Can you afford this Gov. health care plan?

Question

Sec. 224 (p. 118) provides that 18 months after the bill becomes law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will decide what a "qualified plan" covers and how much you'll be legally required to pay for it. That's like a banker telling you to sign the loan agreement now, then filling in the interest rate and repayment terms 18 months later.

On Nov. 2, the Congressional Budget Office estimated what the plans will likely cost. An individual earning $44,000 before taxes who purchases his own insurance will have to pay a $5,300 premium and an estimated $2,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, for a total of $7,300 a year, which is 17% of his pre-tax income. A family earning $102,100 a year before taxes will have to pay a $15,000 premium plus an estimated $5,300 out-of-pocket, for a $20,300 total, or 20% of its pre-tax income. Individuals and families earning less than these amounts will be eligible for subsidies paid directly to their insurer.


This seems rather high to me. I pay a lot less.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I pay less too but, adding the tax leaves me no choice but to go for the public option and then do my patriotic duty and die early.

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Asker's Comment:

I do believe that is the plan

Answer 2

It is too soon to comment, there will be many changes in the not too distant future.

Answer 3

Thanks to the current tax code, I don't have the money left over after paying my bills to pay for this plan. (no kids, no house, no lucrative tax credits so I pay a ton at tax time).

Answer 4

These are great did you pull them out of where you poop?

Answer 5

simply NO. All these tax "breaks" ? Please most that are out there don't really add up to much of anything for the avg. worker -- remember the "grass is not always greener on the other side"

Answer 6

What you're forgetting to mention is that each individual has to reach a certain *limit* on the amount of money they pay out before the government kicks in to cover the rest.

It's not how much you or anyone else is "paying out" it's how much coverage you're getting once you reach a certain goal set by both the government and the health care plan you're currently on.

That's normal.

After that, the costs in each bracket will *drop* in the years following--based on how much each person paid into the system.

You didn't think that these individuals would be getting their coverage for *free*--did you?

Answer 7

Even with the increase cost of health insurance at my place of employment starting in January, I will still owe 1/3rd the amount annually for insurance and 1/10th the amount for out of pocket deductibles. I'm afraid my prediction will come true. The government will subsidize their plan at our expense, driving the price of private insuarnce up and making it all but impossible for us to have anything but their option.

Answer 8

Can you afford the plan the insurance companies are operating under now. Do you think these insurance companies are giving you a fair shake now. Before you go to the doctor do you have to check your policy to see if it covers the services you may need. Do you stll have to go in debt even thought you have a policy. Do you have to choose between eating and medical treatment. I propose anything to wake up the insurance companies is better than what we have now. If the Gov Plan is flawed it can be adjusted just as they had to do (for years) with social security. Money, Greed and Politicians are the reason this country is becoming a 5th or 6th world country. And george w, is the leader in the downfall of America.

Answer 9

Thats no bargain. I dont know anyone with a healthcare plan through their work who pays that kind of money. medicare is $97 a month. In some states you can get single coverage with a good plan for $190 a month. Once this thing goes into affect the insurance companies will be making bigger profits than ever. What a scam being perpetuated on the american people.