HCR Implementation Timetable

[Still a Democrat]

Imformative listing.

http://healthreform.kff.org/timeline.aspx

[dflprincess]

1. Here's something I didn't know about it

in 2013:

Increases the threshold for the itemized deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses from 7.5% of adjusted gross income to 10% of adjusted gross income; waives the increase for individuals age 65 and older for tax years 2013 through 2016.

and

Limits the amount of contributions to a flexible spending account for medical expenses to $2,500 per year, increased annually by the cost of living adjustment.

Still can't find anything that says we'll be able to access care when we need it.

[Still a Democrat]

2. Some [retty good stuff in 2010-11! n/t

[Statistical]

4. Also in 2011 you can no longer use HSA or FSA to pay for OTC drugs w/o a prescription.

See making me go to a doctor to get a script every 90 days or just get prescription drug that is what will drive down healthcare costs.

[Still a Democrat]

7. How is it more expensive to buy the OTC drug?

Can you explain how the tax on an OTC drug makes the difference between it being a better buy than an office visit and prescrition drug for you?

[Statistical]

9. The OTC cost is now more (post tax) and that closes the differential (what I pay).

This makes OTC less valuable. While a prescription might cost 5x to 10x more (total cost paid by insurance company) the amount I pay is very similar thus the cheaper option (true total cost) is less favored and the more expensive option (total cost) seems cheaper. Kinda stupid when the goal is to lower overall health care costs.

My prescription co-pay is $20 for most brand name drugs. A package of Zyrtec is $12 for 30 days. However in 2011+ my co-pay can be paid tax free from HSA while Zyrtec can't. Not only that I already have $8,000 in the HSA and rarely (never) that much in checking. Thus paying from my HSA isn't something I "feel" (in terms of monthly budget). So $20 * 0.30 reduction in taxes = $14. I can get name prescription for $14 vs $12 for Zyrtec. Why not just go prescription?

Important part. What I pay (my portion) isn't the true cost. Behind the copay the true cost of the drug might be $50 - $70 to insurance company. Thus the system favors drug companies and will drive UP healthcare costs (people making needless appointments and prescriptions). Insurance company will pay more and they will pass that on in the form of HIGHER not LOWER premium.

The elimination of OTC from HSA/FSA does nothing to control Health Care costs. It is a scam. By including that provision it makes the bill look cheaper when scored. All the OTC purchases made will not be taxed and that reduced (at least on paper) the cost of the bill below the $1T magic number.

[Still a Democrat]

10. I don't think I agree with the ban on OTCs purchased through a HSA either

But it seems that's a pretty marginal difference. Add the time and expense of a doctor office visit and it's hard to imagine it changing someone's choice. I understand the insurance companies pay more, I was looking at it from your position.

I imagine there are a number of folks like you - the prescription isn't really cheaper, but funds in their HSA are readily available. Just the fact the money has been set aside is the incentive.

At any rate, the other HCR benefits like coverage up to 27 (IIRC), ban on pre-existing conditions and lifetime maximums seem to far outweigh it.

[Statistical]

11. True. I especially like making preventive care no-copay.

However it just sucks because the OTC ban doesn't do anything to improve quality of care, or lower cost.
It was merely smoke and mirrors to make the HCR total cost look slightly smaller.

I mean it isn't going to kill me it is just stupid. Still today I am going to Walmart and buying 2 year supply of OTC stuff. :)

[aikoaiko]

6. Yep, I estimate that HCR will cost me about $2000 more per year

Given the new FSA limits, the increased tax threshold, not being able to use FSA to pay for OTC drugs, the medical equipment excise tax, etc.

With a chronically sick wife and child the new rules screw me over.

It is for a greater cause, but the 2K pays for a lot around here.

[midnight]

3. I'm going to book mark this for later... Thanks for posting...

[Still a Democrat]

5. Your welcome

More folks should have a look before trashing HCR.

[Bluenorthwest]

8. I see that mandate in 2014

And I see that this set of bigoted 'reforms' still treats my family as if we were strangers to each other. Typical heterosexualist bigotry in action.