The risk of McCain's health plan

[Pin Wizard]

Why don't we just take the employer system and apply it to the government? The government will be the "employer" and offer "group" coverage to any American who wants it. Nobody is forced to sign up with the government insurance, unless they are not covered by an employer or private plan. And young can people can opt into a high deductible plan with health savings account so that they don't get upset. Participants will pay premiums just like any regular insurance program. If they meet certain poverty guidelines they can get free or reduced premiums, but *MUST* enroll in a wellness program and make healthy lifestyle choices or face a penalty like losing their tax refund (there goes the big EITC check.)

However:
NO free/reduced coverage to smokers.
NO free/reduced coverage to people who are able but unwilling to exericse.

No idea how you enforce the last two, but I dream big.

This is close enough to what my health coverage through my company already does. And they just started it in 2008. It STINKS!!! If you have two "health risks," you pay a higher premium. That can be any combination of two...blood pressure, chronic illness, smoke, high cholesterol, etc. If you manage to improve any of them, you will get a portion of what you paid on what appears to be a credit card. When you use the card, it can only be used for health related items...medicines, alcohol wipes, etc. It's ridiculous. And then they hound us being that there are chronic illnesses. They let me know what doctors I should be seeing in the next six months. WTH?!

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. We have 3 "uninsurable" people in our family of 5. For us to lose our employer coverage would be nothing short of disaterous.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Most health care plans will cover your dependents up until age 22-23 if they are a full-time student. So, if your son is going to college, you would get the $5,000 for that time period. As soon as he is not a student, you are down to $2500 and then your son would get his own $2500.

As for your $2500 - $5000, you do realize that you would not receive that directly to spend on medical expenses? It would have to be paid directly to your insurance company as a payment for premiums.

The McCain plan hasn't even begun to address the "uninsurables." I, too, would be one if I had to leave my employer.

Thanks for that. And it is actually better if they send it directly to the insurance company. But the question remains...would I even have a health insurance company if I had to get one on my own?! Maybe we need another Town Hall debate, and someone can ask him what the plan is for coverage of the "uninsurable."

 

[Christine]

Thanks for that. And it is actually better if they send it directly to the insurance company. But the question remains...would I even have a health insurance company if I had to get one on my own?! Maybe we need another Town Hall debate, and someone can ask him what the plan is for coverage of the "uninsurable."

If you were on your own, you'd probably be in trouble. And, I agree, I would love to hear what McCain's plans are for people who cannot get insurance. Right now, all I've heard is that his credits will stimulate the "free market" of health insurance, make it more competitive, thus making it easier for people to get insured. I'm not buying that.

Everyone has their top issues for this election. One of my top ones is health insurance reform in some way that makes progress in providing access to all people. Right now, I'm not seeing that movement from the McCain camp at all. In fact, I don't even think that he as indicated that he is aware of this problem.

At least the Dems have addressed it. But, I won't kid you, I do not have stars in my eyes. I think Obama will try to do something, I just think it is not going to get very far and reform is going to take YEARS.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Besides your 'however' part, I think this is the plan that Hillary Clinton was proposing: access to the Federal Government plans by anyone who wants in, ability to go private, or employer provided BUT everyone must be insured.

So knowing I can't go private, and if my employer really doesn't want to cover me any longer, then it would have to be through the government. Hmmmmmmmm. Not sure I like that. And that would work differently than the current Medicaid system I hope. When DS was a baby they would cover him since he was an infant. But they wouldn't cover me due to a monetary cut off they have. Grrrr. Same thing with VA basically. If for some reason I no longer had my insurance at work, the state would cover DS through a plan for kids but leave me as the adult in the dark.

 

[Christine]

So knowing I can't go private, and if my employer really doesn't want to cover me any longer, then it would have to be through the government. Hmmmmmmmm. Not sure I like that. And that would work differently than the current Medicaid system I hope. When DS was a baby they would cover him since he was an infant. But they wouldn't cover me due to a monetary cut off they have. Grrrr. Same thing with VA basically. If for some reason I no longer had my insurance at work, the state would cover DS through a plan for kids but leave me as the adult in the dark.

Actually, at this point, the "government" system they talk about right now is the FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) plan that all government workers, including Congress, have access to. It consists of about 26 health insurance plans that you get to choose from. What they (or Hillary) was proposing was allowing non-Federal employees access to these health plans as part of the "group." Of course, if you're not an employee, you would have to pay for the premium yourself, but at least you would have access. If you are low-income, the government might kick in toward your premium. So far, that is the extent of the "government" health plan. I think it might be a first step to something more nationalized, but that would take many years to ever get off the ground. I think you'd be very happy with the FEHB plans--it's what I have.

 

[disney1990]

I have health insurance thru DH employer, I am self employed. All I know is when I got cancer and had surgeries and treatment they paid EVERYTHING, not one deductible, not one co-pay not one penny out of my own pocket, well over 300,000.00 in medical bills. Top notch hospitals/doctors of our choice (Memorial Sloan Kettering, NYC)
It was a GOD SEND that we had coverage like that. We could have easily been wiped out financially, otherwise.
Even now, follow ups are all covered as indicated above. We are BLESSED and KNOW it!
Will Gov't health insurance be better for those that need it?? I HIGHLY doubt it. Have you ever investigated the Canadian Health System?? Waiting Months to see a Specialist, many times it is TOO late to fight a disease by then. Or how many come HERE to get treatment instead. How many times have you heard of people coming to USA/NYC/Cal to get medical treatment? It is a HORROR!
Do I think McCains plan will work, likely no.
DO I even BELIEVE one word of Obama, NO!
I don't want the Gov't in ANY more of my business than they already are, thank you!
It is SCARY indeed!

If you have employer provided insurance, nothing in Obama's health plan will change that. However, under McCain's plan, you may well lose that employer provided coverage.

 

[Pin Wizard]

If you were on your own, you'd probably be in trouble. And, I agree, I would love to hear what McCain's plans are for people who cannot get insurance. Right now, all I've heard is that his credits will stimulate the "free market" of health insurance, make it more competitive, thus making it easier for people to get insured. I'm not buying that.

Everyone has their top issues for this election. One of my top ones is health insurance reform in some way that makes progress in providing access to all people. Right now, I'm not seeing that movement from the McCain camp at all. In fact, I don't even think that he as indicated that he is aware of this problem.

At least the Dems have addressed it. But, I won't kid you, I do not have stars in my eyes. I think Obama will try to do something, I just think it is not going to get very far and reform is going to take YEARS.

I agree on that. If I had to base my vote on health insurance alone, I would not be voting!

 

[Calliaz]

Thanks for that. And it is actually better if they send it directly to the insurance company. But the question remains...would I even have a health insurance company if I had to get one on my own?! Maybe we need another Town Hall debate, and someone can ask him what the plan is for coverage of the "uninsurable."

I read McCain's website and it states that his plain for the uninsurable is to work with state govenors to ensure access. That's not much of an actual solution in my book. I would have to hope my state had enough power to get me access.

"FACT: As President, John McCain Would Work With Governors To Find The Solutions Necessary To Ensure Those With Pre-Existing Conditions Are Able To Easily Access Care."

http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/19ba2f1c-c03f-4ac2-8cd5-5cf2edb527cf.htm

 

[Christine]

I have health insurance thru DH employer,

And not to be mean here, just thought-provoking, but GOD forbid that anything happen to your husband. Right now, you are totally dependent ON YOUR HUSBAND and his employer for health insurance. What happens to you if something happens to him for any reason?

I am of a mind that a person should be able to get health insurance independently. You shouldn't have to model your career around where your insurance is coming from (I've had to do that) and you shouldn't have to stay in a marriage for health insurance. Not saying that you are doing that AT ALL, but I know at least two people who've had to. That's just not right.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Actually, at this point, the "government" system they talk about right now is the FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) plan that all government workers, including Congress, have access to. It consists of about 26 health insurance plans that you get to choose from. What they (or Hillary) was proposing was allowing non-Federal employees access to these health plans as part of the "group." Of course, if you're not an employee, you would have to pay for the premium yourself, but at least you would have access. If you are low-income, the government might kick in toward your premium. So far, that is the extent of the "government" health plan. I think it might be a first step to something more nationalized, but that would take many years to ever get off the ground. I think you'd be very happy with the FEHB plans--it's what I have.

Well it sounds better than my image of it. I keep saying I need to get that government job. I get notificates every day and recently saw a few openings for the equivalent of my job. They make A WHOLE LOT more through the government than through any health care company I've worked for!

 

[Christine]

I read McCain's website and it states that his plain for the uninsurable is to work with state govenors to ensure access. That's not much of an actual solution in my book. I would have to hope my state had enough power to get me access.

"FACT: As President, John McCain Would Work With Governors To Find The Solutions Necessary To Ensure Those With Pre-Existing Conditions Are Able To Easily Access Care."

http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/19ba2f1c-c03f-4ac2-8cd5-5cf2edb527cf.htm

As President, John McCain (and Barack Obama) need to MAKE insurance accessible for all. To hell with "working with governors."

 

[Christine]

Well it sounds better than my image of it. I keep saying I need to get that government job. I get notificates every day and recently saw a few openings for the equivalent of my job. They make A WHOLE LOT more through the government than through any health care company I've worked for!

I was a defense contractor for 20 years and just joined the Federal Government this past March. I didn't get more money (just a lateral for me). My main motive was better access to health insurance and, hopefully, I will still be able to purchase it when I retire. My situation with the contractor was precarious.

 

[Calliaz]

So knowing I can't go private, and if my employer really doesn't want to cover me any longer, then it would have to be through the government. Hmmmmmmmm. Not sure I like that. And that would work differently than the current Medicaid system I hope. When DS was a baby they would cover him since he was an infant. But they wouldn't cover me due to a monetary cut off they have. Grrrr. Same thing with VA basically. If for some reason I no longer had my insurance at work, the state would cover DS through a plan for kids but leave me as the adult in the dark.

My understanding of the proposed Obama plan is not that you would go through the government, per se. You would be able to purchase the plan that Congress has (a private plan) or purchase from a network of private plans that Obama plans to create (the network, not create the plan).

None of the actual plans (other than Medicare and Medicaid) are run by the government. There is more involvement by the government in terms of what the private insurers who participate in the network must allow in terms of people with pre-exisiting conditions. You could still try to buy private insurance on the open market, too.

How it might actually work is unknown. I also have no belief that what is promised will happen since the President does not have sole power to enact laws and programs. I minimally want some sort of guarantee of access, some reform of how groups are structured and insured, and a small amount of monetary relief. The Obama plan comes closest in my opinion and, even if all the goals are not met, I foresee improvement.

I really hope people read what is posted on both candidate's websites and the other information available on what is fact vs. spin. It's not just the Presidential election we need to be informed about. The Annenberg Foundation has an excellent website:

http://www.factcheck.org/

 

[Pin Wizard]

I read McCain's website and it states that his plain for the uninsurable is to work with state govenors to ensure access. That's not much of an actual solution in my book. I would have to hope my state had enough power to get me access.

"FACT: As President, John McCain Would Work With Governors To Find The Solutions Necessary To Ensure Those With Pre-Existing Conditions Are Able To Easily Access Care."

http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/19ba2f1c-c03f-4ac2-8cd5-5cf2edb527cf.htm

Easily access care? At what price?

 

[Christine]

I really hope people read what is posted on both candidate's websites and the other information available on what is fact vs. spin. It's not just the Presidential election we need to be informed about. The Annenberg Foundation has an excellent website:

http://www.factcheck.org/

This is so true. I am constantly amazed at the amount of people who think that if Obama is elected we will be in the midst of universal health care on the scale of Canada or the UK. While that might be his hope to have it evolve to that one day, there is no way that would ever pass. If people would just read the plan and not buy into the spin, I think they'd feel a lot better about that aspect.

 

[Charade]

Why don't we just take the employer system and apply it to the government? The government will be the "employer" and offer "group" coverage to any American who wants it. Nobody is forced to sign up with the government insurance, unless they are not covered by an employer or private plan. And young can people can opt into a high deductible plan with health savings account so that they don't get upset. Participants will pay premiums just like any regular insurance program. If they meet certain poverty guidelines they can get free or reduced premiums, but *MUST* enroll in a wellness program and make healthy lifestyle choices or face a penalty like losing their tax refund (there goes the big EITC check.)

However:
NO free/reduced coverage to smokers.
NO free/reduced coverage to people who are able but unwilling to exericse.

No idea how you enforce the last two, but I dream big.

Who would be the insurer?

 

[tinker&belle]

Why don't we just take the employer system and apply it to the government? The government will be the "employer" and offer "group" coverage to any American who wants it. Nobody is forced to sign up with the government insurance, unless they are not covered by an employer or private plan. And young can people can opt into a high deductible plan with health savings account so that they don't get upset. Participants will pay premiums just like any regular insurance program. If they meet certain poverty guidelines they can get free or reduced premiums, but *MUST* enroll in a wellness program and make healthy lifestyle choices or face a penalty like losing their tax refund (there goes the big EITC check.)

However:
NO free/reduced coverage to smokers.
NO free/reduced coverage to people who are able but unwilling to exericse.

No idea how you enforce the last two, but I dream big.

I think that is similar to Obama's plan...make it a big pool, and then the rates go down.

 

[Pigeon]

McCain's plan terrifies me. I know I would lose my coverage and there's no way that I could begin to buy a plan for $5K. I have a preexisting condition that would make me pretty well uninsurable.

 

[BuckNaked]

McCain's plan terrifies me. I know I would lose my coverage and there's no way that I could begin to buy a plan for $5K. I have a preexisting condition that would make me pretty well uninsurable.

How do you know you would lose your plan?