial years and 90% funding after. But nooooo.

Understand now?

[NCTraveler]

120. You are placing blame. Nothing more.

Are you telling me that news outlets weren't running stories about this before it was found to be unconstitutional? Where were you when that was being discussed? It was a known quantity to most, but not all. Seems you weren't listening during the debate. You weren't the only one with your ears closed as the bill was being presented. I understand it was complicated and did take a lot of reading. Many simply wanted to claim victory, regardless of outcome. Blame republicans? How many of them voted for the bill?

[1StrongBlackMan]

125. No, it is you that is

mis-placing blame.

Are you telling me that news outlets weren't running stories about this before it was found to be unconstitutional?

Yes ... there were news stories of people suffering with high costs that they would not have had to bear but for their governors refusing the feature of the ACA to expand their Medicaid program ... on the Federal Dime, BTW.

These stories have appeared both before the SCOTUS ruling, and after, but in each of these instances the precipitating event was the governor's refusal to expand their Medicaid program.

But okay ... you seem to be intent to blame the ACA for what partisan governors have wrought.

[NCTraveler]

127. I see why the name strong is in you user name.

"These stories have appeared both before the SCOTUS ruling, and after, but in each of these instances the precipitating event was the governor's refusal to expand their Medicaid program."

Great bit of honesty on your part there. I am sure you can read that many times and not see how you are making my argument. Strong like an unmovable rock.

[1StrongBlackMan]

129. You are correct ...

I wrote it ... and have re-read it, three times now; and you are correct ... I cannot/do not see where that makes your argument. Please explain.

[JDPriestly]

100. Tell your friend to move to a state like California that is fully implementing the ACA.

[missingthebigdog]

135. She doesn't even have to move that far.

Relocating to Kentucky would get her Medicaid.

I am quite sure that if I were in a state that did not expand Medicaid, and I were in her straits, I would be relocating to one that did.

[Autumn]

13. It is a reality, for many people.

What could have been. If they had changed the guidelines for Medicaid and Medicare that would have been a real positive. Imagine all those subsidies from our tax dollars going into those government programs instead of fucking greedy corporations.

[NCTraveler]

25. So many refuse to even recognize how many are in her same position.

They won't even acknowledge it. Blame the states for a piece of federal legislation and move on.

[Autumn]

33. To many of them it's all about the who, not the what.

It's a disgrace that your friend has to beg her family for help to pay the premium while the insurance companies get a tax payer funded subsidy.

[joeglow3]

39. How do we solve it?

Not what would you and I like, but how do we actually accomplish solving it?

[NCTraveler]

46. By talking about healthcare as a right, not a priviledge.

By starting the negotiations in a different manner. I don't really have the answers. I don't think any of us do. I think we all agree that the negotiations could have started differently. I think we all agree that the rhetoric was less than progressive.

[joeglow3]

51. The problem is that in today's culture, it has to be a journey

As much as I agree with you, I see no way that we could get single payer, which is what we need. However, I see this a HUGE leap forward in that direction. While it may take 10-20 years to get there (and I believe we WILL get there), I also don't support doing nothing unless we get single payer. I will celebrate progress forward, even if it is not as fast as I would like.

[JDPriestly]

105. We are not blaming the states for a piece of federal legislation.

We are blaming the states for opting out of a portion of the federal legislation that was meant to help your friend. People who blame the ACA, get on the internet, have a half a dozen people explain that the complainer has the facts wrong and is blaming the ACA when he/she should be blaming his/her state government is trying to cause a ruckus over nothing.

How many times have people explained that the ACA as enacted provided federal money to the states to help fund Medicaid for people like your friend?

How many times have people explained that the Supreme Court specifically ruled that while the federal government could offer subsidies to the states to fund Medicaid for people like your friend it could not require the states to take the money and fund Medicaid for people like your friend?

How many times have people explained that if your friend has to pay $300 a month for her health insurance coverage it is not the fault of the ACA but rather the fault of your state, its government including YOUR GOVERNOR and YOUR LEGISLATURE?

How many times must DUers explain these truths, these facts?

Here is a link to the Supreme Court decision.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/documents/supreme-court-health-care-decision-text.html

Here is the statement Rick Scott made about opting out of the ACA's provision for Medicaid.

. . . .
“Floridians are interested in jobs and economic growth, a quality education for their children, and keeping the cost of living low,” Governor Scott said. “Neither of these major provisions in ObamaCare will achieve those goals, and since Florida is legally allowed to opt out, that’s the right decision for our citizens.”

It is important to note that Florida already has health care safety net programs for those with the greatest need, including assistance for families with incomes up to 133% of the poverty line, and Florida KidCare to ensure no child goes without health care in Florida.

But even though the federal government has promised to initially pay 100% of the increase in Medicaid payments for the first three years of ObamaCare, the burden increasingly shifts to Florida taxpayers in future years. Medicaid, which has been growing for years at three-and-a-half times as fast as Florida’s general revenue, will soon grow even faster under ObamaCare, and education funding will be adversely impaired if we do not control the growth in Medicaid spending.

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/07/02/rick-scott-statement-florida-opts-out-of-parts-of-obamacare/

In other words, although there are many poor people in Florida and also many, many rich people with huge mansions and beachfront luxury houses and apartments, Rick Scott has chosen to protect the fortunes of the rich and let the poor die without healthcare.

Essentially, the problem is in your state. While you may have many poor Floridians, Florida is home to some of the very wealthiest people in the world. Your friend needs to get active and get rid of Republicans in your state government. The federal government cannot force the states to have a heart. And Florida certainly is one of the many heartless states in our country. Don't blame the ACA. Blame your governor and legislature.

[flamingdem]

15. Would you tell us her income?

Otherwise it's too difficult to evaluate what you're describing.

We need to keep in mind that Medicare isn't free either if you want a good plan. Plenty of people pay 200-300 to get the extra coverage.

[ProSense]

29. You could go to healthcare.gov and plug in an income, say $15,000

Florida, pick an and a county, single and see the plans that come up.

[flamingdem]

102. My point is that it's easy to confuse the facts without knowing the income

If said person is very low to low income that would mean a better subsidy in most places.

Everything depends on location and salary.

[Lex]

19. The problem is not the ACA. It is Gov McCrory blocking Medicaid expansion in NC.

That would've helped your friend immensely based on the facts in your OP.

[NCTraveler]

23. We are in FL. You point still stands.

I do fault what is suppose to be a signature piece of federal legislation.

[Lex]

30. Fact: The Medicaid expansion was a part of the federal legislation for all states.

But US Supreme Court let the states decide not to do it.

[NCTraveler]

41. Never saw that coming did they.

There was plenty of talk about that and many were very confident in how the SC would rule.

[Lex]

45. LOL.

Well if your point gets blown out of the water by the facts, you can always change the focus.

[NCTraveler]

52. I have not changed the focus in any way at all. nt.

[libtodeath]

53. Yeah,President Obama should just overrule the scotus I guess,LOL.

[freshwest]

132. Isn't that what the RWNJs claim all day long? Impeach the tyrannical Kenyian socialist! Freedum! n/t

[Whisp]

24. it's funner to blame that devil Obama

and his evil plans to destroy the poor and feed the super rich with their blood.

[meadowlark5]

31. It's the fault of the states and their republican legislatures that refused the medicaid expansion

There was all that money being offered by the fed govt to states to help get people affordable health insurance and the republican governors and law makers refused it. Trying to stick it to Obama, they really only are sticking it to their constituents.

[libtodeath]

35. I hope this is not against the rules but something seems familiar

Didnt you post a similar op last fall that happened to be picked up by a certain AM radio host?

Looked,not about the ACA but another anti President Obama thread.

[NCTraveler]

44. I did post an op that was picked up by a certain am radio host.

Had nothing to do with the aca. I am glad you keep up with me. What does this have to do with anything? What seems familiar?

[libtodeath]

47. Just a bit too convenient but carry on with the anti ACA rant even though it has been pointed out

many times that things you are saying are factually wrong.
Have a nice day.

[NCTraveler]

48. Nothing has been pointed out as being factually wrong with my op.

That is dishonest on your part. Thank you for stopping by to attempt to hijack the thread.

[libtodeath]

50. Many have pointed out that if FL had expanded medicaid it would not be a problem

That they can opt out was a result of a rw scotus ruling,not the writing of the ACA.
You refuse to accept that but it is true.
Easier I guess to dump on President Obama for not somehow stopping repuke activist justices from screwing up the law but like I said,carry on.

[NCTraveler]

56. This is a piece of federal legislation...

and I am suppose to get all worked up over governor Scott? It is everyone's fault except for the legislation itself. This is becoming comical. Hey, the Affordable Care Act isn't affordable for your friend because of your state and the SC. It has nothing to do with the affordable Care Act and how it was written.

At least you are willing to admit it is leaving many without.

[libtodeath]

58. Do you even grasp how the system works?

The ACA was passed by congress and signed by the president.
It called for expanded medicaid in all states.
There was a legal challenge and the scotus threw out that part and mostly repuke states refused to expand.
What is so difficult to understand?

[Lex]

63. Intentionally not understanding (I hope). nt

[Armstead]

65. The whole concept is riddled with avoidable flaws

That's what is so difficult to deal with.

In their efforts to support the insurance industry and placate right wingers who would have fought against ANY meaningful reform, the ACA became this legally vulnerable, practically cumbersome and overly complex bit of trash. A few good results outweighed by the negative consequences.

There were more straightforward alternatives available that cold have at least moved towards accomplishing the ultimate goal.

But they abandoned even the idea of creating public option to buy into Medicaid at any age, with cost based on income.

[rgbecker]

136. I'm sure a public option would have picked up at least a couple of GOP votes.

Not.

[Armstead]

146. NOTHING wold have picked up a couple of GOP votes

That was a given.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

62. You continue to ignore your state's governor's refusal to accept Medicaid expansion as the

reason your anecdote exists. We have the same problem in Texas because of our dumbass governor.

Without the expansion funds, you will see higher costs. That is not ACA's fault.

I'm saying this as someone who is, like you, also wary of ACA.

[NCTraveler]

67. I continue to ignore nothing.

The reason my anecdote exists is because the ACA was fundamentally flawed. It was well know that there was a good chance the SC was going to strike down some of the Medicaid parts. It was no secret. That is a fundamental flaw in the legislation. Rick Scott is scum. He was scum before the ACA and will continue to be scum. You are literally saying that the ACA plays no role in this. It's fundamental flaws are of no issue. Why is this so black and white for some. Why does it seem like people are just now realizing that republican governors suck.

[missingthebigdog]

137. You are welcome to move north to Arkansas. We would love to have you help us be more blue!

Despite the redness of our State, we did the right thing and expanded Medicaid.

[Armstead]

54. That's obscene. nt

[Sissyk]

55. My anecdote(s) are totally different.

We have friends that moved here to Tennessee in December. One has a job but the company does not offer insurance for a year. She has three young children, though.

I talked her into checking out ACA plans with a HIGH deductible, low co-pays, and to use the subsidies. She got hers for a tad over what your friend is paying for one.

It's more important for her, and her family, to have health insurance that will cover her children in case of an emergency. The deductible will be worried about when that time comes. As long as they are covered, you know you don't pay that deductible right away if an emergency happens, right?

Good luck to your friend. She may need help from family and friends but at least she has family and friends willing to help. The majority I have helped to sign up, don't have that.

[NCTraveler]

61. I am truly happy for your friend and begrudge them in no way.

I have posted many times that my uncertainty with the ACA stems from the fact that I know it is helping many people yet leaves others in the cold. Your friends will truly be better in life for what they are getting. My friend will be also. She has a great plan.

[Sissyk]

70. Thanks!

The anecdote(s) I have for people I've helped that couldn't get a better and cheaper plan is all due to my state. Every single one of those has to do with living in Tn that did not elect the medicaid expansion. Nothing to do with the federal plan. It's all state.

Sounds like that is the case for your friend, too. I agree with you that it leaves those out in the cold due to our red states. Good luck, again!

[NCTraveler]

71. My problem with blaming the state is that it could have been done in a much different manner.

It is a piece of federal legislation that left people at the whim of the state. There was much discussion about the Medicaid provision and if it would be constitutional. Best to you and yours as well. I know that many people will benefit from the ACA.

[global1]

57. ACA Only Contributes To Solving Some Of The Issues We Have....

it provides 'good' affordable health care. You say she lives "under the poverty level, is not married and has no children".

Does she work? Does she have any income?

One of the other issues we would have to deal with is - how do we get her to live above the poverty level? Seems like another thing we need to focus on. How about raising the minimum wage - wouldn't that help out a bit? How about a good jobs bill that creates jobs and puts people to work.

I don't know if we can just focus on ACA and say that it is the problem. We have other issues that impinge on the effectiveness of ACA and we need to take care of those issues as well.

[Armstead]

60. The ACA is an example of how totally ineffective we are with just about everything

Sorry if that sounds trollish or bitter, but it makes me angry that we can get even one f'ing thing right.

Raising the minimum wage? that should have been a no-brainer all along, and it should have been keeping up with living costs steadily for the last 30 years, instead of being allowed to fall so far back. And we're still dicking around about it.

Sorry, my hot button just got poked by this thread.

[NCTraveler]

64. Thank you for this post.

The current system is fundamentally flawed. She does work. She does have income.

Everything you said would help. You are right, the ACA isn't the only problem. The current systems flaws are fundamental.

[Auntie Bush]

66. Since you are anti-Obama

This thread gives you a chance to badmouth the President and his signature legislation. Maybe you don't belong here.

[Armstead]

68. Um maybe I missed something, but i don't see the presidents name in the OP

[NCTraveler]

69. I'm anti-Obama?

I think you are wrong. What about my op makes you think I don't belong here? I think Obama is the best President we have had since I have been an adult(5 Presidents). What is your point?

[ProSense]

75. "I think Obama is the best President we have had since I have been an adult(5 Presidents)."

Sure you do. That's why you keep dismissing the fact that the healt care law expanded Medicaid to every state, and the SCOTUS made it voluntary.

That's why you keep blaming the law for the actions of the asshole that is your Governor.

[Auntie Bush]

79. I'm soooo sorry NCTraveler.

I obviously made a mistake and got posts confused. Doesn't pay to watch Olympics and post. I don't know how I made that mistake! I thought you said you had an anti-Obama article published and admitted you were anti-Obama.
It must have been another OP. I'm really very sorry for my mistake...especially since you are a Hillary fan. I hope a heart will help heal the wounds.

[NCTraveler]

80. It is all good.

I am a little pissed and wanted to vent. I have liked may of the things Obama has done and disliked many of the things he has done. I do think he has done better than Clinton as president. I am definitely not anti-Obama. I have railed against him before. I have also praised him. I would put him on the same level as Clinton if it weren't for the advent of the tea party and those who just see his race. He has had to deal with unbelievable opposition. That alone has him above Clinton in my book.

[840high]

140. Nice.

[oldhippie]

78. I don't think the OP is anti-Obama ....

... just anti-ACA, because it is not perfect.

[Auntie Bush]

86. See post 79

I made a profound mistake.

[840high]

97. You must have misread.

[Auntie Bush]

138. See post 79.

[madmom]

74. My anecdote is also quite the opposite...

I know two young ladies (both 30) never married, no kids, both college educated, both low wage jobs. One qualifies for medicaid (thanks to Kasich defying his fellow repugs) the other gets low cost insurance with subsidy thanks to the ACA.
My daughter was telling me about a friend who text her with a ton of smiley faces and a you were right! She asked her what about, and she said she did look into "Obamacare" and she can afford insurance. She is divorced with two kids, working a $10 and hour job and trying to go back to school. This one is 45. So it seems to be helping lots of people.

[sinkingfeeling]

76. I just went to healthcare.gov and typed in a make-believe single woman,

aged 40, with no children and an income of $14,575. In this state, that qualifies for Medicaid. then I did the same for a woman living in Wake County, NC. Guess what, they must get a plan. So blame North Carolina.

[Proud Public Servant]

77. This stopped me in my tracks

I'm a federal employee. If your friend is a single woman living below the poverty level, then I'd surmise that I make at least 10x her income; my wife and I together make at least 18-20x her income.

Guess much we pay for health insurance. Yep: $300/month -- and it covers both of us (and would cover my daughter, too, if she needed it). Nor is that ACA-specific; I was paying that same rate before the ACA was even enacted.

If health insurance (thanks to a hefty federal subsidy) can cover my whole family for $300/month, even though our household income is many times the poverty level, how the hell are we not covering your friend for free? Really, that's sickening.

[NCTraveler]

81. I do think it is sickening. The $300 is with a subsidy.

I am at my wits end over being told it is the fault of others and not the ACA. My friend needs help. Others need help. Many in this thread are doing just what pisses me off when it comes to the discussion of health care from democrats. They talk about it as if it is a privilege. It should always be discussed by democrats as if it were a right.

[Lex]

82. The friend isn't covered because NC didn't expand Medicaid like many other states did as per

the ACA. The US Supreme Court decided, contrary to the ACA's plan, to allow states to "opt out" of expanding Medicaid in their state leaving many poor folks in those states who "opted out" without affordable coverage.

NC's Governor is getting pressure to reverse course on opting out but I don't know, he's a true Republican scum.

[Proud Public Servant]

84. I get the reason

I'm just disgusted that we as a nation can't do better than this.

[Lex]

85. Well sure

most everyone here at DU is for single-payer, as am I. It was difficult for the President and the Dems to push even the ACA through as it is but it helps many, not all.

[stopbush]

88. What kind of insurance did she have before the ACA?

I'm guessing she didn't have insurance.

Your friend had the option of not having insurance under the ACA as well. She would have been assessed a $95 penalty that would surely have been waved if she lives below the poverty level.

[NCTraveler]

90. You are correct on all counts.

She would not have to pay the penalty if she didn't get insurance. She has to give up more than she has in order to get insurance. As a group, we decided it was in her best interests to have her get insurance. People with much less than the 1% have will be subsidizing a lot of her health insurance.

[stopbush]

91. I'm having a hard time understanding the intent of your OP.

The ACA didn't force her to get insurance. She could have continued without insurance and probably paid no penalty.

If the ACA wasn't here, she would have had the option of no insurance OR paying a helluva lot more than $300 a month to buy insurance on the individual market.

Your OP seems rather pointless, now that you've revealed she had no insurance prior to this.

[NCTraveler]

92. Sorry you don't see the point.nt

[Motown_Johnny]

89. What state does she live in?

The ACA was designed to have everyone below 133% of the poverty level eligible for Medicaid. If she lives in a state where it has not been expanded, then blame the (R)s.


Did you sign her up for a silver plan? If not, you screwed up. They not only have subsidies to help with the cost but also have lower deductibles and co-pays.

[NCTraveler]

95. The state she is in does not take part in the exchange.

I do consider that to be a major flaw in the ACA. I really don't blame it on the state or the SC. I am one of those outlier Democrats who believes the federal government has certain obligations to help protect for the welfare of its people. This whole debate has been an eye opener. Many more trickle down/pull yourself up from your bootstraps people here than I thought.

"The ACA was designed to have everyone below 133% of the poverty level eligible for Medicaid." Pretty flawed design. It didn't work. Blame everyone but the ACA itself.

The insurance plan she now has is great. I really do mean that. It is an insurance plan that will lead to excellent health care. Her deductible and co-pays are insignificant.

[ProSense]

101. Your comment makes no sense

"I do consider that to be a major flaw in the ACA. I really don't blame it on the state or the SC. I am one of those outlier Democrats who believes the federal government has certain obligations to help protect for the welfare of its people. This whole debate has been an eye opener. Many more trickle down/pull yourself up from your bootstraps people here than I thought."

Nothing about Obamacare is "trickledown."

The health care law raised the payroll tax for high income earners and taxed investment income.

Net Investment Income Tax

A new Net Investment Income Tax goes into effect starting in 2013. The 3.8 percent Net Investment Income Tax applies to individuals, estates and trusts that have certain investment income above certain threshold amounts. The IRS and the Treasury Department have issued proposed regulations on the Net Investment Income Tax. Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail or hand delivered to the IRS. For additional information on the Net Investment Income Tax, see our questions and answers.

Additional Medicare Tax

A new Additional Medicare Tax goes into effect starting in 2013. The 0.9 percent Additional Medicare Tax applies to an individual’s wages, Railroad Retirement Tax Act compensation, and self-employment income that exceeds a threshold amount based on the individual’s filing status. The threshold amounts are $250,000 for married taxpayers who file jointly, $125,000 for married taxpayers who file separately, and $200,000 for all other taxpayers. An employer is responsible for withholding the Additional Medicare Tax from wages or compensation it pays to an employee in excess of $200,000 in a calendar year. The IRS and the Department of the Treasury have issued proposed regulations on the Additional Medicare Tax. Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail or hand delivered to the IRS. For additional information on the Additional Medicare Tax, see our questions and answers.

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Affordable-Care-Act-Tax-Provisions

"'The ACA was designed to have everyone below 133% of the poverty level eligible for Medicaid.' Pretty flawed design. It didn't work. Blame everyone but the ACA itself."

Expanding Medicaid is a "flawed design"?

"The insurance plan she now has is great. I really do mean that. It is an insurance plan that will lead to excellent health care. Her deductible and co-pays are insignificant."

She has a "great" plan with "insignificant" deductibles and co-pays that will "lead to excellent health care," but that sucks because being without health care was much better?

She still has the option to remain without health care, avoiding this "flawed" law free of charge.

Do you support the push for your Governor to expand Medicaid?

[Motown_Johnny]

108. The Supreme Court changed the law

The design was not flawed.


The (R)s are purposefully allowing their constituents to suffer just to make the law look bad.


The idea that they would not accept the Federal money to expand Medicaid was unthinkable to anyone with a soul.



I don't blame the law. I blame the (R)s who are forcing this upon your friend. She really should be on Medicaid. She could still buy supplemental insurance if she felt the need but it wouldn't be anywhere near the $300.00 she is now being forced to pay.

[JDPriestly]

93. How much would she have paid to get ongoing medical treatment if there were no ACA?

We were moving from virtually nothing other than qualification for Medicaid that barely existed if at all in many states to at least something. Does she have a pre-existing condition? Because if she does,, in many states she would not have been able to get insurance at all.

The ACA is far from perfect, but it is a start. Hang in there.

In what state is she living? That makes a big difference.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

103. if lisa and i had to sign up in NYC, we would be paying around $600 a month

which is outrageous given how little we make (i am a doctoral student so live off a very tiny stipend)

this law has problems and i am not sure why liberals feel like we can't point to these problems and demand that they be fixed.

[choie]

115. I'm in your boat as well, La Lioness

and it is exasperating that some people will not acknowledge these flaws in the ACA.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

116. i think we are all afraid that if we say something is wrong

then republicans will scratch the entire plan (and all the good it does). However, i think we should demand that our leaders fix the problems of really expensive monthly plans with a competing public plan or something else.

There is no way we could afford $600 a month.

[choie]

117. Agreed.

and not only is it $600/month but there is a very high deductible - even for prescriptions. So that would mean paying $600/month PLUS the full price of prescriptions until the deductible is met...ridiculous!

[NCTraveler]

121. I am extremely happy about how many people this law will help.

I have said that before. I don't know why I have to take a verbal beating for bringing up it's shortcomings. I am being told over and over again that it is simply Rick Scotts fault. It is the SC fault. The Medicaid provision was discussed to no end here when it comes to its constitutionality. It was no great shock when it went from mandate to opt in. People are acting like it was just out of the blue and a huge surprise. It wasn't. I truly do stand behind every word in my op. All of the fighting for the legislation and people are going without or giving up what little they have left. This seems to be about teams and not about health care.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

122. yup. reminds me of that recent study they did

when people lost their ability to do simple math, because the outcome of the math meant that the other party may be right.

i don't think republicans are ever right on policy, but some of the monthly charges for the ACA is way too high.

[NCTraveler]

126. I cannot think of a time when republican policy was right.

In the primaries I will vote for the most progressive candidate with a D after their name. In the general I will vote for the D. I work locally to elect D's. This isn't a one way street. I don't vote in this manner so I can then just complain about republicans, although that is always fun. I can and will voice opposition. I will show support when it is deserved. Pretty sure I am a team player, just not the way some want me to be.

[Liberal_in_LA]

142. me too

[CreekDog]

144. Stop playing martyr, most of us believe in single payer...including me

so even those of us who support the law have misgivings about it and we aren't afraid to criticize it's weaknesses or approach.

you've been taken to task, not for criticizing the law, but for blaming something that happened on the law when that particular thing was the result of the Supreme Court.

[NCTraveler]

148. Where have I played martyr? You are very agressive and angry.

I have been taken to task? lol. Your version of reality is very skewed and based in anger. Please stick to the op and stop trying to hijack it. Many people disagree with you. Sorry you cannot see that and only see what you want. Your replies are very scripted. Almost as if you know what you want to say, without reading anything, and find a way to get it in there. Kind of amusing. Letting go of the hate will make the world a much better place for you.

[CreekDog]

150. the issue is that you want to get credit for taking a progressive position then getting criticized

criticized for it here.

but that's not what happened.

you blamed something the courts did on the law. you got taken to task for that.

you didn't outliberal anybody and get criticized, you got some facts wrong and made a erroneous conclusion.

it's not a badge of honor.

to criticize correctly and get scorned is honorable, but not incorrectly.

[NCTraveler]

123. To add:

I have been reading your posts for years. Never met one I didn't like. Great job on working toward your doctorate. We need more of you out there.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

124. thanks. i hardly post in the lounge anymore. so i feel like most people on DU no longer

remember me or know me

[OKNancy]

147. You can't get Medicaid if you don't have children

I'm reading a lot of posts here where people don't understand that.


http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Population/Adults/Non-Disabled-Adults.html

Adults without Dependent Children

There is currently no federal requirement that states provide health coverage to adults without dependent children. These adults qualify for Medicaid coverage only if they have a disability or are age 65 or older. However, about half of states provide some coverage through federal waivers or state-funded programs for non-disabled adults who have limited incomes but do not otherwise qualify for Medicaid.

[elleng]

151. because there are repug governors who want Democratic presidents,

especially President Obama, to not be able to provide for their constituents. Its PURE politics, and its sick.

[anasv]

152. WRONG WRONG WRONG NCTraveler

How many times do people have to correct you that the fault is with the Supreme Court allowing states to not expand Medicare (paid for with federal money.)

What is with you? Do facts not matter?

[bravenak]

154. How much was she paying before?

I'm working on my license for life and health and my state has the highest cost for insurance and my Governor did NOT accept the Medicaid expansion. Therein lies the problem. Were your friend to move to the great state of Kentucky, she would have no problem, were she to move here to Alaska her plan would run nearly 900 bucks before the subsidy. It's the RepublicN Governors who did this to screw up the ACA. And you just fell for it, hook, line, and sinker.

The ACA, and yes I have read it, provided for Medicaid expansion for ALL states. The idiotic Supreme Court ruled that the states do NOT have to expand Medicaid. The states that did expand Medicaid are doing excellent with implementing the PPACA. The other states are fighting it tooth and nail, because they know that once we are all covered, they can't take the coverage away without risking elections.

I'm not lying to you. I hate liars. The ACA did provide for Medicaid expansion and the Supreme Court overruled it, and the states that rejected it have these problems with people falling into the gap.
It's the state, dear, it really is.