Why I'm pissed, and why you should be, too.

[onlyadream]

180. I was one of these people

I told my story here on DU. Fortunately my family will be covered by a company policy come the new year, however, the ACA really wasn't what I thought it would be.

I had a junk policy that I wouldn't describe as junk. It was affordable to us, especially since we had a recent layoff. The policy was hospital and well visits for $425 a month (mental health was also included). Zero deductible and zero copay. The lowest ACA exchange premium was over $800 a month, $6000 deductible, 50% copay. When I did originally post my story, I did include a screen shot since I wasn't believed. So, basically my premiums doubled for what amounted to catastrophic insurance with a lot of out of pocket cost.
If I wanted real insurance, with doable deductibles and copays, I would have paid $1700 a month. Since this is more than 8% of what we make, then we could be exempt (from my understanding) but then we have no insurance, which is not an option.

The thing is, how much is too much (when it comes to premiums)? $1700 a month? Does anyone think that is reasonable? Also, the people who are experiencing this are shocked. There was no heads up on this and all of a sudden you have to pay what would amount to one or two luxury car payments a month. Who can suddenly do that without a some kind of planning? I believe those who are self employed fall steeply into this category and they aren't happy about it.

I do think the ACA is a step in the right direction, but we need a government option to make the market more competitive. Of course Medicare for all would be best, and hopefully it'll happen one day.