Just got my ACA premium notice for next year

[Glitterati]

and, I guess it doesn't matter what the Supreme Court does now, because I can't afford the increase.

My premium went from $27.55/month to $101.67/month.

On a fixed income, I simply cannot afford that. My widow benefits from SS are going up 1.7% and ACA is going up like a rocket.

So, I guess I go back to 30 yrs. with a chronic disease and uninsured.

At least I don't have to wait for the Repbulicans to fuck me over. Humana did it for them.

[JaneyVee]

1. Can't you go back to exchanges and purchase a different plan?

[stevenleser]

31. OP doesn't seem to want to respond to that kind of very reasonable question.

They ignored you and attacked someone down-thread for it.

[Glitterati]

36. Only one problem with this line of attack

the exchange isn't OPEN yet. Been there, done that, failed.

So, there is no response.

[PasadenaTrudy]

48. You can check now

Rates are up....

[Glitterati]

49. Tried. No plan specifics.

And I need specifics.

[PasadenaTrudy]

62. Bummer... Saturday then I think, the 15th n/t

[CreekDog]

374. exchange plans have to offer coverage for your preexisting conditions

or is the purpose of the OP to try to get us to believe that you will forego health insurance altogether no matter what?

[Glitterati]

382. Please read through this........nowhere does it say they can't increase the premium

thus, making my coverage unaffordable.

Another important improvement is that insurance companies can’t charge more for people with preexisting conditions and can’t put lifetime or annual dollar limits on Essential Health Benefits for most life threatening sickness.

It is also important to know that all Americans have an option to purchase or be provided with health care based off their income and employment. This way, consumers can buy coverage that fits their needs and their budget.

Guaranteed Issue and Guaranteed Renewal

Guaranteed Issue
A health plan cannot deny someone coverage because of a particular illness or condition.
There are no waiting periods for coverage associated with certain pre-existing conditions.
A health plan cannot deny someone coverage because of risk factors like age or gender.

Guaranteed Renewal
This is a requirement that your health insurance issuer must offer to renew your policy as long as you continue to pay premiums.

http://obamacare-guide.org/georgia/obamacare-for-georgia-individuals-with-pre-existing-conditions/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=pre%2Bexisting%2Bconditions%2Bunder%2Bobamacare&utm_campaign=Georgia&gclid=CL_GqtnX-MECFUQLMgodrw8AHg

[stevenleser]

54. Then the issue, so far, is only with that one insurance company.

If when the exchange opens, there are no other affordable options, I will say you have a genuine gripe.

[Glitterati]

58. I didn't ask for your permission

I simply posted the facts as I received them today in the mail.

Your attacks are unwarranted and unnecessary.

[stevenleser]

69. I don't need your permission to comment. When you post an OP you are soliciting comments.

As someone else noted, in 48 hours you will have all the facts you need to know whether your position is problematic.

This OP of yours is misleading at this point.

[Glitterati]

76. Not one word is misleading

NOT ONE WORD.

Facts.

I'm sorry they seem to get in your way.

[stevenleser]

81. It's completely misleading.And by your own admission you don't know the facts of your situation yet.

You are demanding we all say "Poor you, ACA is horrible" before you know the facts of your situation.

[Glitterati]

84. I'm so sorry the FACTS got in your way

of Obama Cheerleading.

Continue on.

[stevenleser]

107. Facts. You keep using that word. I don't think it means what you think it means.

[Glitterati]

112. YES, FACTS.

In my hand.

In the form of a letter.

From Humana.

As stated in my OP.

Sorry they are so troublesome for you.

[stevenleser]

115. Nope, you dont know the facts of your situation. nt

[Glitterati]

117. I most certainly do. In. Writing.

see how simple that is?

[stevenleser]

121. No, by your own admission the exchange isn't open yet. Thus. you don't know the facts of your

situation.

[Glitterati]

126. I most certainly do. In. Writing.

delivered right to my door by the USPS this morning.

[Sheepshank]

137. so you should piss n' moan about the letter in your hand

and pretend you have no other possible options to your situation. Talk about misleading....

[Glitterati]

139. Oh for GAWD'S sake

I stupidly, very stupidly, thought DUers might be interested in what might be coming their way as people received these letters.

Pardon me for being stupid.

It's not a mistake I will make again. I promise.

Forgiven? </sarcasm>

[Sheepshank]

142. Yes...there is interest in what Humana is doing

....but how about clearing it up that it isn't ACA going up and 2ndly that you are looking to see what other plans will be offered in less than 48 hours.

I never said you were stupid. I think you have an agenda this is simply misleading and isn't quite working out today as planned.

[Glitterati]

146. Oh, you're sooooooooooo kind and understanding!

Go, Obama! Hooray, Obama. Bow down to the great and mighty Obama!

There! Is that better?

[KMOD]

149. Were you insured before the ACA? I'm just curious if

you are one of people the ACA was supposed to help.

And I am very sorry for your situation.

[Glitterati]

156. No, I was uninsured for 30 years

so, yeah, I was one of "those."

[redruddyred]

202. you just don't understand.

insurance companies have needs too.

and theirs are clearly more important.

can't understand why you insist on being so selfish. you say you have a chronic illness. you say you need to see a doctor. well humana needs to turn a profit.

zomg quit whining.

[Glitterati]

204. I know. Please

forgive my momentary lapse into sheer panic when I opened this letter.

[redruddyred]

209. not sure why you think you deserve to eat or anything.

the entitlement of these entitled moochers-and-looters! I tell you! next you'll be asking for affordable higher education!!1

[Glitterati]

220. I know! So entirely STUPID of me, right?

bwahahahahahahahaha

Thanks for the laugh.

[LukeFL]

659. Why not? So what do you suggest she/ he

Do? Die? Op is clearly telling you she can't afford it. It's not like she has all this money and don't want to pay her/his part.

Humana is the evil in the picture. Profits for them are at 800%?high at the expense of people like the OP.

Are you suggesting you are just like eveybrepbulblucan that don't care about theOP financial situation.?

This is why we needed public option. Insurance for all

[VanillaRhapsody]

268. aaaannnd what state are you in?

You left that important information out too!

[Glitterati]

271. aaaaaaaaaaaand like you give a flip?

Really? You expect me to think you care?

Really?

[VanillaRhapsody]

273. aaaaaand not surprising you don't want to reveal that!

[Glitterati]

291. Once again, to YOU

As I find your behavior threatening.

[VanillaRhapsody]

298. Your paper is false!

I saw it right away...the Amount you pay if you DON'T get any assistance is $107.....

we have no idea what your assitance level is...

I WAS on Obamacare last year on Unemployment...I paid $61 a month for Blue Cross...


You are not being honest. Period.

You are trying to take advantage of the fact that most here have NOT been on financial assistance for Health insurance through Obamacares....

I on the other hand HAVE!

[TheKentuckian]

396. The unsubsidized premium is the amount above that is $577.67, the box below clearly states that it

is WITH THE CREDIT.

You need to simmer down and apologize. You definitely need to stop accusing people of lying when you are off on a tangent and can't be bothered to read what the poster put right in front of you. You are blustering and bullying and in the end doing EXACTLY what you are accusing the poster of which is not being honest.

[VanillaRhapsody]

398. No I don't I HAVE been on this...she HASN'T applied for subsidy yet...AND

is this Gold or Platinum level?

[TheKentuckian]

576. You being on an exchange plan nor levels changes the poster's premium in 2015 nor their 2014 credit

Do they need to do their application for 2015? Absolutely, the letter says that. They may more or less tread water, they may get a further discount, or they may get a smaller subsidy and they will pay more than the $101.xx but that is not the unsubsidized premium as you have insisted but rather the $577 or whatever you have ignored so you can bully.

As they have had a tiny increase in income on the books, the most likely thing is they will see an increase. I suspect it will be much smaller than it appears now but we don't exactly know.
Your zeal and fiery nastiness toward this person makes me think that what you are actually doing is a preemptive effort to make folks as uncomfortable as possible discussing increases and affordability at all.

I don't think there is any excuse for your vile behavior and the very last thing I'm detecting is any semblance of compassion or a genuine desire to make things better for people that need help. This is a sick person on a fixed income and all you have done is fire out invective and make nasty accusations while seemingly to me failed to process what is clearly stated in black and white going so far to say that the $101 is their unsubsidized cost, when any basic knowledge of premium costs would tell you that nobody in their 60's is getting an ACA compliant policy for anything like 1,200 bucks a year without some serious credits applied.

[davekriss]

563. Pardon me, this is a very long thread and I've only read this far so far

But you missed one very important fact. The letter above, for 2015, adds this very very important note: "This is based on your 2014 APTC amount...". This little fact makes a big difference to your final premium. IT WILL NOT BE $101.67 per month (unless your income has changed). The Advanced Premium Tax Credit is based on the maximum percent of your income that will be required to buy a Silver plan in your area. If the plan above is a Silver plan and your income is unchanged, then the APTC for 2015 will be higher than it was for the same plan in 2014. You will pay no higher percentage of your income for the same policy. Uncle Sam will pay the difference. You'll learn this after the exchange opens.

It would have been beneficial if Humana included in their note that your 2015 APTC may be higher or lower than it was in 2014 based on changes to your income and their premium. All else being the same, your share will stay the same and Uncle Sam pays the difference. Really!

[Glitterati]

564. Thank you.

I hope you're right. I'll know when the exchange opens next week for sure.

My income will change exactly 1.7% per month next year, thanks to the COLA increase in Social Security.

That will be the only change on this policy.

I really, truly hope you are right. GAWD, I hope you're right.

[Ms. Toad]

565. You seem to be misunderstanding the form, which is somewhat misleading.

The 101.67 assumes you ONLY receive the same dollar amount of subsidies that you did last year - so it added the entire difference between last year's premium and this year's to your current share ($27.55).

More likely, once you recalculate your subsidies using the new premiums, you will pay around the same portion of this year's premium as you did of last year's - and it will end up being around $32/month.

Wait until the exchanges are open - or go here: EasyPrice/Humana.com and plug in your numbers.

[appalachiablue]

418. The real entitled Takers point of view exactly. Self and money are paramount, sickly justifiable.

[rgbecker]

380. What did you find out when you went to the website?

If they are applying the 2014 APTC to your 2015 premium you may be getting a final quote that is way off. Did they give you your 2015 APTC amount when you went to the Human.com/learnmore website?

Just wondering. Hope you get some more help since the rate is up.

I went ahead and got a different Medicare D drug plan as the rates went up about 30% (not 300% like yours) for each of two years and I was able to get a rate equal to my original plan for 2015. That is to say, that is the same as no increase in rate over two years.

[homegirl]

167. You are a prime example

of a very stubborn and ALWAYS right person. You presented your case, you were advised by others that in 48 hours you would have the opportunity to obtain more information from other insurers. Yet, you persisted. The you had to make a sarcastic remark about the president. FYI It is NOT "Obama Care" it is is the PPACA.

In general your behavior has been very childish, almost like a two year old having a tantrum.

[Glitterati]

169. Awww, poor mistreated Obama

Go, Obama. Hooray, Obama. Bow down to the almighty Obama.

Better?

[sheshe2]

651. Is this what your post is about

Obama bashing?

[LondonReign2]

249. Actually, the people with the agendas are QUITE obvious

And it ain't Glitterati

[CreekDog]

378. actually it is

you know why? because every person he's accused of "Obama cheerleading" had not said the name of the president, nor referred to him.

[Brigid]

162. Don't be so surprised.

I got the same response last year when I posted about going to an ACA sign-up event and coming away with nothing. I still have a few people on ignore over that crap. You won't hear any Obamacare cheerleading from me.

[VanillaRhapsody]

272. what state?

[Glitterati]

281. I have no intention of revealing private information to YOU

YOU specifically.

Given your behavior on this forum, I would NEVER give YOU identifying information.

I consider your public behavior on DU to be dangerous to anyone who dares to disagree with you.

[VanillaRhapsody]

286. I KNEW this was an attempted Obama bashing....

you all are soooo transparent.

Your state doesn't identify you!


You are being disingenuous....

why do I suddenly smell Rightwinger in this room?

[Glitterati]

289. ROFL, EVERYTHING to you is Obama bashing.

That, my dear, is your first problem.

[VanillaRhapsody]

300. NO but this is....

Like I said....you are not being honest...the $107 is BEFORE your Federal assistance...

I HAVE been down that road....and would do it again glady....

[cheapdate]

441. I can't even get my head around a $27 health insurance premium.

My insurance premium for a traditional family coverage plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), with a prescription drug plan plus vision and dental is $1,150 per month. Office visits are a $30 copay. Emergency room is a $250 copay. Other procedures are 80/20 (insurance pays 80%, I pay 20%). Annual deductible is $3,000 per family member. Maximum yearly out of pocket is $5,000.

I've had essentially the same BCBS plan for about 15 years. The premiums have increased on average about 6% per year, every year, and the deductibles and out of pocket maximum have crept up steadily over the years as well. 15 years ago my premium was $480 per month.

The premium increases since the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have been smaller than the past average. There is more competition, and more providers and plans available now through the ACA marketplace. My existing plan is grandfathered and BCBS is still supporting it. But I'll probably get a new plan through the marketplace soon. There are plans available now that are as good or better at a lower price.

[phylny]

599. Preach it

To be honest, we have good insurance through my husband's work, but we pay $600 per month, and his company pays about $1200 additionally for healthcare. It ain't cheap!

[VanillaRhapsody]

261. but that is the point....ITS not coming their way...

[Glitterati]

266. Really? So Humana singled me out, I guess?

[VanillaRhapsody]

293. you paid this much IF you received any financial assistance

how do we know you did?

Oh and notice it says BEFORE receiving assistance....

[jberryhill]

270. Take a close look at the letter

The current premium includes the subsidy.

The future premium does not include the subsidy.

He's not even reading the letter correctly.

[Glitterati]

274. It's a SHE and it most certainly DOES include the subsidy!

Read it again. And, take your own advice and read it carefully.

[jberryhill]

295. So, you went to the link noted in the letter and updated the APTC data?

Yes or no?

[Glitterati]

497. Went, yes

Dead link, yes.

[VanillaRhapsody]

302. No it doesn't.....as I said...I HAVE gotten that assistance...

this is hogwash!

Humana has NO control over what assistance you get.

[VanillaRhapsody]

321. Yes they are.....

This one wanted to play on the fact that most here would not have had Obamacare subsidies....

I HAVE....

I got the same policy I had through work......at Blue Cross...it went from $400 to the subsidized $61 a month...

This one is full of bull!

[ohheckyeah]

405. The 2015 amount before assistance is

$577.67. The amount of $101.00 is based on the 2014 assistance amount.

[VanillaRhapsody]

408. and what is her subsidy...what state is she in....has she applied for the subsidy for this year yet

obviously NOT...

THAT is what I am talking about. Humana doesn't know that if it comes off the Exchange.

[ohheckyeah]

434. They based the subsidy off the 2014 subsidy.

If subsidies don't go up she's screwed and so am I. The plans being offered have much higher deductibles and out-of-pocket than the one I have that will no longer be offered.

[Yo_Mama]

517. The subsidy is based on the premium of the second cheapest Silver plan

So yeah, Humana doesn't know what her subsidy will be this year, and she could end up paying a lot more than the $101.97. What's of interest is the premium increase itself, to be honest.

[VanillaRhapsody]

313. I have read it...and have read one of my own.....

you are NOT being truthful...

This is Obama Bashing 101...you are not even good at it. I figured you out in 30 seconds...

[Ms. Toad]

566. No. It is calulated by taking what you currently pay

And adding the difference between the plans.

Your share of last year's premium: $27.55 + (New Premium: $577.67 - Old Premium: 503.55) = $101.67.

You will not responsible for paying the entire increase in premium, unless your income has dramatically changed and lowered your subsidy.

[TheKentuckian]

407. Yes, it does and clearly states it. The unsubsidized premium is the $577.67, the box below is the

premium AFTER the credit is applied. It is right there in black and white and common sense should also weigh in and tell you that nobody has an unsubsidized premium that low.

[jberryhill]

467. It's an invalid calculation

And I would bet that Humana is deliberately trying to scare away people their algorithm tells them is high risk.

[TheKentuckian]

573. Are you debating the arithmetic, the 2015 rate or the 2014 credit amount? If it is none of those

then you are not even discussing the letter because everything that can be known is.

The final piece is the 2015 subsidy. I suspect but cannot be certain they will see a smaller increase like under $10 but it could be a bigger bite than 2014 would indicate or hopefully she will be blessed and catch a break. Nobody knows, including Humana because the OP has to see what happens exactly but that isn't being misleading.

[jberryhill]

587. Yes, it is misleading

You are wrong four ways, because 2+2=4. Do you deny that 2+2=4? No, you cannot dispute my math. Since my math is correct, then you must be wrong.

That's what's going on here.

The letter is clearly intended to make it appear as if the 2015 premium to be paid by the insured will be over $100.

I deal in an area of law where consumer impressions of what may or may not be deemed "misleading" does not assume that people read things particularly carefully. When you are composing a document to be read by consumers in general, the standard is not what a careful, intelligent analysis of your communication would show. You have to take into account that half the population is below average intelligence - that is also an indisputable fact of mathematics.

There is something very fishy in Humana sending this out days before the actual figures will be known.

[jberryhill]

275. Then try reading the letter in your hand

The two numbers you are comparing are not the same thing.

The letter itself is somewhat misleading because it is comparing a SUBSIDIZED premium to a NON-SUBSIDIZED premium.

[TheKentuckian]

421. The unsubsidized premium is almost $600. Where the poster is off (though much closer than you) is

their new premium is based off their 2014 subsidy. This could be different this year and would impact the premium. Would it be more or less, we don't know (including the OP) but the unsubsidized hit is the $577.xx amount not what you are trying to paint, that amount is heavily subsidized as common sense should tell you because virtually no one would have an unsubsidized annual cost of 1,200 bucks.

You both had comprehension errors but you are WAY OFF. The OP is significantly closer to factual here.

[jberryhill]

463. no, that is incorrect

Because one of the factors that went IN to the 2014 figure is the premiums in that market.

This letter was timed to be misleading.

[TheKentuckian]

513. I'm not trying to be a dick but I don't get how that changes the facts of the costs.

I find it unlikely that I am mislead in any way other than by bad data, which is beyond my control. If you dispute the data then take it up with Humana there is nothing to beat this poster up for.

You are pretty naive about the industry if you don't think they don't know their rates, they don't disseminate them though shit slips, a lot of people have to deal with it. There is not going to be some magic in a couple of days other then that is when the poor consumer will know and what their piece out of pocket will be.

I further have no idea what is even being disputed. The poster stated what they paid last year which matched the letter. The letter also provides the amount of last year's unsubsidized cost. Next, it gives this year's unsubsidized amount along with the estimated cost of the policy based on the 2014 credit.

Which part are you claiming isn't true and on what basis?

The the OP needs to get their 2015 and see what how it shakes out then. They may tread water, it could possible be even more affordable, and it is possible that the estimate is too optimistic as the poster did get a meager increase. This is the known (and pretty clearly so for an insurance document) unknown.

Other than that, unless there is some yet to be unearthed information missing this is damn near approaching moon bombing territory but with a hell of a mean streak running through it.

[jberryhill]

534. okay, let's put it this way

I pull out five dollars from my left pocket and give it to you. Now, how much money will you have if I give you what is in my righat pocket?

Well, based on what was in my left pocket, there ought to be five dollars in my right pocket? Right?

[TheKentuckian]

574. No, that does not follow logically. Are you debating the 2015 premium, the 2014 credit, or the math?

[jberryhill]

589. The 2015 premium as stated in the letter

...is based on an invalid method.

[TheKentuckian]

638. Those rates are already loaded, Humana knows what they are charging.

However, if you have some reason to believe such then your argument is with Humana not the poster.

[TreasonousBastard]

465. That's what I got out of it...

and the new premium could be lower, although not as low as last year's.

(I'm not sure I can wade through the rest of this thread.)

[7962]

277. You're not alone. Unfortunately I know several people in your situation.

I know you can blame the insurance companies, or blame congress, or blame the president, but I know rates of my neighbors didnt go up in prior years like they did this year.
I havent gotten my companies package yet, so i cant offer my own experience yet.
Good luck to you

[Glitterati]

284. Thank you.

And, frankly, I didn't "blame" anyone but Humana.

It was the Obama Defenders who jumped to the Obama conclusion.

[7962]

288. Sorry, when i said "you" I meant people in general that have the same problem.:)

[VanillaRhapsody]

316. only those in states that elected NOT to expand Medicaid.

[Adsos Letter]

459. Would that include Georgia? n/t

[Aerows]

550. If Obama claimed

that the Earth was flat, there are few around here that would take up talking points to prove it. "He's playing multidimensional chess - the earth is flat where I am and where he is, so he's absolutely right!!1!"

[VanillaRhapsody]

306. NO this is bullshit....I HAVE been on Obamacares...and THIS paper DOESN'T disclose her

subsidy....

[rug]

466. Her premiums, under this law, go up 370% and you're attacking her?

Is there something about "widow benefits" that you don't get? WTF is wrong with you?

So, every year she is to scramble around and hop from insurance company to insurance company and maybe, maybe find a plan that doesn't cost 400% more than the previous year?

She is stating the facts of this law as it applies to her, regardless of whether she can find a plan for next year that is less than double what she just paid.

The elephant in the room is the insurance compianies milking the ACA for all they can while people are trying to duck the pendulum as they raise the rates.

That's bad enough without having someone riding the elephant throwing peanuts at us while we hop.

[Ms. Toad]

567. Not correct.

The unsubsidized premiums went up $74.12.

All Humana did is add that $74.12 increase to the $ amount of the premium she was required to pay last year. As long as she sticks with a Silver Plan, her share of the premium payment will be capped by her income - and unless that has gone up dramatically, her share of the new premium will not quadruple.

Humana's statement is misleading - but not indecipherable if you read carefully, understand the law, and get a calculator out.

[rug]

605. "The unsubsidized premiums went up $74.12."

From $27.55 a month.

This thread reminds me of counting white blood cells and ignoring the person on the bed dying from cancer.

[Ms. Toad]

635. You are comparing apples to oranges.

$27.55 is the subsidized premium. Assuming her income did not change significantly, her subsidized premium for next year will be roughly the same.

the $74.12 change is to the unsubsidized premium - which has little relationship to what she has to pay.

Simplified example:

Essentialy you are entitled to coverage, capped at a certain percentage of your income. Without going back to look at the real caps, say it is 8%, and your monthly income is $344.38. Your premium would be $27.55/month.

Next year your income goes up 2% to $351.27 - that would make your new premium $28.10.

So even though Humana's premiums went up $74.12/month, her share would only go up $.55/month

The entire calculation is a bit more complex - but that is the 10,00 foot view of how the subsidies work.

So instead of estimating that her new subsidized premium would be $28.10 (or whatever the equivalent subsidized premium would be - and there are numerous calculators out there to determine it), Humana just tacked the unsubsidized change onto last year's subsidized premium, creating a number that is (1) totally meaningless and (2) unnecessarily confusing and scary.

[CreekDog]

376. Steve didn't say "Obama" once

nor was there any cheerleading.

[randys1]

419. A. is ACA $100 a month better than non ACA at $500 a month?

[Aerows]

474. Not if you can't afford either one

That seems to be what some are missing here.

[randys1]

475. Many cant afford $100 a month, but I get the impression that she was blaming Obama

or the ACA...

Maybe that was just me

[Glitterati]

481. Really?

Where was I blaming Obama or ACA?

Please?

Was it when I said REPUBLICANS?

Or maybe it was the SUPREME COURT?

Or, wait, here it is........HUMANA must be Obama in code!

[randys1]

484. Well first you chose to come here to say what you said

then you said this

At least I don't have to wait for the Repbulicans to fuck me over. Humana did it for them

So I guess I dont know what else to say to you, probably nothing


I took the above comment to kind of mean repubs didnt fuck you over but someone else did and not just humana

[Glitterati]

488. Whew boy, I'm sorry

I really and truly cannot help you with your reading comprehension problems.

Republicans...............Humana..................

Somehow those things don't add up to Obama, now do they?

[Aerows]

546. I know exactly who to blame

The damn insurance companies and their lobbyists that buy and sell politicians. That's why we are about 28 in industrialized countries for health care.

It's a sin what we are doing in this country.

[Glitterati]

477. And THEREIN lies the problem

The dogpilers want me to be thankful for a premium I can't pay.

Now, isn't that just brilliant?????????

[Yo_Mama]

520. We should not beat up on poor people on DU, and all too many are doing it in this thread.

There is no poor person who wouldn't freak out if he or she got such a letter.

And geeze, food prices are very high still. A lot of people are just scraping by.

I think maybe many don't realize what that money means to someone on a very limited income.

[Aerows]

552. I'm not even poor

and I wince at the price of milk these days. Not to mention the produce aisle. Yet there is mysteriously no inflation according to economic "experts" ...

Probably half the people on this board bashing on Glitterati are a couple of checks, either through SS or payroll from being so poor they have to sell all of their belongings to keep from being in the street.

I just don't get some of the folks in this thread.

Did none of them ever think "There, but for the grace of God, go I?"

[VanillaRhapsody]

257. by omission....

[Glitterati]

262. What omission?

[VanillaRhapsody]

279. A. your state....and B. that this is not off the Exchange.

[moriah]

372. I hope I get my letter soon, as the Marketplace website doesn't show my previous plan anymore.

And I know when I did the "sneak peek" option when I first saw it, it was showing insane rates.

Make sure you're on a Silver plan, BTW: they are the only ones with reduced deductibles and max out-of-pockets.

[TheNutcracker]

428. The is the exact personality of Mr. Leser.

[stevenleser]

604. Yep, I am a person who wants to debate based on all the facts. That's my personality. nt

[NCTraveler]

113. They have a gripe now. No need to be that dismissive.

I'm sure when one of your payments goes up you wait and do hours upon hours of research before saying fuck. He has a gripe. His payments just doubled. To some of us that is huge. No need to be so dismissive.

[stevenleser]

118. No, they don't. In two days they might. But they might not. nt

[Glitterati]

123. Doubled? Try quadrupled!

Thank you for that.

But, this is a 370% increase in my premium. That's a bit more than double.

[VanillaRhapsody]

322. try baloney!

YOU haven't applied for you subsidy yet.

[CreekDog]

381. the insurance premium increased by about 14%

from $503/month to $577/month.

if your income hasn't increased, I hope your subsidy would cover most of the overall increase so that your out of pocket will not rise so much.

[CreekDog]

384. No, it's a 14% increase in the policy's premium

your letter shows just that.

[glinda]

152. Just received a letter telling me mine is going up $105. Will see what will happen here.

[VanillaRhapsody]

282. what state?

[moriah]

383. I suspect there was some kind of glitch. I checked the Marketplace earlier....

... and said I was going up about $70 bucks.

Now it looks more like $7 increase to get an equivalent plan (mine has disappeared or changed dramatically one or the other), which I can deal with much easier.

Let's see what the mailbox has in store for me, to scare me out of my wits.....

[riderinthestorm]

56. The federal exchange opens in less than 48 hours

Don't despair!

[JaneyVee]

471. Ok thanks for clarification. I hope everything works out for you.

[FarPoint]

110. Seems like the OP jumped the shark..

Maybe the memo gave a wrong date to begin the discussion.

[Glitterati]

116. Good lord.

Do you know what kind of idiots you make of yourselves?

[NCTraveler]

119. Cold and callous ones. That's what kind. nt.

[VanillaRhapsody]

319. No she is dishonest....this form doesn't include her subsidy....because she hasn't applied for it

yet.

You are easily duped apparently.

[moriah]

397. When i check the estimates it includes a $191.66 subsidy.

So I'm waiting to see what my letter says in Arkansas.

If it's different than what the website is saying now, maybe something was screwy when letters were mailed out.

[VanillaRhapsody]

399. well according to the ACTUAL ACA site...

Premium and tax credit changes – What people pay for coverage in 2015 will likely change from 2014, due to various factors. As a result, it will be important for consumers to examine their 2015 coverage options and costs during this upcoming Open Enrollment Period. One key factor will be changes in the cost of the benchmark plan in a Marketplace. A preliminary analysis of premiums in 16 cities finds that the premium for the second lowest cost silver plan (the benchmark plan for computing premium tax credit amounts) will decline by 0.8 percent on average. Among those cities, the benchmark premium will increase by as much as 8.7% and decline by as much as 15.6%. These changes will have an effect on the cost of coverage for most consumers (i.e., those who are eligible for premium tax credits), even if their own circumstances don’t change from 2014 to 2015. In addition, changes in an individual’s income, age, and family status, as well as changes in the formula for calculating premium tax credit eligibility, will also affect the cost of coverage for consumers.

and since she cannot do that yet...she is not being honest.

[moriah]

401. Okay, then why even offer estimates?

If they aren't going to be right?

And I was at healthcare.gov, so what other ACA website are you talking about, VR?

[VanillaRhapsody]

406. because its estimates.....sheesh....because open enrollment is just around the corner...

no other ACA website....Healthcare.gov...open enrollment starts in 48 hours.

[moriah]

410. I'd much more believe the Republcians were scheming to fuck with people's heads...

... than that a DUer who's been here for years and has well over 1000 posts is lying.

And insurance companies could very well be sending out higher estimates to encourage people to dislike Obamacare.

Or maybe they fucked up when they first put the rates out, not counting that information you put there. Maybe that explains the differences in what I saw last week and what I saw today, because transposing a digit in my income doesn't. But putting the info out there before it's right is SILLY.

[VanillaRhapsody]

412. then you would be naive...

Its not open enrollment yet......this OP jumped the gun...and I think intentionally because she knows when she applies...things will change.

[moriah]

425. So again, no one can ever have anything bad to say about Obamacare and it be accurate.

I recommended those who were Medicaid/Private Option eligible in my state apply through access.arkansas.gov, because it was working better than the Exchange was. But when I did that with a current Marketplace application also pending, I ended up with two Medicaid numbers (and apparently one is still active despite me being granted my disability and updating my income on the Marketplace, though I've called many times). So that shows right there that there's a lack of communication between State and Federal marketplaces.

The federal Exchange was a computer technicians nightmare when it opened and anyone who denies it is FOS. I tried three different times to get a user name that would stick and let me log back in to see my info, finally went to the state website because I couldn't log back in to see progress or look like it fully submitted an application. Ended up with two Medicaid IDs. Later they reset all passwords and a technician helped me find the one that was correct for me to log in and update my income information. And I worked on computers, I wasn't a website dummy.

The fact is, computers fuck up. All computers do. Trying to do something on a scale like this is going to have fuckups.

I can say that and still be very happy for my Obamacare, and not wanting it to be dismantled, and not be a Republican in disguise since 2008 on here. Notice the OP blamed the insurance company, not Obamacare itself.

You sound like you are very cynical.

[WillowTree]

528. The law requires them to send the estimates to all insureds.

Since the subsidy information for 2015 won't be available until Saturday, all they can do is take their rates for the coming year and apply last year's APTC as an estimate of what the final premium will be.

[FarPoint]

128. Well...since you mentioned it....

I know one when I see one....

[stevenleser]

129. Yep. In two days, OP may in fact have reason to panic, but not now. nt

[FarPoint]

150. I love your feedback within this thread.

Spot on!

[VanillaRhapsody]

323. thought she had something......

she wasn't counting on someone knowing better...

[moriah]

395. Maybe the computers fucked up.

I know I saw much higher premiums, though not as high as when I deliberately transpose the digits of my income (checked that to make sure that wasn't what I did), when I checked it last week.

Maybe this is a Republican plot to make people hate Obamacare.

I think computer glitch is more likely.

[FarPoint]

433. The GOP's mission is very clear...

Their efforts are relentless ...I suspect all argumentative positions that remind me of Hannity etc... The tone is an obvious characteristic with all their cheerleaders.

[sabrina 1]

665. The OP isn't the only one experiencing these increases. But then we pointed out the loopholes

way back when all this was in the works, and were told to 'stfu'.

Btw, thanks for your compassion for someone who clearly needs HC and is obviously distressed.

What a shame how little compassion the proponents of this bill have for their fellow human beings.

[moriah]

366. In my case, they don't offer the same plan anymore.

Also, only Silver plans have the reduced cost-sharing for the poor.

So my premium is going up from $82.94 to ... well, damn, it said something very different last time. Maybe they adjusted the rates. Last time it said a BCBS silver policy that had the same coverage as mine was $144.

Now it's saying it'll only go up to $92. I can deal with that. Generic drugs and PCP copay are up, but at least the specialist copay is still $50, and that's who I have to see most often (my psychiatrist)

Maybe they had a glitch that generated the extremely high rates, and maybe I typed my income in wrong or something the last time. Naybe if it was a glitch then the notification from Humana for the OP might have been from a glitch too. But I knew it said to get an equivalent plan was going to cost me nearly double.

Or maybe the insurers proposed rates that were issued and then there was an outcry and they changed them. BCBS plans are still the cheapest ones in my state.

[MADem]

480. And don't poor folk get offsets and credits? nt

[SheilaT]

2. Are there no other plans offered in your area?

[Glitterati]

106. Asked and answered

I won't know anything more until the federal exchange opens.

[SheilaT]

172. Then maybe, just maybe, you should wait until the federal exchange opens

before coming to a rock solid conclusion.

Oh, and notice that I was the second responder to your OP, so I didn't have a chance to see the hundred or so other responses between number 1 and mine.

[moriah]

368. If the previews of rates are wrong, then why have them up at all?

Just sayin'. seems rather silly. I know the last time I looked at the preview rates on the Marketplace it was completely different from what I'm seeing now. I'm hoping maybe I just transposed numbers in my income the last time, but now it's showing much more reasonable rates. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a glitch in the letter that was sent out to the OP (I haven't gotten any letters) because I really don't think I transposed digits.

I would still be able to do it, as my SSDI check is very decent. It still would have sucked, but better than no health care at all.

[PasadenaTrudy]

3. Look for a different plan then

Mine is going up $50 a month, so I'll be shopping around.

[scarystuffyo]

4. That was the plan

The Affordable Care Act was a failure from the get go

This was only a win for the insurance companies

[Glitterati]

6. Clearly

So, those of us sick and tired and just get more sick and tired.

And, then, we jump through these hoops, go through the hell of healthcare.gov and the Supreme Court finishes killing us off mid year.

No thanks.

I am done with this bullshit.

I'm sick of being screwed over by all of them.

[scarystuffyo]

19. I don't blame you

The minute Obama had insurance executives and lobbyists in closed door meetings I knew
it had nothing to do with health care , it was about profit for insurance companies

What ever did happen to the Obama who said ALL meetings will be transparent and ALL
will be viewed on CSPAN..

Remember that line of Bullshit Obama fed us.....................

[Nuclear Unicorn]

27. You didn't have to wait that long.

Any initiative that centers on insurance was going to have to guarantee profitability. No profit, no companies to provide insurance.

In exchange the companies are going to ensure things are structured to eliminate competition and the need for innovation.

It was plain to see -- providing the pom-poms didn't obscure one's sight.

[VanillaRhapsody]

332. You are being bullshitted.....

this is NOT true.

I HAVE been subsidized on Obamacares...you have to apply for those every year.

[840high]

211. Don't blame you.

[DocMac]

221. I guess people will be happy

when you get the chance to sign up for the copper, lead, or paper plan?

[VanillaRhapsody]

326. You are not sick and tired.....you are just not honest...

WE are sick and tired of these false claims.

Again what state are you in?

[TheKentuckian]

453. Why do you ignore the box immediately above that clearly states the premium before credits is $577?

Why do you ignore the print in the box below it with the $101.xx that says it is the premium based on their 2014 credit?

Now, that brings us to the quibble with the OP which is that is with the amount from 2014 so they will have to submit for 2015 and see where it lands but clear as day the $101.xx is subsidized. You know good and we'll there is no unsubsidized, ACA compliant policy for a hundred dollar a month, that is just common sense and basic market awareness.

You are overwrought and being a cold hearted bully here. If folks could just get 1,200 a year plans from Humana, this would be a vastly different conversation all around. My employer based coverage was almost that much in the 90's. Use a little common sense and stop being so hasty and heated, especially when you can't be bothered to read what is as clear as anything I've seen from a payer in my life.

It is simple as fuck, Vanilla. It gives last year's before and after (which is a match with the original claim, by the way) and then this year's both before and after. Again, they need to get their 2015 and I tend to guess that 101 number will go down some but it might go up, we really don't know but the unsubsidized premium is $577 and some change, that is not disputable based on availability data and isn't unusual in this market at all.

[Ed Suspicious]

543. I'm sick and tired of reading your rude, dismissive, accusitory responses. Do you have

a dog in the hunt? Why are you attacking the OP?

[B2G]

629. Ah...the royal 'we'

Well some of us are sick and tired of your constant screeds on how well it worked out for YOU, so no one else should offer any criticisms at all.

You are truly a fine shill.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

530. What was your monthly premiums before ObamaCare kicked in?

Last year (before ObamaCare) my husband and I were paying just over two grand a month, with a annual deductible of ten grand. It's the pits when one of you gets chronically ill.

[Glitterati]

540. I was uninsured for 30 years.

Insurance, pffffft. I couldn't afford insurance. We were the working poor. We struggled to pay the CAR insurance to get us back and forth to work. $36.00 per month because we WERE good drivers, still am. Of course, the car had to go when I had to choose between health insurance and car insurance. But, I can walk most places right now.

My husband dropped dead in my living room from a massive heart attack.

[VanillaRhapsody]

561. Did you get the Gold or Platinum

what state do you live in?

Did they expand Medicare in your state?

Have you applied for your new subsidy? (I know already that is no).

I call bull hockey.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

569. We bought insurance because we have worked too hard

for what we have. Before I married my husband, 30 years ago, I rode my bike 10 miles to work, every day for years. My mother rode her bike just as far until she retired at 65. You're lucky you can still walk. I wish I could. Life can be very hard.

[Glitterati]

584. Here's a fun fact.

My endocrinologist was actually CHEAPER before insurance.

At the income based clinic, the endo was $25.00 per visit.

My insurance copay for the endocrinologist is $35.00 per visit.

But, hey, who needs medical care when you have insurance right?

[LynnTTT]

588. You just dig yourself in.

You now have complete comprehensive health coverage. You have coverage that will pay if you have a catastrophic accident or illness. You pay have to pay a large deductible, but you won't be hounded into bankruptcy. You have coverage and an insurance card that will cover you if you get sick away from home. There is far more to complete coverage that an increase in your per visit deductible

[Glitterati]

591. ROFL, anything you say

Hey, did you read the Megan McCain thread?

It's stunningly just like this one........in reverse.

Oh, and yeah, I had a catastrophic illness 2 years ago, uninsured. It wasn't quite the nasty little display you so happily wish upon me. Sorry to tell ya.

But, hey, we won't let the facts get in the way of your outrage, k?

[Boudica the Lyoness]

609. You're not the only person who's chronically ill

Quit belly aching. Just because a doctor suggests treatment, you don't have to have it. This year I have turned down infusion treatments and also seeing an oncologist. And we have very good insurance.

No one lives forever, including you.

[Glitterati]

614. Thanks.

Whoa, it really IS Meghan McCain, live and in person.

[B2G]

671. Are you fucking kidding me??

You can't possibly be serious.

[allinthegame]

155. Out in CA

Mine went down 2% for next year....this is the first time EVER that my rates have dropped at all

[SammyWinstonJack]

159. As it was meant too be

This was only a win for the insurance companies.

But hey...we can always 'fix' it later.....

[CreekDog]

411. so you're saying that if Obamacare goes away, then only the insurance companies will lose

not one real person will be harmed, just insurance companies, because Obamcare, as you are saying, is only a win for the insurance companies. correct?

[L0oniX]

458. +1

I (in Florida) make 15k a year and have a permanently disabled wife on SSDI. I don't qualify for ACA or Medicaid. Wife goes on Medicare next month which will take $105 from her $810 monthly SSDI deposit. Ask me if I give a f*** about ACA.

[drm604]

5. ACA isn't going up. Your particular insurance company is going up.

ACA doesn't have premiums. It's not an insurance plan. It's your insurance company that has a premium and that is what's going up. As others have said, shop around for different insurance.

[Glitterati]

7. Go ahead, argue semantics

in the meantime, I'll just curl up and die.

OK?

[drm604]

9. I wasn't trying to argue semantics.

You seemed to have the impression that ACA premiums are going up and that you have no choices. I was simply pointing out that there is no ACA premium, that the premiums are determined by individual insurance companies, and that you actually do have choices. I was trying to help you, not argue semantics.

[Glitterati]

10. Help? You thought that was helpful?

Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaa!

Don't bother next time, OK?

[drm604]

14. Wow.

I don't know what your problem is but, as I and others have said, shop around to see if there's something more affordable. If you can't see that that is an attempt to educate and help, then I don't know what to say.

[Glitterati]

17. You don't know what my problem is?

Good lord, did you bother to read the OP?

My disease will kill me.

I can't afford medical care.

I will die.

And you don't know what my problem is?

OK

[drm604]

21. I meant that I didn't know what your problem with my response was. Wasn't that obvious?

I understood your insurance problem. What I didn't understand was why you gave such an ungracious response to my attempts to help you.

[Glitterati]

22. You were NOT helpful.

I'm sorry, but a lecture from you was not in the least bit helpful.

Did I make myself clear this time?

Yes?

Good.

[TheSarcastinator]

29. the poster doesn't want to help you at all

They want you to support the ACA despite its negative effects on your health and well-being.

[Glitterati]

32. That was entirely clear with the first post

they have one purpose - no matter how many ways people get screwed - defend Obama, defend Obama, defend Obama.

I'd like the answer to just one simple question - when the holy hell is Obama, or ANY Democrat for that matter, going to defend ME?

[scarystuffyo]

57. The most aggravating thing I have noticed on DU is the posters who

no matter what truthful life experience some one is having with ACA
they are fast to defend it .

The ACA is a failure because unless it's affordable for EVERYONE
then it just bullshit

[SheilaT]

176. Oh, so even though millions are helped it's a failure

because others aren't? What an odd definition of failure.

[Glitterati]

195. and those millions will be reduced as they receive the letter I got today

[scarystuffyo]

307. yes

[scarystuffyo]

314. killing 5 people to save 10 is nothing to be cheer leading about

[SheilaT]

335. Where are people being killed by this?

And it's more like five are being saved, even though five others still are not. While we need to try to get that second five saved, we should be cheering, not booing the five who are saved.

[VanillaRhapsody]

334. and you know this with your whole 190 posts?

[CreekDog]

416. well if you don't want Obamacare then the old system doesn't want you

the system that won't accept you because of your disease, or will sell you insurance, but insurance that doesn't cover your disease.

but if you want to write off Obamacare altogether, just go ahead.

if you don't want it anymore, or its protections, then you can have nothing.

[randys1]

438. She even admits she was uninsured before ACA, ACA got her monthly costs down from $500

to either $27 or $100 worst case, and she is angry that she may have to pay

ONE FIFTH of what it would be WITHOUT OBAMACARE


hey, I am all for single payer, but these kind of attitudes just suck...big time

[Tarheel_Dem]

238. It's not help she's looking for, but thanks for your efforts.

[Glitterati]

244. Isn't it funny that so few managed to figure that out?

I didn't ask for anything at all. I was just stating the facts from the letter I opened this morning.

Now, my stupid butt assumed that DUers might want to know what folks were looking at before it hit the fan out on the interwebs and such, you know?

I really don't think Humana singled me out with a 370% increase in premiums.

[VanillaRhapsody]

336. You didn't offer anything constructive either....you are passing false information...

Humana doesn't give you subsidies.....

[Tarheel_Dem]

505. It's obvious you weren't looking for help from the tone of your responses in this thread.

However, people have still tried to assist you, and what they got in return was namecalling by your crew. It took some a few minutes to figure out what you were actually doing, but I knew right off the bat. Best of luck to ya!

[1StrongBlackMan]

246. I think if you think REALLY hard ...

you'll be able to figure out what that poster's problem is ... things don't go right, "Thanks, Obama!"

[Glitterati]

254. Oh, wow! I couldn't find the word Obama in the OP

how nice that you have those wonderful special glasses that allows you to find special hidden characters!

[1StrongBlackMan]

280. Okay! No Obama in the ACA, AKA Obamacare ...

Right!!!

[Glitterati]

297. streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetch!

you'll get there!

[Hekate]

329. Nah, you just managed to insert "all hail the mighty Obama" into nearly every subsequent...

....post after that. No special glasses needed.

BTW, your panic, anger, and lashing out at otherwise sympathetic and helpful DUers remind me so much of someone else in my sphere in real life. There are fora where you can vent all you want in a fact-free zone, but in GD at DU that usually is not sufficient, although you seem to have gathered a little coterie of fellow-travelers.

Regarding FACTS:

Your letter from Humana is a fact. Your panic, anger, and lashing out are also facts -- behavioral facts. It is also a fact that these behaviors will drive away people who might otherwise have some good ideas. And finally, it is a fact that the Open Enrollment period will start in just a few hours despite your panic, anger, and lashing out. Yes, it requires you to do some research every year, and unfortunately that is the way things are. I hate it too.

So go ahead and drive away everybody who could actually help you sort things out, and cling to those who only provide you with an echo chamber for your panic and anger.

[Glitterati]

338. There's only one problem.

I don't WANT your help.

I didn't ASK for your help.

I am a very big girl who doesn't NEED any help.

So, honestly, you can just move on now, because there's no need for anything from you.

[TheKentuckian]

470. Yeah, calling them dishonest and implying they are illiterate unable to read what is clearly stated

is sympathetic and helpful when the reality is it is the most boisterous critics of the OP that apparently can't read as at least two are trying to claim the $101 is the unsubsidized premium (despite having to ignore the box directly above that says the $577 is before credits and the clear print in the box below that states it is the amount with the 2014 credit applied, bringing it down to the $101.xx number).

Helpful might be identifying that hiccup and reminding them they will have to apply for the 2015 to get the most clear picture of their expected cost (understanding that the number could actually go down or even up).

Helpful and sympathetic is not a 2 minute hate for the OP who has health problems and limited resources while being beligerently wrong about the facts presented directly from the letter from the payer which the OP actually shared.

You ought to be calling out those being assholes to this person instead of piling on too.

[randys1]

444. Yep, I mean in the worst case scenario THANKS TO OBAMA she pays ONE FIFTH of what it

would be otherwise.

so what I say is DONT fucking complain to us, complain to the people who made it CRYSTAL FUCKING CLEAR that Obama best not even UTTER the words SINGLE PAYER otherwise he would never get enough votes for any kind of reform at all and you would be paying $500 or $600 a month IF AT ALL, maybe they would tell her to fuck off entirely for pre existing conditions

JESUS CHRIST this shit makes me angry


and I will CRY too when my premium is too high but I will CRY to the CORRECT FUCKING PEOPLE

[Glitterati]

473. NOPE! Wrong again.

I won't be paying ANYTHING in that case.

Because I don't HAVE IT TO PAY.

But, that's OK, keep piling on.

I'm thanking Obama for insurance I can't afford. Yes, Lordy, I am shouting my thanks to the heavens!!!!!!!!!

[randys1]

479. Yeah, I figured you are blaming Obama that cutting the cost to ONE FIFTH wasnt enough

But you see what you want to do is not blame him for cutting your cost to ONE FIFTH

what you want to do is work for single payer and support a political environment that can make that happen

[Glitterati]

483. Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaa

having fun?

Need to dogpile some more?

Enjoy you little factless trip down memory lane.

[randys1]

485. memory lane? do I know you?

dear god please tell me you are not that person from that other board

[Glitterati]

489. ROFL, really shook you up, huh?

Nah, I was referring to your attacks on poor innocents during the ACA implementation.

This should be old hand for you by now.

[CreekDog]

413. who asked you to curl up and die?

nobody.

[LawDeeDah]

8. Now you have destroyed the pinata

that is called Obamacare round here.


why shop around when the store of continual insults and misinformation is right here with so many happy customers.

[drm604]

16. Notice the response I got?

Some people don't accept help well.

[Glitterati]

24. And SOME people think lectures are HELPFUL

when they're just a pile of bullshit.

[SheilaT]

175. Since when is a simple suggestion to

shop around for something else is a lecture?

And by your own admission you didn't have any health care for 30 years. I guess you think that was better?

[magical thyme]

26. wow. OP didn't respond within 15 minutes. That means, exactly, nothing.

Maybe poster hasn't had time to read, let alone respond to, your post.

How dare poster do *anything* other than hang around and wait for you to post, in order to respond.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

34. When you're in a hole stop digging.

Get over yourself and your so-called advice.

She's not a child to be talked down to about shopping around. She's smart enough but you proceed from some apparently arrogant assumption that she can't figure things out on her own.

When it was plainly obvious you weren't helping you came across with an attitude of entitlement as if you're somehow appointed to set her straight.

You can protest that wasn't your intent but that's how it reads.

[LawDeeDah]

99. yep. I've seen this movie before.

[stevenleser]

240. They aren't interested in what you have to say or the facts. nt

[brooklynite]

77. Okay, I give up. What DOES the OP want?

Is this just an opportunity to vent? A desire for soothing and sympathetic noises? A demand to reform ACA? I'm completely lost here.

[Glitterati]

87. Nothing. Not a thing.

I thought people would find the information interesting.

I thought folks might appreciate the FACTS some of us are dealing with as we open our renewal letters.

I. WAS. WRONG.

Obviously.

But I want nothing from your nor anyone else.

[NCTraveler]

132. Many people want to know nothing about what goes on in reality.

Just what their favorite pol tells them. Sorry for some of the responses you have gotten here. On the other hand, some members of the board have shown understanding and compassion.

[upaloopa]

89. I think the OP and the supporters are bogus.

They don't care what you say, they have their game to play And you are getting in the way.
The ACA is helping millions and is working well. Our hospital had many indigent patients and now most have Medicaid. We are in CA. People in states that don't have an exchange may get screwed by the SCOTUS but then those folks vote repub or don't bother to vote.

[GitRDun]

122. I agree with you

I see nothing but bitching and sniping.

There's nothing wrong with suggesting someone shop the exchanges to see what else is out there. In fact, the results of shopping would be much more instructive than what one insurance company is doing.

The ACA does have its problems, but discussions like these do nothing to add to constructive solutions to fix it.

[Glitterati]

157. Just for you.

[GitRDun]

251. Welcome to the ignore list

Your angry / bitter about a premium increase you can't afford and you have health problems, I get it. You think you are the only one out there with real financial and health problems? Get over yourself! Try to post information that is constructive to how best to use or improve the ACA.

However, when you bitch and moan BEFORE seeing what options ACA has to offer, you come across as just a whiner.

Try being constructive instead of trolling your own OP to pick a fight with anyone who disagrees with you.

Addition by subtraction I say.

[Glitterati]

258. THANK you!

so glad you won't be participating anymore.

Wooot!

[Glitterati]

153. Here ya go

Proof for you.

But, really, don't let the facts get in the way of your grand conspiracy.

[WonderGrunion]

199. Have you updated your APTC for 2015 yet?

Your subsidy listed is based on 2014. The formulas may have changed and you may be getting a bigger subsidy to cover the increase.

Or maybe you aren't and you have a right to be upset. You should visit humana.com/learnmore like the document says before flying off the handle.

[jberryhill]

292. Apparently not

The underlying increase in the premium was 78 dollars, and having not updated the APTC, that figure was added to the previous subsidized premium. The OP needs to update the information on which the subsidy is based which is, as you point out, in the letter which has been posted throughout the thread.

The letter says "NOTE" in bold and explains that it applied the 2014 subsidy to the 2015 premium.

[BlindTiresias]

333. Have you tried visiting humana.com/learnmore?

Doesn't seem to be working for me

[Glitterati]

347. I have. Nothing there.

or not working for me either.

I can't find anything out until the federal exchange opens on the 15th.

[Brigid]

171. Um, affordable health coverage?

Just a guess.

[magical thyme]

23. OP didn't say ACA was going up. OP said it doesn't matter what the Supreme Court does

Nice try at blaming the victim, but the OP made it clear that Humana did the screwing.

[drm604]

35. The OP repeatedly says that ACA is going up.

I wasn't trying to blame anyone. Simply trying to correct a misconception and give advice.

[Glitterati]

37. That's simply a lie

plain and simple. But, you go ahead and stay in your pretty little bubble.

[Cali_Democrat]

40. "ACA is going up like a rocket"

From your OP.

[Glitterati]

42. ONCE. Where did I "repeat" said fact, much less "repeatedly" as you stated

in your lie.

[magical thyme]

43. No it does not.

"At least I don't have to wait for the Repbulicans to fuck me over. Humana did it for them."

The OP title says ACA premium notice. That is the ONLY place where the OP references ACA, and the rest of the sentence refers to the potential impact of the Supreme Court ruling on ACA.

On reading the entire post it is clear the poster is referring to the insurance company under ACA and the HUMANA is doing the screwing.

Your supposed attempt to help was superfluous, seeing as others had already suggested shopping around. Like nobody would think of that themselves.

Maybe poster is in an state like mine, where there aren't any choices. Maybe OP already looked and the 4-fold increase is the best or cheapest available.

[GusBob]

111. "ACA is going up like a rocket " 5th line of OP

Posted for clarity

[Glitterati]

135. And, for CLARITY, would you please post the "repeated" instances?

because THAT, Sir, is the lie.

[egduj]

308. That's the same argument as "IT's not the gun that kills, it's the bullets."

[magical thyme]

346. the point is that the OP's health insurance has roughly quadrupled

and that happens to have occured under ACA.

As another poster pointed out, it's like saying guns don't kill; bullets kill. It's part and parcel.

So let me put it this way: Way to miss the point.

[VanillaRhapsody]

328. and its baloney....she hasn't yet applied for the subsidy....its not open yet...

you have to apply for it again every year.

[yeoman6987]

11. Are you not on Medicare? You receive a widows pension.

Are you between the 62-65 age group? Just curious for more to your situation so others can help a bit more.

[Glitterati]

12. No to Medicare

I am 62, 63 in July.

[yeoman6987]

18. Thank you!

So we have to get an affordable medical plan for the next 3 years. I hope some can help here. I do like the suggestion about seeing if a cheaper policy is available in the ACA site. Could you afford to go to bronze for a short period?

[Glitterati]

20. No to bronze

I have an ongoing medical condition that requires at least monthly visits to a GP AND an endocrinologist.

Bronze plans do not cover that. It's why I chose the plan I did.

[yeoman6987]

30. Understand that for sure!

[Hoyt]

13. That's too bad. Nationwide Kaiser Foundation is predicting a slight decrease . . . . . .

http://kff.org/health-reform/press-release/premiums-set-to-decline-slightly-for-benchmark-aca-marketplace-insurance-plans-in-2015/

Has anything happened to change your subsidy?

Hope things workout, including Congress getting on the ball and making needed changes.

[Glitterati]

15. Nothing to change the subsidy

still on social security widow benefits, still on a fixed income, and still looking at poverty.

Nope. No change.

[jberryhill]

317. That's not the point - something did change....

The base premium changed.

Do you see where the letter applies your 2014 subsidy amount to the increased total premium?

Well, duh, yes, that results in the entire 70-odd dollar increase being added to what your premium was.

However, the 2014 subsidy was based on the 2014 premium as well.

Have you, or have you not, gone to the link IN THE LETTER, and plugged in your same information to have the subsidy recalculated on the basis of the new premium?

Yes or no?

[CreekDog]

422. your subsidy will be based on the overall premium

if the overall premium went up 14% and your income is not much different than last year, chances are, your out of pocket, after subsidy premium, would go up roughly 14% also, not 300% as you've stated.

now i wish we were not charged directly at all, but instead via our taxes and our ability to contribute to them.

but to say that your share is going up by 300% is not reality.

[glinda]

154. It was predicted in MN that the increase was around %14 but mine is well over 35%.

[jberryhill]

303. Read the "NOTE" in the letter

The subsidy has to be recalculated each year.

The letter SAYS it applies the 2014 subsidy to the 2015 premium. That's why the entire premium increase was added to the 2014 net premium.

The poster needs to read the note and redo the subsidy calculation for the new premium.

[Zorra]

25. Wow. So sorry. But no surprise. Privatized healthcare and healthcare insurance must die. nt

[Glitterati]

45. Thank you, but the problem is

I'm very likely to die first.

[Zorra]

82. The exchange opens on Friday. Hopefully you will find a plan you can afford there after

it opens. In the meantime, at least you'll still be covered under your old plan until the first of the year while you try to find a solution.

I live in Arizona, and our rates are predicted to increase among the most in the country. I have Healthnet, and they are reportedly seeking to increase premium costs by 14.4 percent. Privatized Healthcare Insurance is a racket, and needs to be made illegal.

Arizonans next year will pay an average of 11.2 percent more for individual plans sold over the marketplace. Seven states will have larger percentage increases for average monthly rates, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers' Health Research Institute analysis of rate filings made in 29 states and the District of Colombia.
snip---
The Arizona Department of Insurance is still reviewing health insurance filings, so the rates that Arizona insurers have requested may be different than what regulators allow. The report's Arizona figures came from six health insurers that have filed rates with the state. More health insurers are expected to file rates, so consumers will likely see different rates when the three-month enrollment period for ACA plans begins Nov. 15.

Arizona's filings show that Meritus, the state's non-profit health insurance cooperative, proposed dropping its rates 23 percent, the largest percentage decrease among all plans analyzed.

Department of Insurance filings show Health Net, which signed up the most consumers this year, has requested a 14 percent increase for individual plans. Cigna's filings with the state's Department of Insurance show it plans to increase rates an average of 14.4 percent and Humana, 25.5 percent.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2014/08/21/report-arizonas-obamacare-plans-hike-rates-percent/14407609/

Good luck.

[Glitterati]

136. This is a 370% increase

in my premium.

Somehow, I was stupid and thought those kinds of increases were now illegal.

[jberryhill]

325. Once more... you are misreading a somewhat deceptive letter

There was actually a small increase in the premium.

The calculation done in the letter is the problem. They apply your 2014 subsidy to the 2015 premium, so that it *looks like* you are absorbing the entire increase.

Then, they add a "NOTE" that you need to redo the subsidy calculation in order to find out what your 2015 subsidy will actually be.

The letter is IMHO deceptive in that regard, and designed to elicit the response it got out of you.

It's not a valid calculation to take last year's subsidy and apply it to next year's premium. It just isn't.

But the scare effect works because of the way they hide the invalidity of the calculation.

[CreekDog]

424. no it's not a 370% increase, in your premium, it's a 14% increase

your premium is $503, it's rising 14% to $577. that is not a 370% increase.

the government is paying most of your premium and they are paying most of the 14% increase.

[Glitterati]

495. My out of pocket MONTHLY PREMIUM increases 370%

nice little Republican trick you're trying there.

Bzzzzzt, wrong again.

[CANDO]

449. Sorry for your predicament

I often wonder how people can afford to use their insurance. You very clearly are just able to pay the premiums. What about the deductibles and copays and scripts? I have bcbs through my employment which I pay around $5,000 per yr for family coverage. I pay higher up front for lower deductibles $500 per person. And even after they are met, there is the co-insurance as well as office visits, scrpts, etc. We oftenhave to set up ppayment plans for our portion of the bills. I don't see how people can afford insurance while poverty stricken or just low income. Even with insurance, health care is very expensive if you need to see a doctor.

[stevenleser]

28. One of the things that's so great about the exchange is that you are not tied to that company

Until you give us more information what your post sounds like to me is equivalent to:

"I have an old Hyundai that I bought, and I am going to the Hyundai dealer now and the new Hyundai's are too expensive for me."

which, if they are the lowest price car and you have to have a car would be a very bad thing. But that part of the equation is not in evidence.

Have you gone back to the exchange? Are there other options? Without you supplying that part of the story we don't know if something seriously bad has happened yet.

[babylonsister]

33. Stop it, young man!

There will be NO reasoning in this thread!

[Glitterati]

39. What part of "the exchange is not open yet"

do you just not get.

Oh I know.....those "defend Obama" stars in your eyes got in the way of the facts.

[lumberjack_jeff]

47. So... you don't know what's available...

but you're confident you won't be able to afford it and will choose "uninsured" as the best response to your chronic illness for which a bronze plan is inadequate?

[Glitterati]

51. Perhaps you don't understand?

I'm on a fixed income. I can't afford more than what I am paying now, with the exception of the 1.7% COLA my widow benefits will be increasing.

I will be left with no other options.

It's really that simple.

A fixed income is simply that - FIXED.

There's no money for increases such as this plan has just laid on me.

[stevenleser]

65. I think that person understands just fine. Until the exchange opens, your position is not clear.

There were additions and subtractions to the exchanges. New insurance companies, new offerings, and some went away.

If when the exchanges open, there are no better priced silver plans (Yours is silver right? I thought I saw above that bronzes dont offer you adequate coverage) then I will say we have a serious problem.

[Glitterati]

70. And, I won't bother posting here

since you're such a compassionate bunch. </sarcasm>

[stevenleser]

78. DU'ers have always been pretty demanding in terms of wanting to know the complete facts of a

situation. That was true from the beginning, at least several years before I became a member.

I think it is one of the good things about DU. You won't know the facts of your situation for a few days. I don't know why you demand we all say "Poor you, ACA is horrible" before then.

[Glitterati]

83. I demanded no such thing

I posted the FACTS as I received them in the US mail this morning.

Nothing more, nothing less.

But, feel free to jump to your own conclusions. It's what DU's Obama Brigade seem to do best.

[stevenleser]

108. Yes, that is exactly what you are demanding. And you condemn anyone who doesnt do it. nt

[Glitterati]

131. Bzzzzzzzt. Wrong again.

But, wrong looks good on you.

[stevenleser]

145. Everytime I refresh your OP, more people are pointing out exactly what I said to you. nt

[Glitterati]

160. Just for you.

Go, Obama. Hooray, Obama. Bow down to the mighty Obama!

[LondonReign2]

147. Jesus Christ on a trailer hitch

You've got a person here who is concerned THEY MAY DIE because they may not be able to afford medical coverage and all you can do is harangue them endlessly? Is defending every last thing about Obama so fucking important that you have to be a complete jackass?

[SammyWinstonJack]

231. Yes I think so..

Is defending every last thing about Obama so fucking important that you have to be a complete jackass?

Happens a lot on DU.

[CreekDog]

426. actually most DUers support single payer, and I'm among them

but until we get that, do I want the protections and subsidies that are in the ACA? damn right I do, otherwise, you and others (remember, it's not just you, but others) will have far less protection and subsidies to get coverage.

[2banon]

101. seems to me you might be assuming that there will be offerings that will be LOWER rates, rather than

increases across the board. Am I correct on that point?

[stevenleser]

105. No, exactly the opposite. I'm assuming nothing. The OP is assuming their position is hopeless. nt

[2banon]

120. To my reading, the OP is assuming UN-affordable INCREASES across the board.

as is the case with his carrier as of his notification. One would naturally see that as a predictor with every carrier in the up coming "open-exchanges" just based on a bit of common sense related to historical trend..

I don't understand why you're being so quick to disregard and dismiss the concerns raised in the OP as if it were not based on real life experience.

[stevenleser]

124. Exactly. The OP is assuming without the facts to support it. nt

[2banon]

133. Real Life Notification and EXPERIENCE has a bit more weight than obtuse denial.

[stevenleser]

141. Nope. We won't know the facts for two days. nt

[Glitterati]

166. FACT. Right. Here.

[2banon]

207. wow.

talk about denial of the facts just reported.

[Fla Dem]

38. You need to go on your exchange to see if there are lower premium plans.

Large companies may be raising their rates, but smaller companies who now want a piece if the action are offering plans with lower premiums in some states. That's also affecting the size of the subsidies the states get, which mean in some cases, especially for the larger companies' plan, your subsidy will be lower. I just read an article about this, but damn if I can find it now. Good luck.

[Glitterati]

41. I will when the exchange OPENS

It's not open yet. My state didn't set up an exchange so I'm stuck waiting until the federal exchange opens.

[Fla Dem]

52. Here's another article, not the one I originally read, but some of the same info.

Also you can "window shop" before the exchanges actually open.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/insurance/obamacare-2015-low-premium-increases-high-deductibles/ar-AA7AjKs?ocid=U142DHP

[Hekate]

53. Okay, I get it. You have given up IN ADVANCE. All the best to you, anyway. nt

[Glitterati]

64. Totally uncalled for.

Totally.

But, thank you for your nastiness.

At least I know what to expect when the hard truth hits this place.

[riderinthestorm]

61. The exchange opens in less than 48 hours, fyi nt

[theboss]

44. Am I the only one thinking that both those numbers seem really low?

What is your plan exactly?

[Glitterati]

46. Feel free to search on my older posts

I detailed everything last year when I went though signing up for ACA, including the painful process for my daughter.

[Oilwellian]

63. Err...

perhaps Gliteratti qualifies for subsidies?

If they're raising rates that high on low-income people, it's disgusting and immoral.

[passiveporcupine]

214. Humana's rates are going up.

There is no way to tell what the subsidies for 2015 will be until the exchanges open, but since the subsidy is based on a percentage of your income that you are required to pay, there is a good chance the subsidy will make up the difference in the rate.

Until the exchanges open and more info is available, the letter is only evidence that the Humana rate is going up...not what the insured will end up being required to pay.

I understand the initial panic and response. It's a natural response. Just try to hang in there till the exchanges open and you can get more info.

[jberryhill]

330. You got it

"There is no way to tell what the subsidies for 2015 will be"

And that is the KEY to understanding why the letter is misleading.

[CreekDog]

431. No, no, no...insurance companies have to charge everyone in an age bracket the same amount

men, women in each of the same age bands get charged the same amount.

the government subsidizes low income people more, but the amount the insurance company gets is the same (slightly more for smokers is the only exception).

[Hekate]

50. This is Open Enrollment time. Go to the exchange and find another provider. That's what it's for.

[Glitterati]

55. Not YET.

while there is SOME LIMITED information on healthcare.gov right now, it is very limited and generic.

I cannot choose an insurance plan without specifics.

I REPEAT

I live in a state which did not set up an exchange. I am entirely dependent on the federal exchange which is not yet OPEN for plan selection.

[Hekate]

59. So you've given up in despair in advance of the actual open enrollment. Got it. Best of luck to you.

[Glitterati]

68. Once again, your nastiness shows your true nature

God bless you pea pickin little heart!

[hughee99]

60. Open enrollment doesn't start until the 15th.

The poster doesn't know what's available yet, just that their old plan's cost more than tripled and they can't afford it anymore.

[noiretextatique]

198. that's my understanding also...and i understand the fear and panic too

but what i don't not understand are all the nasty posts.

[CreekDog]

432. no, the old plan has increased by 14%

the premium rose from $503 to $577 per month.

that's 14-15%, not 370%

[Glitterati]

494. and the MONTHLY PREMIUM increased 370%

ooops. Got it.

[RussBLib]

538. you still don't know what the 2015 subsidy will be

Humana raised it's total premium by $74.12, which is a 14.7% increase in their total premium, and that is a big increase.

But that same $74.12 is the exact difference between your 2014 subsidized premium and the 2015 total premium using the same subsidy amount that you received for 2014. I imagine that Humana cannot know what your 2015 subsidy will be. If Humana increases their total premium by 14.7%, then I would hope (and expect) that your 2015 subsidy might increase by a similar amount so that your new subsidized premium is not dramatically higher.

If your subsidized 2014 premium increased by a similar 14.7% increase, your new 2015 subsidized premium would be around $31. Hopefully you could afford a $31 premium.

You will simply have to wait until you can see what your 2015 subsidy will be before stating with confidence exactly how much your subsidized premium will be.

The letter is actually very clear, but it is still rather misleading at the same time. They should state something clearly like, "We do not know how much of a subsidy you will receive for 2015, but if you get the exact same subsidy for 2015 that you got for 2014, your new subsidized premium will be $101 (and change)."

So how likely is it that the subsidy from one year to the next will NOT change? We don't know. The ACA does not have much of a track record yet. The letter can be rather shocking until you think carefully about it.

[Glitterati]

542. I understand that NOW.

I didn't understand that this morning when I went to my mailbox and opened this letter.

I hope you're right. Good GAWD, I hope you're right. $31.00/month is affordable. $50.00/month would be a squeeze, but I'd find something to cut. $100.00/month I just can't squeeze blood out of a turnip.

But, on this same vein, do you realize what's coming at us when thousands of people get these same kinds of letters?????????

[RussBLib]

548. massive confusion, and anger

and FOX News will have a heyday with it.

A single payer option would have been so much simpler, but no, we had to leave the fucking insurance companies intact.

[Glitterati]

549. Like being tied to a train track with the train barrelling right for us

Lord, what an absolute nightmare this is going to be!

[VanillaRhapsody]

554. I told you REPEATEDLY

my premium at $300 a month was only $61 a month after subsidy...

you are not being honest....

Is your plan Silver Gold or Platinum.

[Glitterati]

555. And I told you REPEATEDLY

that I will have no conversation with you.

Your behavior is threatening and untoward.

I want nothing to do with you.

I have no intention of EVER answering a question you ask.

Is that simple enough for you to understand now?

[VanillaRhapsody]

556. then stop telling untruths...

I have no intention of stopping calling you on it!

[Glitterati]

557. Then you will be ignored

tada

Keep running around like a chicken with your head cut off. It's you making an ass of yourself, no skin off my nose.

[VanillaRhapsody]

559. but it wont stop me from pointing out to every one else your misdeeds and falsehoods....

[Glitterati]

560. While they laugh their ass off at you.

But, keep going.

Have fun.

You're not worth my time.

[VanillaRhapsody]

562. Oh no they wont....not in this case. I have first hand experience with this topic!

and here is what also proves you wrong..

The maximum out-of-pocket costs for any Marketplace plan for 2015 are $6,600 for an individual plan and $13,200 for a family plan. This means when the amount you’ve paid in deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance reaches these limits, the insurance company pays 100% of your costs for covered care. Even if you choose a catastrophic coverage plan your out-of-pocket costs shouldn’t exceed this limit.

How much healthcare were you expecting to use this coming year? Have any major medical conditions? I take it you are not young....

[Hekate]

649. You're very brave...

Vanilla, I can't quite fathom how this toxic dump of a thread has managed to endure to the extent it has, but you are brave to keep trying to counter the falsehoods. You have my appreciation.

[Recursion]

663. No, it hasn't. Humana doesn't even know what your premium will be yet

They applied this year's subsidy to next year's rate, which is basically a meaningless thing for them to have done.

[hughee99]

539. could you please help me with this...

"My premium went from $27.55/month to $101.67/month. " is from the OP, which i accepted at face value.

Either you replied to the wrong post, or I'm totally baffled by ACA math.

[voteearlyvoteoften]

66. Mine going from 170 to 450

Humana in FL. I did have a milestone Bday.
Hate to have to change. Cause I just got new primary Dr. Was paying 480 before ACA. So it looks like it could be a problem.

[B2G]

88. THIS is what many here are glossing over

Changing plans is not easy. Most likely they will need to find a new doctor. If they find something with affordable monthly premiums, their deductibles will likely rise. Their copayments will rise.

Going from Silver to Bronze is a big deal. Are people just suppose to pay the same money for less healthcare and a more restrictive network each year so they can afford SOMETHING?

This stinks.

[Glitterati]

90. I have no intention of doing that.

None. I won't buy garbage insurance. And the Bronze plans are pure garbage.

I already pay someone to take out the trash each week, not paying some insurance company to do the same for nothing. And Bronze plans are worse than nothing - they are false security.

[B2G]

92. I understand. Also keep in mind the penalty is tripling next year

for those who choose to opt out. I think it's moving to around $300 for individuals, up from $95 this year.

[Glitterati]

95. I won't face a penalty

since I pay no taxes on my unearned income.

[CreekDog]

436. there is no penalty for low income folks

nice to see you've gotten over your Ebola panic posts, btw.

[e-cigdub]

67. New here had to respond to glitterati

Glitterati,

Im a new poster, but been reading the forum for a long time. I saw your post and i felt so bad. Your SS as you stated is going up like barely 1 percent.. and your insurance is going up 370 percent.. and peoples response to your serious medical need is "shop around"

Those comments made me so angry.. your not buying a damn car where you can get at one car dealership for 17k and another dealership for 18k so you save a maybe 1 thousand...

Your premium went up 370 percent.. what freaken shopping around can a person do to bridge that gap? HECK 30 dollars a month honestly is a lot for you as far as im concerned.. In my humble opinion.. someone who is on SS as there main source of income should get free health insurance.

but i digress because people like me are becoming dinosaurs in this country.

[Glitterati]

72. Thank you. You are making me cry.

I finally found someone who understand the hell that has just been visited upon me in my mail box this morning.

[LovingA2andMI]

193. Make that two of us....(There are more, trust me)

That understand your situation. It's OBVIOUS as the paper you have attached to this thread. Your premium under the current policy is going up. It is not "that darn easy" in some cases to switch Doctors. That totally depend on where you live, the hospitals in your area (i.e. its' more than one medical facility in your service area NOT owned by the same "non-profit" BS by the way -- Corporation) what will be the new co-pays, deductible and more.

It truly sucks your premium is going up so much. I'm sorry. Our private care insurance for the Hubby and I has become unaffordable too. I really go back and forth before attending a Doctor's Appointment getting hit with $20.00 Co-Pays, 80/20 Prescriptions, ridiculous $200 for a Urgent Care or E.R. visit plus my Hubby paying HUNDREDS of dollars a month for a "Premium". We need universal health care however it will NEVER HAPPEN in the country because we are TOO GREEDY and PROFIT DRIVEN first.

Not until the entire Health Care System collapse.

I hope it gets better for you....

[Glitterati]

203. Thank you.

Knowing I am not alone makes it so much worse!

I think this thread is just a dichotomy of what we have become in this country - callous, cold people who care about ourselves first.

It just makes me sad.

[SammyWinstonJack]

256. You're not alone....

I understand and some of the responses here are just RUDE!

[CreekDog]

437. no, the insurance isn't going up by 370%.

if you truly read the thread, you could see that.

[TheKentuckian]

487. That is the estimated increase in her share though, which is the bottom line for the OP.

Now, when they do their 2015 subsidy it may turn out to be less of a bite but it could even be more, we simply do not know and have little to any way of knowing but the OP is being 100% factual based on the available data and should not be raked over the coals for their assessment of the situation.

[Capt. Obvious]

71. Your hatred of Obama is noted

[Glitterati]

74. OMG! OMG! OMG!

what more is there to say to this?

[shraby]

73. You don't have Medicare? If you have SS, don't you have Medicare? Something is missing here.

Sorry, I didn't read all the thread to see why you don't have Medicare.
Do you qualify for Medicaid?

[Glitterati]

79. You're wrong.

Already asked and answered starting at post #11.

But, that's OK, feel free to jump to your own conclusions.

[magical thyme]

354. you don't qualify for medicare until you are 65, but can qualify for SS

at 62, or under some circumstances, earlier than that. Right?

[MineralMan]

75. Your coverage will continue at the current rate

until January. The federal website is up on November 15, so you'll be able to check for alternatives to your current plan starting then. There may well be a plan available you can afford that will work for you. I don't know that, of course, but there may. I'm sorry your rate increased. My wife's did, too, but it's still less than half of what she was paying prior to ACA.

Once the the website is up and running, you can check for an alternative. Until January, your current plan remains in effect at the original premium.

[Glitterati]

80. I know. Thank you for that, though.

The notice I got said exactly that.

However, they will take the increased premium out on December 4 for the January premium, so I'm on a clock right now with a lack of information to make an informed decision.

Clearly, the first thing I have to do is remove the automatic deduction from my debit card, though. Or next month, I won't be able to pay my bills.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

94. Will the subsidies be increased to keep out of pocket similar?

Or are the subsidies fixed?

[Glitterati]

96. I have no clue, nor any way to find that out until the exchange opens.

until then, all I can do is worry.

[MineralMan]

97. I simply don't know.

I'm on Medicare. My wife has an ACA policy, but she used Minnesota's MNCare website, not the federal site. She's OK with the premium increase for her coverage, so will do nothing and let the policy roll over into 2015.

We make too much money to get a subsidy at all, so I have no experience with the subsidy system.

[randys1]

454. What do you pay for part b, part D and do you have a supplemental for deductibles?

Just trying to learn what I can for the future

[MineralMan]

478. Part B is $99, automatically deducted from my SS payment.

I don't buy Part D. I have a supplement from Blue Cross that costs $109 per month. I haven't paid anything beyond that for any health care, and most hospitals and multi-specialty clinics in my area accept assignment for Medicare patients. I get same day appointments at my clinic, and the supplement is tied into the Blue Cross pharmacy benefit, so I pay the same co-pays I used to for all generic meds.

This is what everyone needs, IMO. Essentially, I'm 100% covered for all.most everything.

[KG]

85. don't worry, the kings of condescension are here to tell you how wrong you are.

[Glitterati]

86. AND how mean I am being to Obama

don't forget that part.

[B2G]

91. Wow. For a community supposedly concerned about the poor

and those on fixed incomes, you sure are getting a thrashing here.

Just wait until Saturday...you will soon realize you are not alone. Not by a long shot.

I am so sorry for your situation. I truly hope things work out.

[Glitterati]

93. Thank you. Sad, isn't it?

concern? Not on DU.

Not one shred.

Not even pretend.

But, thanks for the nugget among all the ugliness.

[CountAllVotes]

100. Believe me, I feel for you!

and yes, I do mean it and YES, I do believe you if that helps any at all.

As a person with a pre-existing condition that cannot be cured, I know what it means to have/not have insurance.

My hope for you is that you are able to find something else if possible.

Hang-in there best you can. I don't know what else to say to you except thank you for having the guts to post something honest, yes honest, as I do believe you for what it is worth.

[Glitterati]

104. Welll, I'm happy to scan the letter I got this morning for anyone who chooses to disbelieve

anyone who needs proof, just send me a PM. I'll scan away.

[CountAllVotes]

127. This whole thing seems to be a big racket IMO

A friend of mine is now paying $800 a month because of these "changes". Her sister is considered low-income where she lives (>$80,000.00/year income ) and last I heard she was paying $85.00/month (is 62 years old at present and waiting to get on Medicare). What her new premium will be for this upcoming year I have no idea but I hope it is not the same as your experience is but nothing would surprise me at this point!

Many doctors where I live are no longer taking Medicare (including my own doctor and my husband's doctor) patients. So much for those "Medicare For All" cries IMO. Soon people on Medicare will wake-up and smell the coffee when they find there are no doctors that will have them as a patient and when they find the need for surgery, good damn luck finding a surgeon!

All of this said, I'm thinking the whole things sucks and sucks big time.



On edit: I do not need to see the letter you received as the thieves are out with very long knives, something I've been saying for sometime now ... like not long after the year 2000!!!

[LondonReign2]

151. Not all of DU

Just those so vested in defending Obama that they've apparently lost every shred of human decency.

[Glitterati]

170. True, true.

Sorry to issue such a blanket statement and tarnish the few who seem to understand.

[LittleBlue]

134. Agreed

Bet the wingnuts are laughing their cocks off reading this. Attacking a widow on fixed income. Classy

To the OP, you have my sympathies. I hope you find some way out of this predicament.

[Glitterati]

138. Thank you.

I hope so too.

[Doctor_J]

252. much more concerned about the president's reputation

[CreekDog]

440. she's getting a thrashing for what she said about the law, including getting key facts wrong

DUers support single payer healthcare and nearly all of us would prefer such a system to one that collects premium as this one does.

But don't mistake, which you already have, people's insistence that the OP get the law right, for a lack of sympathy. Most of us think somebody in her position should get health care at no out of pocket cost and contribute to the system via affordable taxation.

but you have another agenda around here.

[Glitterati]

455. I said NOTHING about ACA

so, bzzzzzzzzzzt, wrong again.

Why am I not surprised?

[CreekDog]

460. you said it was going up like a rocket, you said that in your OP

[Glitterati]

486. Why, yes, I did say my ACA PREMIUM was going up like a rocket

and that equate to an attack on Obama how?

Does the letter not say my premium is going up 370% or not?

Why yes, it does.

Did I say that in the OP?

Why yes, I did.

And, where did I mention Obama?

Where did I blame anyone but Humana?

Where do I discuss "the law" thereby opening myself to the dogpile that has ensued?

Why, no where!

[CreekDog]

446. Don't lecture us on concern for the poor with respect to insurance costs

when you opposed expansion of Medicaid, when you said that women of childbearing age should have to pay more to obtain coverage that covers pregnancy.

don't even lecture us on when you've been one of the loudest advocates of harming women when it comes to insurance coverage.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023791179

B2G (3,995 posts)

Why must all health insurance plans include maternity coverage? ...

[L0oniX]

450. LMFAO ..."all" of DU cares about the poor?

Not if they are exposing flaws in Obama's ACA.

[lumberjack_jeff]

503. I'm concerned for the poor *and* concerned about disinformation.

The poster is, by definition, posting from a position of ignorance.

I'm pretty sure that most everyone posting in this thread would be offering advice and help if:
a) the problem was defined ("zomg! My insurer sent me a bill!" isn't in itself a problem)
b) the facts are known.

on edit:
false alarm. It seems that the problem has been debugged downthread; Humana didn't calculate this years ACA subsidy.

The sky is not falling. I would think that the OP would be relieved, but for some reason, I suspect not.

[Glitterati]

510. Sorry, but no relief until I can obtain the information I need

so, you'll just have to excuse me for wanting to make sure the intelligent, non-combatant posters on DU were informed on what was going on.

Ignorance, huh, that's funny. So, I can assume you're placing the renewal notice from Humana on the ignorant scale, too.

There's nothing ignorant about using the information you are given, in writing, in black and white. NOT using that information, or dismissing it outright for a political agenda, on the other hand IS ignorant.

But, whatever floats your boat. Enjoy.

[DustyJoe]

98. Humana is not Humane

A $101.00 premium is within $3.00 a month for medicare part B, but I doubt the deductible or co-pay on the humana plan are as low as medicare. Why they don't allow any SS recipient to enroll in medicare is beyond me. It's really easy to get sick in that 3 year insurance hole from 62 to 65. When the premium is the same as medicare, they need a mechanism to just swing it to medicare.

[CountAllVotes]

103. +1

n/t

[still_one]

102. So you don't qualify for Medicaid or Medicare I assume. I would see what other alternatives there

Are by looking for other exchange companies, or asking someone at exchange what you can do if anything

I assume that increase is with the subsidy. Expanded Medicaid was supposed hanle that I thought

[Glitterati]

109. No to both

too much SS widow benefit to qualify for Medicaid.

I get widow benefits from SS, so I do not qualify for Medicare for another 3 years. Not until I reach age 65.

[passiveporcupine]

305. If you cannot handle $100 a month, how will you pay for Medicare B

when you finally qualify? It will be a lot more than you are currently paying.

Not trying to make you worry more, but once you are eligible for Medicare, I don't think you can use an exchange, and I think the exchanges are a better deal for monthly premiums, but not as good at co-pays and deductibles (unless you get subsidy help with those too). Once you are on Medicare, you won't be eligible for subsidies at all.

[Glitterati]

327. I won't

I can't.

It's that simple.

But, apparently, the hundreds and thousands of elderly poor like me just don't matter.

[treestar]

114. The new enrollment period doesn't even start until Nov 15

So how can you have received a premium notice for the next year already?

[shenmue]

125. I got one too, from Humana

I guess they tell us early, so we can feel the pain.

Mine's going up by $50 a month. Humana's fault, not the subsidy's, but still.

[B2G]

130. The insurance companies already know their rates

They are notifying existing plan holders.

The exchanges open on the 15th for new enrollments and enrollment changes. The two are not related in the slightest.

[Autumn]

311. I got my notice from Humana this morning also.

[NCTraveler]

140. Truly mazes me how many people here think changing insurance plans every year is a good idea.

You have a gripe and I'm glad you let it out. Sorry about your situation. I really find it hard to believe all of these people jumping on you because open enrolment is here. Like it isn't a big deal, just change plans. These people are not based in reality and have no clue that their idea alone is a reason to gripe. Ohhh, you just have to change plans. That's all. So easy. What they are supporting is the exact opposite of stability. They are actually arguing that the ACA is in opposition to stability. How many hours will be wasted, primarily by those receiving the subsidy, will be used finding a new plan. Because those in poverty(not saying you as I don't know) don't have enough on their plate.

[Glitterati]

143. And changing doctors with those plan changes

And, yes, I live in poverty on a fixed income of widow's benefits SS.

There is exactly ONE Dr. who takes any ACA plans here.

This is gonna be REAL interesting.

But, no big deal, right? Just change plans.

Buy a Bronze plan that isn't worth the paper it's printed on!

Insurance! You have insurance.

Yeah, Obama! Go, Obama! Bow down to the great and mighty Obama!

[Ed Suspicious]

551. It is absolutely asinine. How many uneducated and lower IQ citizens are swimming in it right now?

This seems needlessly complicated and nearly unnavigable by anyone but the most plugged in. I love the protections, i hate the shopping. Good lord, I stand paralyzed in the deoderant aisle at the grocery store at all the choice. I hate this.

[Doctor_J]

618. "It's one of the great things about the ACA!!! Those countries with UHC don't know how bad they hav

it!!!!"

Unbelievable. Really, really unbelievable.

[Recursion]

664. I changed plans pretty much every year since I started working

Every year, HR would send out a note saying they've gotten a new insurance provider, here are the details. I guess I don't think of it as unusual.

[Tatiana]

144. The majority of these responses are pretty appalling.

I'm really sorry your premium is going up. Mine has, too.... $70/mo for a family plan. In fact, the majority of major insurance plan premiums are going to be higher. I honestly think it depends on how much of a hit we are going to take.

Posters are correct in directing you to search for more competitive rates on the exchange, when it is open. You should be able to find something a bit cheaper, depending on what type of coverage you need.

Have you checked your state's qualifications for Medicaid? I understand you're on a fixed income and several states increased their income limits for Medicaid, so please check to see if you qualify for that.

I know it's rough. Hang in there

[Glitterati]

148. Thank you. But, I don't live in a state with expanded Medicaid.

and, yes, I checked. My daughter (a college student living at home working part time) should qualify, but it took them a YEAR to send the paperwork to see if she qualified.

Not only did my state refuse expanded Medicaid, the Insurance Commissioner vowed to do everything in his power to kill it in this state. So, yeah, I'm just screwed.

[LynnTTT]

158. Questions

I think Glitterati has spent more time replying here than she will spend in a few days checking the website and getting alternative quotes. And it's hard to believe she is going to choose to go without coverage entirely, and DIE, rather than check out her options over the next few weeks.
Also, I follow this pretty closely and haven't heard of any increases of 300+%. Just her age and zip code could allow someone to verify the Humana rate increase.

[Glitterati]

163. Here is all you need

Straight from the horse's mouth.

[B2G]

177. Looks like you're bearing the full brunt of the policy increase

The key question is will your subsidy increase next year to offset it.

From everything I've read, your subsidy would only increase if your income changes. Hope that's not right, for your sake.

[Glitterati]

178. Well, hey, my income WILL increase 1.7% with COLA

maybe there IS some hope. (I'm kidding, I'm truly not that stupid.)

I wonder where LynnTTT went all of a sudden? </sarcasm>

[B2G]

186. I'm hoping it's a wash for you

policy goes up, income stays the same, subsidy increases.

Do keep us posted. A lot of us DO care.

[yallerdawg]

222. You have got it exactly!

Humana is calculating the increase based on 2014 subsidy. They don't do ACA calculation. So they added total increase to 2014 monthly subsidy and scared the crap out of Glitterati and the rest of us!

2015 will recalculate subsidy, and then Glitterati will be back to income -based eligibility.

[Glitterati]

228. Look closer at the letter

they did raise the subsidy in it for next year.

Hopefully, they are wrong.

[yallerdawg]

232. See, they are using your 2014 amount.

The entire monthly increase plus you 2014 subsidy equal $101.67. Humana will not calculate your additional ACA subsidy, only the exchange can get you the subsidy.

We all have to go back to the exchanges annually for the "tax subsidies."

[jberryhill]

339. "(Using your 2014 ATPC amount)"

Do you see those words in the letter?

"they did raise the subsidy in it for next year."

No, they didn't. And the letter SAYS they didn't.

Its a bullshit calculation until you redo the subsidy.

[B2G]

234. I think the subsidy is only recalculated if income changes

In her case, she got a very small COLA, so from everything I've read, her subsidy wouldn't increase unless her income decreases.

Subsidies are not calculated based on the plan selected. It's calculated based on income.

[LynnTTT]

310. SORRY

Had some things to do.
But, it appears that the Human premium has gone up a bit, but it's your contribustion that has gone up. Your subsidy is based upon your personal income I believe . So there must be change in circumstances. The premium did not go up 300%.

[jberryhill]

337. "The key question is will your subsidy increase next year to offset it."

Read the letter carefully, including how the numbers were calculated and the "NOTE".

Notice what they did?

They applied the 2014 subsidy amount to the 2015 premium, and then say "Oh, by the way, if you want to know what the 2015 subsidy amount is going to be, go somewhere else."

[Oilwellian]

194. I'd definitely look into updating your APTC

Hopefully, the subsidy increases when the premium goes up.

Best wishes to you.

[Glitterati]

208. Thank you, Oilwellian.

Only 2 more days to know for sure.

Maybe my nerves can take it.

[DrewFlorida]

161. I feel bad for you! Damn insurance companies suck.

I also have a Humana plan through the healthcare exchange, they sent me a notice of a 28% increase. It looks like I will have to do another search on the healthcare exchange for 2015, and choose a more affordable plan.
You should be able to do the same.

Good luck,
Best wishes.

[Glitterati]

165. Thank you.

I assume it's because my state has made it abundantly clear to the insurance companies they are free to screw over anyone stupid enough to fall for the game.

[C Moon]

164. I think I would have posted that on DU. I think that is awful.

Hope you can get it lowered!

[nationalize the fed]

168. k/r I hope you can find a solution

It would be one thing if these mandated insurance payments were all that one had to deal with. But paying thousands for "coverage" and then having to cough up money to actually use this "coverage" is absurd. It's a slap in the face to anyone that is jobless, on a fixed income, etc.

Other countries that mandate insurance coverage AND include deductibles and co-pays? Can't find any yet.

[Art_from_Ark]

239. Japan has mandatory insurance coverage and co-pays (but no deductibles)

There is national health insurance ("Kokumin Kenkou Hoken&quot that is available for everyone, and premiums are based on income, family size, and age. All visits to doctors and dentists that are considered necessary (that is, not for cosmetic purposes) are covered, as are prescriptions. The patient pays 30%, and the insurance pays 70%. There is reduced-rate or even free care for some age groups.

There is also a type of employer-sponsored health insurance called "Shakai Hoken" that is available to certain full-time workers. I don't know about the premiums or coverage, but the co-pays are also 30%-70%.

[darkangel218]

173. OP, I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Some of the responses you got in this thread are so cold and heartless, it's disgusting.

I'm at loss for words

[Glitterati]

174. Thank you.

It's sad to see, isn't it?

[darkangel218]

182. I'm not surprised that the ACA turned out to be a failure,

Since the health insurance corporations were never really regulated. The only good thing it had was the acceptance of pre existing conditions, which is pretty much worthless when people can't afford the premiums or deductibles/copaymants.
What is really gross is how some are still defending shamelessly the ACA even when they know how broken and faulty it is, and that literally people's lives are in danger here.
Is that what we have come to? Party devotion before humanity?

[LovingA2andMI]

225. THIS IS PERFECT.....

"What is really gross is how some are still defending shamelessly the ACA even when they know how broken and faulty it is, and that literally people's lives are in danger here.
Is that what we have come to? Party devotion before humanity?

This took courage to say. THANK YOU for saying it!!!

[florida08]

205. Dear God

Have never seen so many fail to comprehend the English language, forcing you to repeat yourself over and over. Am afraid we have become quite cynical and over protective of the wrong people.
How taxing this must have been for you.

Please let me have the honor of helping you through this. Send me your address to my personal email [e-mail]

I can help you through Dec.

[pnwmom]

179. Do you not qualify for a subsidy? Are you in a Red state? That isn't the fault of the ACA. n/t

[Glitterati]

183. Here are your answers

[pnwmom]

192. If you can't afford $100 now, how will you afford the Medicare supplement you will need in a couple

years?

Anyone who thinks single payer is the solution hasn't thought through the problem.

[Glitterati]

215. I won't.

I will figure out how to starve a bit more efficiently.

It's not like I have an option, now is it?

[frazzled]

545. That is the amount you'd pay "based on your 2014 APTC amount."

It also says that you can visit the website stated to update your APTC.

The APTC is:

A tax credit that can help you afford coverage bought through the Marketplace. Sometimes known as APTC, “advance payments of the premium tax credit,” or premium tax credit. Unlike tax credits you claim when you file your taxes, these tax credits can be used right away to lower your monthly premium costs. If you qualify, you may choose how much advance credit payments to apply to your premiums each month, up to a maximum amount. If the amount of advance credit payments you get for the year is less than the tax credit you're due, you'll get the difference as a refundable credit when you file your federal income tax return. If your advance payments for the year are more than the amount of your credit, you must repay the excess advance payments with your tax return.

https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/advanced-premium-tax-credit/

Note that the increase in your premium is the exact amount of increase of the total premium ($74.12). But you may qualify for more APTC. I'd check that out.

[darkangel218]

187. Her premium quote is after the federal subsidy.

[Glitterati]

190. Thank you for pointing that out.

I stupidly assumed most here could read.

[pnwmom]

212. Yes, I see that now. $100 a month is inexpensive for someone that age.

Without the subsidy, the cost would be close to $600. If she has any preexisting conditions, the cost would be far higher, if insurance were available at all.

As it is, she'd be paying less than half what a Medicare supplement policy is after the age of 65 -- and Medicare isn't enough if you don't have a supplement policy or Medicaid.

[darkangel218]

227. Really?

pnwmom
212. Yes, I see that now. $100 a month is inexpensive for someone that age.
Without the subsidy, the cost would be close to $600. If she has any preexisting conditions, the cost would be far higher, if insurance were available at all.

As it is, she'd be paying less than half what a Medicare supplement policy is after the age of 65 -- and Medicare isn't enough if you don't have a supplement policy or Medicaid.

$100 is inexpensive? Lmao!!! Maybe for you!The OP just said she can't afford it!!

The ACA is faulty, and needs to be changed/tweaked/changed to universal healthcare. Are you ever going to admit that, pnwmom??

[pnwmom]

276. She is 62 and has a chronic illness. The cost could have been in the thousands before the ACA.

And we don't know what her income is, or what else she spends money on.

I doubt she's a smoker, for example, but I have had pack-a-day smokers here tell me that they couldn't afford $100 a month on health insurance . . . .

[LondonReign2]

278. Right, she should just shut up and starve

and/or die. Thanks MUCH preferable to criticizing the ACA for some here. They are half a step from going full on Republican and blaming her for being poor.

[Autumn]

253. She can always buy cat food. It's cheap enough isn't it ?

It's not fucking inexpensive if a person doesn't have any extra income. .

[Boudica the Lyoness]

533. Many people would love to kill off ObamaCare -

then what would the OP be paying?

[Glitterati]

537. 0 in insurance premiums

I would go back to the pay based on income status I was on before this. At clinics with many hours waits.

I would avoid being hospitalized for my disease until it was a true emergency, like 2 years ago when I was down to 84 pounds, a skeleton with skin hanging off, from a thyroid storm. And feet so swollen from congestive heart failure, you couldn't tell I had ankles or feet, with cracks on the tops of my feet bleeding from the swelling.

I would deal. I've done it for 30 years, and I will continue to do it.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

568. Well shit - you pre-ObamaCare

experience is way different than mine. A year ago we were paying $2000 per month in premiums, for the both of us, and our deductible was $10,000/yr. In 2013 we dished out $30,000 in medical costs all told. Now it's more reasonable, but we still pay.

[Autumn]

578. Where the fuck do you get the poster wants to kill off Obamacare??

Try reading and understanding what she said. She's terrified of a rate increase, she has NO disposable income. She would be doing without insurance if there were no Obamacare, just like she was before it came along.

[jberryhill]

344. ...after the 2014 subsidy....

Here's the thing, the APTC is based on the second least expensive silver plan in the marketplace for which the person is eligible.

The OP does not know what the 2015 subsidy will be.

So, yes, the base premium went up, and applying the 2014 subsidy results in a figure that assigns the entire base premium increase to what the letter tries to make look like the figure the insured will pay.

But that's not valid until the 2015 subsidy amount is known. Which is not known yet.

It's WHY Humana sent the letter before that figure was available.

So, while the OP keeps saying "I'll have to worry for two days", think of the situation if the OP had not gotten the letter at this time.

And if you think about that for a moment, it becomes clear that Humana did this to MAKE the OP worry for two days.

[SoapBox]

200. Exactly.

So the OP has a chronic disease, that they say will kill them...lives on fixed income...just gets survivor benefits from SS but can't afford any ACA coverage now (even though they also say that the Federal site doesn't have details on plans yet)...and can't get Medicare or Medicaid coverage...age?

And then is extremely defensive and argumentative?

I guess I'm confused.

[SoCalDem]

180. There is a way for Medicare to help you pay, if your income is below a certain amount

Call SS and ask them how you can get help..

[still_one]

185. Medicare part b costs about 100 dollars a month. What if you can't afford that?

[Glitterati]

191. I can't. But I won't be given an option

they will take it directly out of my social security deposit.

And, 3 years from now, when I qualify, I'll have to figure out how to starve a bit more efficiently.

In the meantime, I'm getting lots of practice.

[still_one]

229. i know, you mentioned that. What do others do in that situation? You are in an

Impossible situation

Unless there is some safety net or group in your state I don't know what you can do

Without insurance I am not sure if they can garnish social security payments for medical expensives, which are always higher without insurance

[Glitterati]

247. No one can "garnish" social security except the IRS

but that's beside the point.

Yes, it's an impossible situation. The only solution is to take it one day at a time and survive.

[virgogal]

361. Medicare is deducted monthly from your Social Security payment.

[SoCalDem]

217. You can decline, it, but then you will only have part A

and if you get sick, you are screwed.. It sucks for us too, to have $208 a month taken from our only sources of income , but we cannot go uncovered, and end up losing everything we have if one of us gets really sick..

[still_one]

235. That is what I was trying to point out for those who are under Medicare it isnt

a panacea for everyone, especially those who don't make that much but don't qualify for Medicaid

Things like this have gone on too long,

[SoCalDem]

243. We are actually paying a LOT more..My husband's policy at work

was a great UNION policy that cost us a lot less.. We have only had Medicare part B since Oct 1, and are kind of scared to actually try & use it..

[still_one]

373. There is also the supplemental which covers what part B doesn't, so that can add to the costs of the

Premium. However, with out the supplemental, the costs can be quite substantial

Maybe some of the Medicare advantage plans out there can help

[SoCalDem]

558. That's how we went.. We ended up stuck with Kaiser

Since we will be moving in the spring, we will get a second bite at the apple, so we stayed with Kaiser (UGH!!) since their advantage plan was no additional cost// When we do switch to something in WA, we will probably be paying another $100 a person to get supplemental & drug coverage..

[still_one]

596. Drug coverage is another premium. It adds up. If you like Kaiser

Don't they have Kaiser in WA?

[SoCalDem]

597. We LOATHE Kaiser

but since we had it with his job, it made sense to use their advantage plan (with drug coverage) until we move.. Then we will have to shop again

[still_one]

636. Don't hedge, tell me what you really think about Kaiser? Only kidding. I know people who have both

good and bad experiences from Kaiser. Actually, that is the situation anywhere including places like the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins. People really need to do their due diligence and ask questions. Second, even third opinions should be considered if dealing with critical issues.

Just signed up for Medicare this year. I am with the UnitedHealth supplemental through AARP. The coverage is good, but I know the rates will be going up as I get older.

[still_one]

181. Many may not realize that Medicare part B is about 100 dollars a month. I don't know

What happens for those who can't afford that, and don't qualify for Medicaid?

[pnwmom]

184. So, without knowing what your alternatives are, you're complaining in advance.

Just so we're clear.

[Glitterati]

188. I posted FACTS

nothing more, nothing less.

And, here they are for you in Black and White.

[pnwmom]

196. Yes, Humana is raising its rates for the insurance you chose. But the FACTS

you're leaving out are important, too: what other alternatives you will have available when the exchange opens.

Because Humana has always been able to raise its rates -- and has been, every year.

[Glitterati]

218. Oh! Wow! I didn't know that already!

</sarcasm>

I'm not the one freaking out - it's the Obama Cheerleading Squad throwing a fit.

But, that's OK, keep on, keeping on.

Here, just for you....

Go, Obama! Hooray, Obama. Bow down to the almighty Obama!

Feel better?

[pnwmom]

219. Why are you so eager to complain when the exchange isn't even open yet?

Sounds like you're on the booing squad for the opposition.

[Glitterati]

236. Perhaps a lesson in reading comprehension will help?

I posted the facts as I was reading them from the letter in my hand. Would you like me to post it again for you?

I'm sorry that FACTS = complaints to you.

I can't help you with that problem.

[pnwmom]

260. That's funny. You should read the OP you wrote. Or maybe someone wrote it for you,

since you don't seem to be familiar with it. Someone using your name said:

"So, I guess I go back to 30 yrs. with a chronic disease and uninsured."

Why would you say that when the exchanges aren't even open yet and you don't know what your alternatives are?

"

[Glitterati]

499. Once again, FACTS, not complaints

I'm sorry you find FACTS so inconvenient.

[pnwmom]

544. That you will have to go back to being uninsured is not a fact.

It's a concern you have, but not a fact. I sincerely hope it works out better for you than you think it will.

[greytdemocrat]

210. HA!!!

You think facts are going to get you anywhere
when it makes Obama look bad??? Don't look
for solace here.

[noiretextatique]

226. i mean really...this is not even about Obama

i feel total compassion for the poster. she is afraid she might not be able to afford health insurance, and she has a chronic illness. she just got a rate increase that seems really unreasonable, so i understand that fear. i just see this post as sharing her frustration and fear, not an attack on Obama or the ACA. some people just can't believe that the ACA may not work for everyone.

[KMOD]

245. I would think the President, himself, would be disgusted with some of the comments here.

Many seem to not understand that poverty is still a huge problem in our country. Not everyone can afford insurance.

[darkangel218]

189. Holy cow..

[noiretextatique]

216. she is not complaining...she is afraid she cannot get an affordable policy

i most definitely understand that fear. when the exchange opens, i am sure she will look for another policy...she has no choice, since she cannot afford her current premium.

[Glitterati]

224. Thank you.

My heart is pounding as I sit here.

[noiretextatique]

230. don't sweat it

in their rush to defend everything Obama, some people have assigned a motive to you that i don't believe you have. if my premium increased, i would be worried too.

[kcr]

197. I don't blame you for being upset

You shouldn't have to go through this. Frigging Humana. I hope there is an affordable alternative for you.

[B2G]

201. What state are you in Glitt? nt

[Glitterati]

233. Georgia. Where.......

Ga. insurance chief brags about sabotage of ObamaCare
Posted: 8:22 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 | Filed in: Opinion

NOTE: This column was originally published Wednesday in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and at myajc.com.

-----------------

“Let me tell you what we’re doing (about ObamaCare),” Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens bragged to a crowd of fellow Republicans in Floyd County earlier this month: “Everything in our power to be an obstructionist.”
http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/jay-bookman/2013/aug/29/ga-insurance-chief-brags-about-sabotage-obamacare/

[noiretextatique]

206. i hope you can find an affordable plans that suits your needs

and i understand your fear. i am a cancer survivor, so i understand the panic of not have insurance. keeping my fingers crossed for you btw, i don't think any of the rude posts were called for...at all.

[ileus]

213. 101 a month...that's a hell of a deal.

I have PEIA (public employees insurance agency) and our rate is somewhere in that range twice a month.

[Glitterati]

237. That's nice. Good you have a job.

I don't. I'm on a fixed income. That is an unaffordable "hell of a deal" to me.

[daredtowork]

241. Many people are advising to get another plan if the cost goes up - isn't this a huge hassle?

Doesn't that mean getting new doctors, making new arrangements with pharmacies and rides, getting new referrals for specialists, etc.? This could be a giant hairball of bureaucracy, with hour long wait times for some of the lower end HMOs.

IMHO, this is an unfair burden of hassle shifted on the consumer when we make health care about "choice in buying insurance".

It's especially unfair if the person is disabled, or worse mentally ill, and can't handle that level of additional BS in their lives right now.

[pnwmom]

250. No. My son had to switch last year, and one of the factors he paid attention to

were which doctors were on the plans. If he had to do it again, it wouldn't be a huge hassle -- since it wasn't a "huge hassle" last year. It would actually be easier now that he knows the ropes.

[daredtowork]

259. wouldn't that only be possible in huge urban areas

with more choices and plans?

Also the poorer you are, the fewer choices you have. I only have 2 choices.

[pnwmom]

265. I know some regions have fewer choices than others, and I hope they're right that more insurers

will be moving into those places. It would be more of a hassle if you had to switch doctors. But changing pharmacies is no big deal.

[daredtowork]

294. I'm projecting a bit here

I haven't been in the situation of the OP, but after losing Medi-Cal for a month I had to go through weeks of unbelievable bureaucratic BS to get things back in place in again - mainly because just calling the HMO involved hour long wait times. When I think of adding a new doctor, and then getting new referrals from there, to the mix, the story becomes horrific. Obviously that's me projecting from a completely different situation. But is that scenario possible?

[Glitterati]

320. It's the same for me

I had to change providers last year when I went on ACA.

There's only one medical team in this town who takes ACA, so I have to find a plan which they take.

I went for months self medicating while I searched for a new doctor and then waited for an appointment.

[pnwmom]

386. Yes -- and it's always been possible. Everyone who's ever lost insurance from an employer

knows that it's very possible.

The ACA doesn't worsen that, though. And it ensures that people who've lost their jobs won't ALSO find themselves closed out of the possibility of being able to have any good health insurance. Millions of single adults qualify for Medicaid who didn't qualify before.

Yes, single-payer would be better. But this is what we could achieve at this moment in time. And it's a hell of a lot better than the nothing we had before.

The progressive state of Vermont is using the ACA to develop a single-payer plan, by the way. Unfortunately, it's finding it very difficult to actually implement. If the small state of Vermont doesn't succeed, imagine how much harder it would have been to get our divided Congress to pass single-payer.

[daredtowork]

404. I'm not knocking it - I'm an epic beneficiary of the ACA

I couldn't get Medi-Cal before the ACA: I was seriously mobility impaired, at one point legally blind, and my local medical clinic couldn't refer me to the specialist I needed. Once I was on Medi-Cal, my problems started to be addressed in the right way, and I'm now in a situation where I can look at getting back into the mainstream workforce instead of being benched "on disability" for the rest of my life. I do try to raise some political protest about the ways the system sabotages and undermines me, but I don't deny the one thing that was done right was putting me on Medi-Cal so I could get access to medical specialists and prescription drugs.

I want everyone to have this chance: it boils my blood to see States deny their disabled citizens medicaid because of political power plays. It irks the heck out of me that many of these large insurance bills are the result of power plays as well - attempts to repel people from the ACA.

We need some sort of national, universal health care. I'm not sure whether that's single-payer or "medicare for all" or what, but if we can fund other national things like, say, the military, then we can fund health care.

[pnwmom]

409. I think we're pretty much on the same page.

In the long run, I hope we end up with something like medicare for all.

But in the meantime, millions are better off than they were before, including all those who were able to get on Medicaid for the first time; and all those who qualify for subsidies; and all those who cannot be denied for preexisting conditions or lose their policies because they get sick.

[daredtowork]

420. What I'm worried about is

if we don't take seriously complaints about bureaucracy, cost shifts, political shenanigans...all the ways that this process can become a burden to real people - then we will feel their objections expressed in the voting booth without ever getting a chance to actually address the problem.

I'm not sure how to address the problem of "hassle tsunami" (especially that deliberately created by the GOP), but if it's really there, we should take notice of it.

[yallerdawg]

242. We all have to go back to exchanges to renew annually.

The insurance companies will not calculate your subsidy, but they will gladly take your money. They don't care whether it is all from you or the subsidy from the Feds.

The only way to get a subsidy from the Feds is through the exchanges, State or Fed.

[B2G]

267. Her subsidy has already been calculated and applied to the new payment

After reading further, the subsidy amount for 2015 is not changing. It's based on a percentage of your income, not the policy you select. If your policy increases by say, 25%, your subsidy doesn't increase to cover that payment increase unless your income decreases.

I'm very afraid that's the actual amount she's going to need to pay, unless she can demonstrate a reduction of income.

If you can find evidence to the contrary, I'd love to see it.

[yallerdawg]

285. From your recent OP link:

Renewing Premium tax credits

Premium tax credits for QHPs also work on a calendar year, so current Marketplace enrollees receiving advanced premium tax credits (APTC) will need to have their financial assistance renewed. Notices from health plans as well as from the Marketplace will explain the process for renewing APTC and encourage consumers to actively reapply in 2015.

The amount of APTC any individual receives is based on a formula that takes into account that person’s estimated income and household size for the calendar year, as well as the cost of the second lowest cost silver plan offered in the Marketplace. The premium for that benchmark plan takes into account the age of the covered person (and any family members.) Any change in a person’s income, family status or age can change the amount of APTC for which they are eligible. In addition, because new plans will be offered in many Marketplaces in 2015, the cost of the benchmark plan, as well as the benchmark plan itself, may have changed. As a result, the amount of 2015 APTC is likely to change for most current recipients, at least slightly. By updating one’s application for financial assistance each year, consumers can receive the most accurate amount of help paying for premiums and other out of pocket costs. They can also reduce the chances of taking too much APTC in 2015 and having to repay the IRS for some or all of the excess at year end.

[B2G]

290. Well that may help, because

from what I have read, most of the Silver plans are going down. It's the Bronze that are going up, which makes no sense to me, but...

Will be eager to see what Glitt finds out this weekend. Thanks!

[jberryhill]

348. NO IT HAS NOT

Read the letter.

The 2015 subsidy amount will not be known until the value of the second least expensive silver plan in that market is known.

"After reading further, the subsidy amount for 2015 is not changing"

On what do you base that?

"It's based on a percentage of your income, not the policy you select."

It's ALSO based on what the second least expensive silver plan is in that market. You think that isn't changing?

What is your basis for implying the other premiums in that market are not also increasing?

[B2G]

353. Hey, this is confusing as hell for a lot of us

We've been going back and forth on this for awhile now. No need to yell or read the whole thread before you do.

Thank god and expert showed up in the nick of time to set everyone straight.

[jberryhill]

363. I'm not yelling at you, but at Humana for sending a misleading letter

I wonder why Humana would have done that? Any ideas?

[B2G]

367. They're just going on the information they have

I see no evidence of deception here.

[Hekate]

388. Humana is informing their clients in a timely manner that they are making changes. "Timely" meaning

"Timely" meaning prior to open enrollment, and in time for the clients to do the research on the exchanges and decide to use another plan provider if they choose to.

It's not misleading at all. It's not personal. It's aggravating as hell if you are the person who has to handle the research and paperwork, I agree. It has nothing to do with being mean to Glitterati.

None of us is being mean to Glitterati (or at least didn't start out there). Many people here at DU are actually trying to provide encouragement and information to her, but she is in panic-and-freak-out mode and keeps telling us all how nasty and mean we are being, and "all hail to Obama" and "BOG trolls" are after her and shit like that.

She's getting lots and lots of attention, I'll give her that. I prescribe a stiff drink and a hot bath.

[Imperialism Inc.]

350. I think you've misunderstood the subsidy.

It is based on a person paying no more than a set percentage of their income. What that percentage is can vary and I'm not sure the details there but the maximum percentage is 9.56% of income. So, if someone was already paying 9.56% of their income, and their insurance rates went up, they wouldn't pay a dime more.

You can find the details here: http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/ by clicking on Frequently Asked Questions and finding "Premium Tax Credit".

Not sure if paying 9.56% describes the original poster or not but I'd be pretty surprised if whatever percentage they are required to pay will change much. In other words, after the 2015 subsidy is calculated I would bet they won't be paying too much, if any, more than they did last year. It looks to me like the the OP, understandably, freaking out is due to not understanding how the subsidy is calculated.

[Doctor_J]

248. welcome to the "healthcare is just like used cars" US

You can do this every year for the rest of your life! Ain't freedom wonderful? Oh, and if you don't read the fine print and end up getting screwed, by, say, bankruptcy down the line, that's your fault for not being a good consumer. Arrgh.

[gwheezie]

255. I believe you

i live on a state without mcaid expansion. I am sick. I've had 4 surgeries in 18 months and still working because even though it's becoming more difficult to work at least I only pay 280 month for insurance through my job. It's a top tier plan since I need that. I looked into trying to retire early when the exchanges started but there was no way I could retire and be able to afford insurance. So thankfully I can still work although my fear is another bout of being out of work

[historylovr]

263. I hope you are able to find something that works for you.

And I'm sorry about all the hateful replies you're getting. There's nothing wrong with venting your fear and frustration.

[Warpy]

264. That kind of a jump means only one thing

Insurance companies are trying to punish subscribers into hating the ACA. It seems that you're falling for it.

That increase will be returned to you next year if they can't come up with the figures showing they spent nearly all the increase on patient care. They won't be able to. Costs haven't been rising that much.

In the meantime, file a complaint and start looking around for increased subsidies, Medicaid, and any other thing you might now qualify for.

[LexVegas]

269. The attacks in this thread on someone that can't afford decent healthcare are disgusting.

Especially coming from people that can, most likely, afford decent healthcare. Jesus Fucking Christ.

[LondonReign2]

299. You have to understand, defending the ACA is WAY more important

than someone that might die because they can't afford insurance.

WAY fucking more important.

[BlindTiresias]

283. That is unfortunate

I'm sorry about what is happening to you regarding Humana, hopefully you can find a lower premium. Please be sure to report back when the exchange is opened up.

For all of those giving grief to an impoverished widow, what the hell is wrong with you? Are so so hyped up on your team that you have decided to abandon all compassion? Disgusting.

[pinto]

287. Seems like you should be paying ~ $31 a month (5.5% of the listed premium).

Humana's listed subsidies, based on income are outlined here -

http://affordablehealthinsuranceexchange.us/affordable-care-act-obamacare/public-federal-exchange/premium-subsidy/

Here's Kaiser's premium calculator -

UPDATED: The Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator is now based on 2015 premium data.

The Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator provides estimates of health insurance premiums and subsidies for people purchasing insurance on their own in health insurance exchanges (or “Marketplaces”) created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With this calculator, you can enter your income, age, and family size to estimate your eligibility for subsidies and how much you could spend on health insurance. You can also use this tool to estimate your eligibility for Medicaid. As eligibility requirements may vary by state, please contact your state’s Medicaid office or Marketplace with enrollment questions. We encourage other organizations to feature the calculator on their websites using the embed instructions.

http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/

Hang in there.

[Roselma]

296. Sorry but, it is time to shop again.

CMS has a formula that they use for those under 138% of federal poverty level and another formula they use for those above 138% of poverty. It applies to the 2nd cheapest silver level plan. Your current plan doesn't meet that 2nd cheapest standard. There apparently is another plan (or plans) that meet the 2nd cheapest standard.

[B2G]

301. Is it going to be like this every year??

Who the hell wants to change plans (and potentially doctors) annually based on the marketplace??

[Roselma]

304. Yes

[B2G]

309. Then it's a total clusterfuck. nt

[Roselma]

341. If a person is paying only 5% of their income to insurance and "supports"

that covers x% (those under 138% of poverty) of their actual medical CARE via a combo of premiums and reduced deductibles/copays/max out-of-pocket, then no. It is a good thing for them. I can't imagine paying only 5% of my income for the combo of insurance/copays/deductibles/max-out-of-pocket. It would be a blessing. As is, I pay $508/month with a $1800 deductible plus $30/$50 copays, plus an 80/20 split, plus a max out-of-pocket that does not include copays and medicines of $6250/yr.

[Doctor_J]

312. The BOG does

Better that than admit the ACA isn't really healthcare.

[Capt. Obvious]

598. There may be some members from Canada who won't mind

[gmb92]

414. The horror of more choices!

and potentially cheaper insurance options.

A lot of the plans cover the same doctors. Not sure if the websites allow you to filter plans based on that but it would be a nice enhancement to the more tedious alternative of researching individual providers.

[Doctor_J]

616. No

The horror of more choices!

No, the horror of having to shop for healthcare every year and hope you've read all of this year's fine print

potentially cheaper insurance options

or not

A lot of the plans cover the same doctors

And a lot of them don't. And anyway, what's the big deal about changing doctors every goddamned year

nice enhancement to the more tedious alternative of researching individual providers.

And both suck royally. Or you can be in my spot where my employer chooses among 3 insurers, all of whom charge 5 times what we used to pay.

[gmb92]

623. My premium went down the first year of ACA

That's never happened in all the years I've been getting health care, and I'm not getting subsidies.

Every year prior to that our health care plans changed in some meaningful way, and I had to read the "fine print". Premiums rose above the rate of inflation, deductibles changed, and most importantly, employers covered less of the rising costs. Sometimes the providers were axed and new ones brought in, the same doctors not covered. That trend began well before ACA.

[egduj]

315. I cannot believe the way you're being attacked in this thread.

It's disgusting.

[gmb92]

324. Shop around

The letter is from your insurance company. There are typically hundreds of options through the exchange. Their gross premium increase (before subsidies) is higher than average (most are around 5%), although it varies a lot between plans and states.

May I ask what your income is and what state you reside in? $100/month is pretty low, almost 6X lower than the unsubsidized amount. People on Medicare often pay more. I can't believe you were only paying $25 last year. If you can't afford $100 per month for health insurance, you might qualify for Medicaid, although Medicaid expansion from ACA was denied by many Republican governors.

[LynnTTT]

331. Still comes down to this

The premium went up a little, from $500 +/- to $ 577. But her subsidy went down, so her portion of that premium goes from $ 27 tp $101.

Since the subsidiary is refigured every year and is based on personal circumstances, it isn't the ACA or Humana that appears to have increased, it's her premium after the federal government picks up the rest..

[sunnystarr]

340. You're a piece of work

After reading through the replies and your condescending comments I'm moved to make my own. You've managed to stay alive for 30 years "with a chronic disease and uninsured." You finally get coverage for a year at a cost of $27.55/month. It's going to go up and you're complaining that you can't afford the $101.67/month. My only income is SS which started, as yours, with widow benefits until I hit 65 and Medicare kicked in. I pay $104.90/month for Part B and $224 each month for my supplemental along with $37/month for my Part D.

If I believed my life was on the line I'd be moving to a state which offered Medicaid Expansion since you obviously are collecting over the maximum for Medicaid. If you're above the Medicaid Expansion limit then you should be able to survive since so many of us are managing to make the necessary life changes to do exactly that with less.

In any event you obviously survived for 30 years without it and can do so again. Then you can pay more than they want from you now for your Medicare.

Oh and you can thank Obama for relatively "free" year.

[Glitterati]

345. Why, thank you

Now that I have been put in my place, I'll just wander off to a corner like a dog and die.

[madfloridian]

356. That is a rude and uncaring post.

[gmb92]

342. Just noticed your insurance company assumes the same subsidy amount

and notes that in the letter. If you calculate the difference between gross premium and net for 2014 and 2015 it is $476. They can't estimate the new amount without your income.

The subsidy amount increases along with insurance premium increases, as noted here:

http://kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/explaining-the-2015-open-enrollment-period/

So you might see little increase, but it's a good idea to shop around anyways, as there are likely to be better deals. Please update us.

[Glitterati]

349. I'm sorry, but I'll not update

Not after this. DU has been absolutely shameful here and I shall not subject myself to this again.

[gmb92]

359. Well best wishes to you anyways

I think the rate you'll get from your insurance company when using 2015 subsidy calculations or shopping for another plan in the same category will be much better than you originally thought. Many of the responses here have been constructive while others not so polite. Some have expressed frustration that you're making rash judgments and quitting before seeking to obtain complete information, and I don't think dismissing them as "Obama cheerleaders" is constructive.

[jberryhill]

351. WE HAVE A WINNER! NO MORE CALLS PLEASE

You nailed the reason why the letter is misleading.

The OP keeps re-posting it, but does not seem to have read it.

[gmb92]

364. The letter itself is not so misleading

but it would be better if they listed the subsidy amount, which could clearly indicate that they're using the 2014 amount and that's likely to change in 2015. The OP's conclusions derive from 2 false presumptions - that the subsidy amount will be the same and that this one insurance plan represents ACA.

[Glitterati]

370. Please don't attribute things to me that I did not say, nor imply

And, was attacked.

NOW, how many hours later, jberryhill is TRYING to get through the attacks and the outright hostility but can't because of all the nastiness.

So, facts are buried under all the attacks.

I started this thread TO prepare folks like jberryhill would see what was coming down the pike. I'm certain there are thousands of people opening their Humana letters tonight as they get home from work.

Those people are going to do the same thing I did when I read it - PANIC!

And, it's going to be all over the internet with Republicans teeeheeeing, pointing and saying, "we told ya so!" I tried to prepare the DUers like jberryhill with this information, and what I got in return was this thread.

Now, on top of being in an absolute panic over my medical care, my blood pressure through the roof, I'm sitting here crying because I really don't know what I am going to do.

I have no options until the federal exchange opens. So I have days to worry myself sick over this. And, on top of all that, I now have all this wonderful, helpful, nasty bullshit thrown at me.

Way to go DU. Way. to. go.

[gmb92]

402. Ignore the tone and focus on the substance

There is a lot of it here, and many who are not taking a negative tone.

If you go to a Republican site they will tell you you're screwed and ObamaCare stinks and this is more proof, and you shouldn't be getting subsidies anyways. Nothing helpful at all or any attempt to get full information.

Here at least you're getting honest questions and helpful advice among some, the take-home messages being:

1. The letter does not calculate your net premium based on your 2015 subsidy amount, but just repeats the 2014 amount, so it almost certainly overestimates your net cost, as subsidies are indexed to plans in your marketplace.

2. There are many other options on the marketplace, so if your current plan is on the high side, you can find other plans. The websites are even functioning this year out of the gate. I remember all the gloom and doom about that a year ago.

I think the insurance company is making a mistake by sending out such a notice without taking into consideration the likely increase in your subsidy amount that is indexed to other plans in your marketplace. Since they don't know your current income or what the marketplace plans are pricing at, there's not a way for them to calculate your subsidy, but they should make that more clear. I'm guessing their increase is also too high since average gross premium rates are closer to 5%, although that is nationally-averaged, and your market might be higher - but if so, the subsidy amount will be higher as well.

You're right that people will take these letters, blast them among the media, and falsely claim that ObamaCare is quadrupling your premiums. That's another reason why this thread is important, as it cuts through the spin eventually.

[Adsos Letter]

496. Excellent post.

I've read through this whole thing and this, as well as your previous post, are both calm, rational, and direct. Oh, and helpful on many fronts, including the observation about spin.

Welcome to DU.

[gmb92]

501. Thanks!

What surprises me most is how poor that letter from Humana is. It states:

"Your expected monthly payment will be: (using your 2014 APTC amount)"

How can that be remotely "expected" if it's based on 2014's subsidy, which is sure to increase if income remains in line with inflation, lowering the premium?

It then refers their customer to their website on updating APTC.

How does a letter like this help to retain their customers? It instead would prompt some to trip out about it and head to the marketplace to find better deals, in which case subsidy amounts will be updated for 2015, making all other plans (the Humana one included) have lower premiums.

Letters like these would have been fine in a pre-ACA environment when there were no subsidies to help pay for costs and thus the premium stated would be accurate. It seems Humana has not adjusted their business model.

And of course we have a mainstream media that just mindlessly parrots scare tactics, stories of "big premium hikes", which I suppose works to get people responding with knee-jerk reactions to everything.

[Adsos Letter]

518. The utility of this letter in Humana's...

The utility of this letter in Humana's business model is something of a mystery to me as well.

They may be trying to soften public criticism of a rate increase by saying "Look, this is what you're going to pay based on the 2014 figures" and banking that the majority of their enrolee's subsidies will increase, replacing some degree of public criticism or other negative reaction with some degree of public relief at the lesser amount.

I don't know...the whole business of psychology in business is way beyond my ken.

It's probably, as you suggest, just a failure to update the business model.

In any case, thanks for another very good post. Hope to hear more from you around here.

[BlindTiresias]

343. People certainly showed their true colors in this thread

Shameful, one of the most shameful displays I have ever seen.

[nationalize the fed]

352. + 343

[Glitterati]

357. It sure is ugly, isn't it?

Sad and ugly.

While, personally threatening as well.

I'm done.

Never in my wildest imagination would I have thought a simple post about Humana screwing me would lead to the venom and outright nastiness as displayed in this thread.

[jberryhill]

362. You mean like reading comprehension?

The letter is misleading.

It applies the 2014 subsidy amount to the new premium.

However, the subsidies are based, in part, on what is the premium of the second least expensive silver plan in that market, and there is also a cap on net premium based on total income.

In other words, the 2015 "premium" about which the OP is complaining does NOT take into account what the 2015 subsidy will actually be.

I don't blame the OP for that. The letter is a masterpiece of using an invalid calculation, timed just before the valid one can be done, in order to suggest that the OP's net premium is going from 27 to over 100.

It's not, and the letter says that, but in a very deceptive way.

[BlindTiresias]

365. Yeah, it could be a miscalculation on the OP's part. We'll see

But that doesn't excuse the downright hostile behavior and belittling people were giving her. She is a poor widow who is scared of what she saw, treating her like an idiot, conspirator, or someone out to get Obama is kind of missing the point. She would be better served by what some others were doing and offering possible explanations for the inflated figure in a non-condescending way.

[LynnTTT]

387. I think we are just jaded

... by the fact that 99% of the Obamacare horror stories w have heard over the past year have turned bout to be lies/misinterpretation/etc.
And this falls into that category. Her gross premium went up a little, but she believes her net premium may have tripled. Maybe it has. But since subsidies don't usually change unless personal economic circumstances change. It would be nice if she comes back to us in January and gives us he full story, but I suspect she won't.
And I have an acquaintance livid that she didn't quality for a subsidy here in South Carolina and so is going without insurance for five years till she hits 65. She said that the premium she was quoted was $ 400 per month.
Sorry; She's perfectly healthy, doesn't work and refuses to buy even a basic plan. Her version of poor and mine are different. know lots of people who kept working till they were 65 just to make sure they had insurance.

[Glitterati]

389. You HAVE the full story

and, it's quite YOUR problem if you don't believe it.

I am quite done with being accused of lying or misrepresenting ANYTHING. I opened that letter today.

It says what it says.

If you have a problem with it, that is YOUR problem, not mine.

[BlindTiresias]

393. Well the premium rates are not that good

Have you checked out the premiums for yourself for anything but the bronze (which is useless insurance)? I'm in Massachusetts and I can tell you anything worthwhile for a family is basically paying a second rent.

[Glitterati]

400. Mine was wonderful!

Who could complain about the plan I had? I paid just under $28.00/month for a Silver plan, 650/1000 deductible, out of pocket. After 30 years of being uninsured. I was in heaven!

Lord, I've never had better medical care than this year under ACA, without a care in the world about it. I FINALLY had health insurance.

Hell, I crowed about it. Here. At Walmart. Anywhere some idiot started talking about how awful ACA was.

My doctor's office asked me if I would stand outside and wave a banner about how great ACA was because I couldn't shut up about it.

Yapped everywhere. Corrected absolute strangers who were badmouthing ACA.

So, today's letter was heartbreaking.

But, worse than that today's DU was so illuminating. Now, I'm politically homeless in a deep red state, sick over the election results and no where to go to vent my frustrations.

It's been a bad day all around.

[BlindTiresias]

415. Not politically homeless, don't worry

If you notice the folks dogpiling you and check with their posting history you will find they are all center-right orthodox dems. Assuming you are indeed being hurt by a loss of subsidies your story is a political inconvenience, and right-wingers of all stripes care more about political convenience and expediency than human lives and welfare, even if they are self-described Democrats.

The progressive wing is still with you. I hope when the exchange opens up again you are able to find a better plan. It is unfortunate that people will likely have to keep switching plans but that is what center-right patchwork policy delivers to the citizens.

[Glitterati]

429. I am.

Because after I finish with responses in this thread, I intend to close DU for the last time.

I'm finished.

There's no excuse for the dogpile that went on here today and I don't intend to subject myself to it again.

DU is a very unpleasant place anymore and I can be treated like I was here today on Facebook or Yahoo groups, or any other right wing website.

I avoid those place like the plague and I intend to add DU to that list of unpleasant, unvisitable places.

[UncleYoder]

594. As my grandmother said;

"Don't let the door hit ya, where the good Lord split ya."

[Glitterati]

595. Thanks, Megan!

n/t

[stevenleser]

621. Everyone who disagrees with OP is labeled "Meaghan McCain" now, like a broken record. nt

[Sheepshank]

640. so, you never clarify the amount of the subsidy?

seems convenient....in ensuring the wrong message stays afloat.

[Glitterati]

641. Really? And subject myself to more of this?

Yeah, I'm in a big hurry to do that.

</sarcasm>

[Sheepshank]

642. you are the one who is so hot and heavy to get out the facts

...perhaps you only want to release some of the facts. Why is that?

[Glitterati]

643. Perhaps it could have something to do with being called a LIAR

a cheat, and told to go off and die since I'm not the only one with a chronic illness.

But, whatever floats your boat.

As for the rest......you can just KMA.

[Glitterati]

375. Thank you, jberryhill

I hope you are right. Gawd, I hope you are right.

I started this thread, not to attack ACA, but to alert DUers what was coming down the pike.

And, was attacked.

NOW, how many hours later, you're TRYING to get through the attacks and the outright hostility but can't because of all the nastiness.

So, facts are buried under all the attacks.

I started this thread TO prepare folks like you to see what was coming down the pike. I'm certain there are thousands of people opening their Humana letters tonight as they get home from work.

Those people are going to do the same thing I did when I read it - PANIC!

And, it's going to be all over the internet with Republicans teeeheeeing, pointing and saying, "we told ya so!" I tried to prepare the DUers like you with this information, and what I got in return was this thread.

Now, on top of being in an absolute panic over my medical care, my blood pressure through the roof, I'm sitting here crying because I really don't know what I am going to do.

I have no options until the federal exchange opens. So I have days to worry myself sick over this. And, on top of all that, I now have all this wonderful, helpful, nasty bullshit thrown at me.

Way to go DU. Way. to. go.

[jberryhill]

462. think about how Humans timed this

Seriously. Could they have sent this letter a few days later? Yes they could.

I sincerely wold like to know the situation once your 2015 credit is known.

[Union Scribe]

645. With most of them I already knew their true colors.

But those colors were proudly on display for sure. Well, actually, is "asshole" a color...I guess it could be.

[madfloridian]

355. Sorry people in this thread have been so rude and uncaring to you.

There are other people I know having problems. Best of luck to you.

[Glitterati]

360. Thank you, madfloridian.

While I'm worried about my insurance, I can't help but be depressed about what I've seen on this thread.

I don't think I've ever been called so many names, accused of such horrid things, nor had my whole being attacked, as I have today.

I really don't know what has become of DU.

[still_one]

385. Those uncaring comments are spoken out of ignorance. When the ACA first became a reality and some

Were pointing out situations where their income was slightly above the requirement for a subsidy, and therefore did not qualify for the subsidy, and without the subsidy could not afford the premiums

There were some pretty ugly things said, most because they did not understand that their were some folks who were forgotten

[Glitterati]

392. Still inexcusable

I started this thread, not to attack ACA, but to alert DUers what was coming down the pike.

And, was attacked.

I started this thread TO prepare folks like you to see what was coming down the pike. I'm certain there are thousands of people opening their Humana letters tonight as they get home from work.

Those people are going to do the same thing I did when I read it - PANIC!

And, it's going to be all over the internet with Republicans teeeheeeing, pointing and saying, "we told ya so!" I tried to prepare the DUers like you with this information, and what I got in return was this thread.

Now, on top of being in an absolute panic over my medical care, my blood pressure through the roof, I'm sitting here crying because I really don't know what I am going to do.

I have no options until the federal exchange opens. So I have days to worry myself sick over this. And, on top of all that, I now have all this wonderful, helpful, nasty bullshit thrown at me.

Way to go DU. Way. to. go.

[bahrbearian]

358. K&R for the BOG

[peacebird]

369. Question: the op was getting assistance, will the assistance $$ go up to cover the increase in cost?

I have no idea, just curious. Otherwise, yes, the op should check out other insurance options once they are available.

[Glitterati]

377. I don't know and have no way to find out until the 15th

when the federal exchange opens.

[peacebird]

379. Please update when you find out, ok? I would hope the assistance covers the increase premium

Or that the govt can "encourage" insurers to rethink these huge increases.....

[Glitterati]

390. I will be happy to update a select few via PM

but, I will never participate in DU again.

This thread has been an absolute eye opener and I have no desire to be subjected to the shameful, horrid nastiness I saw here today.

Never. Again.

[still_one]

391. My suggestion is the ones that are disrespectful you can put on ignore

[BlindTiresias]

394. yeah I'd like an update when you get the chance, please

[Glitterati]

403. Will do.

Thanks.

[sabbat hunter]

371. is that

with or without the ACA credit. I got mine and it only had the pre-credit price on it.

[randys1]

417. Your income level must have changed, while I want your premium to be ZERO, $101 is still HUNDREDS

LESS that it would be without ACA

What changed on your end?

You do know you can go back to the exchange and continue to shop, right?

[Glitterati]

423. Please read the thread

THEN join in calling me every kind of asshole you can imagine.

What changed was my 1.7% COLA on SS.

But, really, kindly dogpile AFTER you have read the dogpile.

Then add something new.

OK?

[ohheckyeah]

427. I got a letter that my plan

will no longer be carried. They are offering HMO plans with high deductibles and the estimate on the Aetna PPO plans, which is what I have, show deductibles starting at over $3000 instead of the $600 I now have.

[Yo_Mama]

522. Oh, uggh. That hurts.

Hopefully something more reasonable will be offered on the exchange.

That deductible is hard to swing for many.

[ohheckyeah]

637. Yes and I need my insurance. I'm recovering from a stroke.

[Yo_Mama]

639. HMOs suck for stroke

They never seem to cover the needed services. You need a PPO. Best of luck.

[ohheckyeah]

654. Thanks - I hope

my insurance guy can find something.

[VanillaRhapsody]

430. and then there is the truth...

Premium and tax credit changes – What people pay for coverage in 2015 will likely change from 2014, due to various factors. As a result, it will be important for consumers to examine their 2015 coverage options and costs during this upcoming Open Enrollment Period. One key factor will be changes in the cost of the benchmark plan in a Marketplace. A preliminary analysis of premiums in 16 cities finds that the premium for the second lowest cost silver plan (the benchmark plan for computing premium tax credit amounts) will decline by 0.8 percent on average. Among those cities, the benchmark premium will increase by as much as 8.7% and decline by as much as 15.6%. These changes will have an effect on the cost of coverage for most consumers (i.e., those who are eligible for premium tax credits), even if their own circumstances don’t change from 2014 to 2015. In addition, changes in an individual’s income, age, and family status, as well as changes in the formula for calculating premium tax credit eligibility, will also affect the cost of coverage for consumers.

[TheProgressive]

435. I got a similar letter from Anthem...

These thieves did almost the same dollar difference as yours. But there are
two important points. In my letter they *changed* my plan and offer
'0$ out-of-network-copayment'. I did not ask for that - they just went ahead
and did this.

The second point is that I can go back onto the Exchange (Covered CAlifornia)
and select the same plan I have at about the same price.

Once again, it is these insurance middlemen caring only about more money into THEIR pockets.

[krawhitham]

439. is that you WilliamPitt?

[Glitterati]

452. What a sad commentary

this is for DU.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

[AngryAmish]

464. DU owes you an apology.

Then again this is not a place where dissent is encouraged. I am surprised a jury had not voted on your op yet.

[Glitterati]

469. Hell, it's WASN'T dissent. The OP was nothing more than INFORMATION

How in the holy hell is that considered dissent to anything?

Therein lies the problem - the Obama Brigade ASSUMED dissent. And sent out the bugle call for the cavalry.

The only dissent in the OP is against Humana, the Supreme Court and REPUBLICANS.

Hell to pay for THAT.

Dogpile with personal threats.

That is what DU has become.

[krawhitham]

490. pot calling the kettle black

You have been rude and mean to everyone that has tried to help, look in a mirror. Maybe you should be the one ashamed of yourself.

Your subsidy is based off what the 2nd lowest silver plan costs. If the 2nd lowest silver plan also went up you will receive more subsidy which would lower that "expected" $101.67 humana is charging. Your bill clearly states they are using your 2014 APTC amount and that will change for 2015.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025811756#post156

One other thing, prices are based off age and age alone, you are now a year older so you could see some increase, granted not a 4x increase

Here in Ohio the ACA plan we have went up one third of one percent after subsidy. From $300 to $301. Before subsidy it went up 5%, but all plans went up around 5% so the subsidy was increased and the overall cost only went up 1 dollar a month

Instead of being rude to everyone and shooting down everyone's ideas like WilliamPitt did for the longest time when it came to the ACA. Find yourself a different plan (if your APTC does not increase) that you can afford come the 15th. You might have to change doctors I do not know, here most of the different plans from different companies cover the same hospitals and doctors. It could be that way for you too, but if you do have to change doctors, that is a better option than to have NO doctor. You will not know all the FACTS until the 15th and you start studying out which plan is best for you in 2015 just like I assume you did for 2014

[cheapdate]

442. I can't hardly imagine a $27/month health insurance premium.

My insurance premium for a traditional family coverage plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), with a prescription drug plan plus vision and dental is $1,150 per month. Office visits are a $30 copay. Emergency room is a $250 copay. Other procedures are 80/20 (insurance pays 80%, I pay 20%). Annual deductible is $3,000 per family member. Maximum yearly out of pocket is $5,000.

I've had essentially the same BCBS plan for about 15 years. The premiums have increased on average about 6% per year, every year, and the deductibles and out of pocket maximum have crept up steadily over the years as well. 15 years ago my premium was $480 per month.

The premium increases since the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have been smaller than the past average. There is more competition, and more providers and plans available now through the ACA marketplace. My existing plan is grandfathered and BCBS is still supporting it. But I'll probably get a new plan through the marketplace soon. There are plans available now that are as good or better at a lower price.

[Glitterati]

448. It doesn't help to compare apples and oranges

I am one person on my policy. Not a family, no dependents.

But, as you wish....feel free to dogpile some more.

I'll be sure to thank my lucky stars for a $100/mo insurance policy I can't pay for.

[cheapdate]

468. Listen up,

If you think it's easy for me to pay $1,150 per month for health insurance for my family, you're very wrong.

Our family has exceeded our deductibles and out-of-pocket limits for several years consecutively. I'm still making monthly payments to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital (or rather, to their collection agency) for my daughter's spinal surgery two years ago. I'm making monthly payments for my wife's surgery last year. And I was hospitalized in January of this year.

I'm not rich, far from it. I'm behind on my bills and I have no savings. Health insurance and health care costs take up a major part of my income.

I sympathize but your tone makes it hard. And while from this day forward every gripe and complaint about insurance companies and health care can be leveled against "Obamacare", it doesn't make it legitimate.

Don't you fret though, the GOP is working hard to repeal this onerous abomination.

[Glitterati]

472. And, now YOU listen up

I don't want your sympathy.

K?

[cheapdate]

476. Oh, please! You're practically begging for it!

"I guess I go back to 30 yrs. with a chronic disease and uninsured." Oh, woe is me.

[Glitterati]

491. No just the facts

but that's OK.

I kinda, sorta knew you didn't have a sympathetic bone in your body with the first post you made.

LOL!

[cheapdate]

493. You're a basket case.

[Oilwellian]

502. Should the OP have just been quiet about her fear and concern?

Should she have been silently suffering as you have been...until now? Seems to me, listening to you, our health care system is still pretty screwed up and still offers little relief from the astronomical costs. The OP voiced concern about being able to continue paying for her health insurance. You just wrote, in a not so different tone as the OP, that you have huge medical costs to deal with as well. Instead of having empathy for the OP since you are in a similar predicament, you belittle her?? That is so fucked up and really takes the cake.

[cheapdate]

506. I didn't belittle her in my original post.

She responded with the belittling -- called my post "dogpile". I'm not the one with the chip on my shoulder.

[Oilwellian]

509. She did not call your post "dogpile"

Now you're making things up. You belittled her by implying her premium is a mere pittance compared to your ginormous income that can afford to pay for huge medical costs. Perhaps when you're an elderly, disabled widow/widower, living solely on survivor benefits, you'll understand her fear when the premium goes up. Until then, maybe you can find something better to do with your time than look down your nose with contempt at our more vulnerable citizens.

[cheapdate]

511. Well, you can make what you want of this:

"But, as you wish....feel free to dogpile some more. "

And you can make what you want of my "ginormous income". I was speaking the truth when I said that I'm not rich. I don't have a penny in savings, no retirement, pension, or IRA, I'm a payment behind on my underwater home mortgage. I'm one more unexpected expense, or one more furlough at work away from the end of the rope.

I don't pay $1,150 per month in family insurance premiums because I can afford it, I pay it because my wife and family expect it. I will probably look for less expensive insurance than the BCBS plan we've had for 15 years because I can't afford it much longer. These things make my wife very nervous.

Seniors aren't the only ones who have to make hard choices and face difficult circumstances.

I have always and always will support almost any measure to make life easier for vulnerable citizens.

I didn't pick any fight with this Glitterati. She did.


(on edit : and I don't know what you mean by I can "afford to pay for huge medical costs". My daughter had to have spinal surgery. I had a heart attack. My wife had her gall bladder taken out. I don't know what you're suggesting. That I suck because I got medical care? Who knows.)

[woo me with science]

443. Just saw a similar situation with Blue Cross Blue Shield.

What a con game.

United oligarchy, not gridlocked democracy. The insurance companies wrote this thing, and the mandate was a corporate wet dream:

And with Republicans as an excuse, say hello to *more* loopholes that allow even greater shifting of costs to patients.

Obama administration quietly approves new Obamacare loophole benefiting insurance companies.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024970298

"Why Health Insurance Shareholders Are Loving Obamacare"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025517310

Aetna Health Insurance will double Revenues to $100 billion by 2020 thanks to Obamacare
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014670789

ObamaCare Enriches The Health Insurance Giants and Their Shareholders
http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertlenzner/2013/10/01/obamacare-enriches-only-the-health-insurance-giants-and-their-shareholders/

So far in 2013 the value of the S& P health insurance index has gained 43%. Thats more than double the gains made in the broad stock market index, the S & P 500. The shares of CIGNA are up 63%, Wellpoint 47% and United Healthcare 28%.

[woo me with science]

445. How bad is it?

Medical Debt: A Curable Affliction Health Reform Won’t Fix
http://www.pnhp.org/news/2013/june/medical-debt-a-curable-affliction-health-reform-won%E2%80%99t-fix

The high frequency of medical bankruptcy was often cited by advocates of health reform during the debate over the ACA. Yet the debate largely ignored the fact that most medical debtors actually have coverage. In order to protect Americans from bankruptcy, coverage must be truly comprehensive, that is, it must cover virtually 100 percent of all needed medical care. Unfortunately, the insurance policies mandated under ACA are required to cover only 60 percent of expected health-care costs.

http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/health/2014/03/26/medical-bankruptcy/

56 MILLION Americans under age 65 will have trouble paying medical bills.

Over 35 MILLION American adults (ages 19-64) will be contacted by collections agencies for unpaid medical bills.

Nearly 17 MILLION American adults (ages 19-64) will receive a lower credit rating on account of their high medical bills.

Over 15 MILLION American adults (ages 19-64) will use up all their savings to pay medical bills.

Over 11 MILLION American adults (ages 19-64) will take on credit card debt to pay off their hospital bills.

Nearly 10 MILLION American adults (ages 19-64) will be unable to pay for basic necessities like rent, food, and heat due to their medical bills.

Over 16 MILLION children live in households struggling with medical bills.

Despite having year-round insurance coverage, 10 MILLION insured Americans ages 19-64 will face bills they are unable to pay.

1.7 MILLION Americans live in households that will declare bankruptcy due to their inability to pay their medical bills.

Three states will account for over one-quarter of those living in medical-related bankruptcy: California (248,002), Illinois (113,524), and Florida (99,780).

To save costs, over 25 MILLION adults (ages 19-64) will not take their prescription drugs as indicated, including skipping doses, taking less medicine than prescribed or delaying a refill.

[jillan]

447. Wait a minute - I have the ACA and I do get a discount. A couple of months ago they contacted me

through email and snail mail saying that I needed to prove my income and if I didn't, my rates would increase since I would no longer qualify for a subsidy.

Could this be what happened to you?

[Glitterati]

451. No. Didn't happen.

I can easily prove my income. THEY can easily prove my income, since it comes from the federal government (Social Security).

There has never been any question about my income.

[jillan]

457. If I were you, I'd call them. I called them when I got my notice about proving income & they were

so helpful.

That's a big increase - you should make a call and find out what happened.

Imho.

[Shivering Jemmy]

456. That's rough

Sorry it didn't work out for you.

[AngryAmish]

461. Isn't this a complete shitshow.

My dog, people, browbeating a disabled widow is not cool.

[TreasonousBastard]

482. 465 posts in 5 1/2 hours...

most of them talking past each other with the occasional insult thrown in.

Amazing!

See what the new premium with the news subsidy is. Some quick arithmetic based on guesswork and I'd guess it would be around 20-30 bucks a month more, but might be less. Or more.

Anyway, I understand the shock when opening a letter like that, and maybe it's better to get terrified now so the truth that comes out later won't seem so bad.

[moriah]

507. If anything, it's a shock to make people not renew on the Exchange.

I imagine Blue Cross doesn't like the fact I maxed out my OOP this year.

[Skip Intro]

492. The ACA is built on lies. It is a fraud. Gullible supporters still demand lockstep praise and

full immersion into the alternate reality in which they exist.

Let's speak in truth.

[CreekDog]

675. you want everyone added to Medicaid by ACA thrown off of it?

yes or no, pretty easy question.

[Left2Tackle]

498. I saw this earlier so I'll pass a link along

Looks like you might have to go back and look at other plans. The exchange subsidies are tied to the lowest cost plans and if you don't pick those you will have to pay the difference. Others have suggested to go take a look at other plans when open enrollment begins. Maybe you'll be able to find a similar plan for less from another insurance company. Good Luck.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/13/obamacare-prices_n_6149076.html

[TheKentuckian]

500. TeaPubliKlans say "don't get sick and if you do, die quickly"

Circle d's say "Don't get sick but if you do suffer silently, keep those premiums coming, and be a wise consumer of health care".

I'm not exactly sure which is more soulless but both are looking out for the cartel's bottom line more than the general welfare.

[Atman]

504. $101 a month? Where to I sign up?

Last edited Thu Nov 13, 2014, 11:44 PM - Edit history (1)

That sounds like an awesome deal. I'd take it any day.

[BlindTiresias]

508. Are you below the poverty line?

[OBblueMeanie]

512. Agreed

I have genuine empathy for the OP. However, to imply that the current conundrum=30 years without coverage is to suspend belief. I am not a cheerleader for Obama and believe the only solution is Single Payer, but.... to the OP: there are many people worse off than you. I always look at things this way. I just broke 2 limbs on opposite sides in a freak accident. I have shitty insurance, but I know I will come out of this. I still have my head, and count my other blessings as well.

And why does being a widow have any bearing here? Many of us here are lifelong singles, divorcees, widows, etc.

I also have a feeling that the situation is not so dire. By the 15th, I think you will be breathing a lot easier.


Why don't we all expend our energy here on making progressive change in the US? Fighting one another here on DU is not the answer.

To the OP: God bless you, and hope you get good news this weekend.

[LynnTTT]

514. It's not rude to

1) point out that she can shop for better coverage in two days
2) accept that the premium did go up slightly, for the same plan, but in fact the 3xx increase is in her subsidized premium
3) point out that she is all upset because it's possible that after 30 years of having no insurance and having health problems, she was able to get good coverage for $27 a month, with the rest of us paying the other $ 475 per month.
4) point out she seems unwilling to either check out her options in the next 4 weeks of renewal online, or make a few phone calls, or perhaps just accept that she is still getting very good coverage, heavily subsidized for far less than my employer provided coverage that I had for 35 years.

[Glitterati]

516. ROFL, no, not at all rude </sarcasm>

1) point out that she can shop for better coverage in two days

And change Drs when there's ONE in my community who takes ANY ACA plans. And hope I don't run out of my heart meds while waiting for an appointment with this illusive Dr. because missing a dose means a heart attack. Yeah, not a bit rude to deny this part of the process is cumbersome, burdensome and downright painful for most people. But, thanks.

2) accept that the premium did go up slightly, for the same plan, but in fact the 3xx increase is in her subsidized premium

Again, nice little republican trick you're trying there. Bottom line, my out of pocket monthly premium is scheduled to go up 370% on January 1 to an unaffordable price on a fixed income, which is scheduled to go up by 1.7% at the same time. But, thanks again.

3) point out that she is all upset because it's possible that after 30 years of having no insurance and having health problems, she was able to get good coverage for $27 a month, with the rest of us paying the other $ 475 per month.

Nah, not a bit rude </sarcasm>. Of course, you tend to forget that MY lifetime contribution of taxes is also part of that contribution, but I certainly wouldn't want to be rude enough to point that little fact out.

4) point out she seems unwilling to either check out her options in the next 4 weeks of renewal online, or make a few phone calls, or perhaps just accept that she is still getting very good coverage, heavily subsidized for far less than my employer provided coverage that I had for 35 years.

This is just utter and complete bullshit, lies, and demeaning garbage and it's exactly this attitude that makes you one very rude <insert favorite name>.

But, nah, not a bit rude. In freeperville.

[Yo_Mama]

515. Go to Healthcare.gov and check all the plans now - windowshopping is open.

Many have very different options this year. It's worth the time.

Start here:
https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/

[Glitterati]

519. As I have said, REPEATEDLY

When the exchange opens on the 15th I plan to.

I always planned to.

But, window shopping is a waste of time and energy. There is no factual information on that website on which to base any decisions at this point in time.

[Yo_Mama]

521. It just helps to look at the prices, which are estimated.

Some persons (maybe not you) have a lot more stuff to look through.

So if you look for a plan with a lower premium than the $577, you'll have a short list to start with. And I have found that if you call the companies, you can get better information. I know what they show now is an estimate, but it should give you a starting point.

I feel for you - you have an emergency. I am sorry you have been so abused on this thread. It isn't right. But if you get a short list now, it will help you after the exchange opens, and you may want to start calling the insurance companies now. It's an emergency for you, because you can't pay this premium and in less than two months, you'll be uninsured.

As soon as the exchanges open I think there may be a sort of logjam, so just get a list of all the plans that have premiums at least $50 cheaper that that letter. If there are none, then call the insurance commissioner in your state and ask for help.

It's still worth going through the entire process when the exchange officially opens, but I have a hunch this is going to be difficult and time-consuming for you.

[Glitterati]

523. I can't right now

I need FACTS, not estimates.

I am so upset by this letter today, I can't possibly deal with estimates. They are worthless, because they can and likely WILL be thrown away next week when I have to make a decision.

Add to that the behavior I have been subjected to today and I just don't have the strength required to put logical thoughts together. Based on estimates.

I have an estimate. I need to wait until I can GATHER THE FACTS.

[Reter]

524. Fuck Roberts and the other four for not striking AFC down

I was paying $307 as a waiter. Income was just 27k a year. Now I'm paying nothing because I couldn't afford it. I know some liberals love ACA, but I started hating it when I saw how much it hurt me. I should not have to be forced to pay anything near a car payment (which I don't have because I can't afford that either).

[musical_soul]

525. Have you spoken with any insurance agents?

If not, I would find a local insurance agent to see if they can find you a more affordable plan. Humana is not the only plan in the sea.

[Glitterati]

526. I spoke with the Navigator at my Doctor's office on November 4th

During my monthly appointment. Just asking, in general, if I would need to do anything for coverage next year.

She asked me if anything had changed, and I told her just the COLA on Social Security.

She assured me that if I liked my plan and didn't want to change anything, then I would have to do nothing and everything would stay the same.

How silly we BOTH were, huh?

[musical_soul]

547. Find an agent.

They don't get paid to help you on your doctor's appointment. They get paid when you purchase a plan from them. Talk to different agents. See what else there is. See what else Humana has to offer. They offer a really cheap plan for if you happen to have Medicaid and Medicare (Gold Plus). They might offer other cheaper plans too for people who don't have that. They won't bother to tell you that if you're agreeing to pay over a hundred dollars a month.

And guys, whether you're for or against AHA, I think it can be agreed by most that it has problems. That doesn't make the people who came up with it bad in any way. Every plan has problems. I think it's going to really work out the kinks in AHA.

[Glitterati]

553. My experience last year with an agent was horrible.

Last edited Fri Nov 14, 2014, 02:24 AM - Edit history (1)

I had a nightmare last year signing up my daughter for ACA. Long story short, she qualified for Mediciad (college student, working part time) but because our Governor refused Medicaid expansion, she didn't qualify. However, we had to have that in writing before Humana could issue her an ACA policy.

Do you know when I received the inquiry from the State about her eligibility? LAST MONTH. Nearly a year after the application, and that was only the "send us this documentation and this documentation and this documentation to determine eligibility" letter. A YEAR later.

Because of the situation, I called SEVERAL agents in an attempt to get her on an ACA policy before the deadline. My experience was very bad. They were uniformed, helpless and irresponsible.

Of course, all this had to do with the INTENTIONAL sabotage being conducted by our State Insurance Commissioner who vowed to kill ACA in Georgia. (And, yes, he was re-elected this month.)

“Let me tell you what we’re doing (about ObamaCare),” Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens bragged to a crowd of fellow Republicans in Floyd County earlier this month: “Everything in our power to be an obstructionist.”

After pausing to let applause roll over him, a grinning Hudgens went on to give an example of that obstructionist behavior, this one involving so-called “navigators” who are being hired to guide customers through the process of buying health insurance on marketplaces, or exchanges, set up under the federal program.

“We have passed a law that says that a navigator, which is a position in that exchange, has to be licensed by our Department of Insurance,” Hudgens said. “The ObamaCare law says that we cannot require them to be an insurance agent, so we said fine, we’ll just require them to be a licensed navigator. So we’re going to make up the test, and basically you take the insurance agent test, you erase the name, you write ‘navigator test’ on it.”

http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/jay-bookman/2013/aug/29/ga-insurance-chief-brags-about-sabotage-obamacare/

So, insurance agents are just not the people who are prepared to help with this in this state. This Insurance Commissioner has made it his life's goal to insure they are not. None of the insurers are willing to "buck" this guy. Hell, they probably agree with him.

[SoapBox]

527. The OP has no intention of finding another plan...

There's something wrong here.

Argumentative...just bashing the ACA...ends up as a bash against the President...refuses to answer questions, on all sorts of levels...

Enough of this.

[Glitterati]

529. You're EXACTLY right

I LIKE this plan I'm on.

I prefer to KEEP this plan.

My Dr. doesn't take any of the other plans.

No Dr. in my community TAKES the ACA plans except this one.

I have no vehicle, thus no way to get to a Dr. outside my community.

I LIKE my Dr.

I changed medical teams last year, I do not wish to make it an annual nightmare.

I hope this letter is wrong and I can keep this plan.

That's my intention. What the FACTS force me to do next week, may be entirely different.

[enigmatic]

531. I'm very sorry this is happening to you

I can empathize the fear that you're having over this; I think anyone who has a soul would. I have no answers for you but I will send as much good vibes I can your way and know that you aren't alone here and that people do care. Don't give up.

[Glitterati]

536. Thank you.

I'm holding on to the hope that this letter is wrong and things will look better on the 15th.

[Julz]

532. My first post

I realize that as a first-time poster I don't have credibility - I've read DU almost daily since 2003 so I know what low count posters on a controversial thread usually mean. That said...

I logged in to healthcare.gov to make sure my password was working before open enrollment starts and saw a message asking me to update the application I filled out last year. Last year's app wouldn't open so I called and spent 2 hours on the phone updating. I'd already received my letter from BCBS telling me my premium would increase from $80 to $115, which I could live with. I notified them of an increase in income of $1,000 in 2014 and changed my address since I had moved. I had notified BCBS of my address change as soon as I moved but it never occurred to me to change it on healthcare.gov - a huge oversight on my part with enormous consequences. I moved 1 mile to a more affordable neighborhood. I was told that for the month of December my premium for the same plan is $270, based solely on my move to a zip code with a lower socio- economic profile than my old one. She told me to call or log in on the 15th to check out other plans for 2015 but was able to tell me my subsidy will be $145 per month, down from the $320 per month I was receiving this year. I'm widowed with a child and this, for us, means eating from the fast food dollar menu. I'm trying to stay calm until the 15th and am hoping there will be a plan I can afford that doesn't have an outrageous deductible. I did sit down on my kitchen floor and cry, though.

My best to the OP - hopefully there will be some new, more competitive plans. My fingers are crossed.

[Glitterati]

535. I soooooooo feel for you.

I know the pain and the horrid depression when you're just trying to get ahead, just for a little while, just to be slapped back down. Over and over and over. It becomes so difficult just to get up and fight the day's fights just to stay alive and keep moving forward.

I hope we both discover great news on the 15th.

Just trying to stay healthy shouldn't be such a struggle.

[Julz]

541. Thank you :)

I'm sorry you're going through this, too. I'm really hoping that Saturday will bring better news. I'd forgotten the fear I felt while uninsured - it's all-consuming as I know you know. I just can't imagine that there won't be something that will work in the new plans.

[lancer78]

570. Remember

your premium after subsidies cannot exceed 9.5% of your income. What percentage of your income is the $27.55?

[Glitterati]

583. Not 9.5%

and at 9.5%, I wouldn't be able to afford it.

But, hey, I guess I could pay the $100.00/month and then not be able to use it for my monthly doctor appointments. Cause, you know, there's no money left over for the $25.00 GP copay, and the $35.00 endocrinologist copay, or hell, the $4.00 meds even. But, heck, I'd have INSURANCE.

Who needs medical care when they have insurance, right?

[lancer78]

647. if your subsidy percentages remain the same, then you should only see a 14%

increase as that is all the premium has increased.

[raven mad]

571. Try living in a state that refused all aid.

I will have NO insurance at all as of 1/1/15.

[Glitterati]

579. I do. Your point is what?

Had you bothered to read they thread you would know that, of course.

And, I, too will have no insurance on 1/1/15 if this is the price for said insurance.

[raven mad]

602. Single-payer or universal medicare is the only way to go.

And I'll wind up being "fined" for not having insurance? $750 a month. No income.

[Glitterati]

613. Something sure has to be done.

Because this is not working.

[mahina]

572. Wow, that's a heck of a deal.

We pay 450. a person.

Universal single payer now!

[Glitterati]

580. Soooo, I should what? Just shut the fuck up and pay?

A premium I can't afford?

[mahina]

648. Charmed.

[Maine-i-acs]

575. I would KILL for a rate like that. I HOPE to get one for 100/month -

when I browse the exchange.

I am unemployed / laid-off and looking at a COBRA premium of $1300/month. This is the reality pre-ACA.

How expensive was it to self-insure per-ACA? $100/month was completely unheard of.

I am counting my blessings that the ACA, flaws and all even exists and I am cursing the entrenched millionaires that are trying to take it away from us.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

577. I agree. My husband adds me to his plan for $450/mo so anything less

sounds good. Can't imagine how anyone could be insured for $27/mo

[Glitterati]

582. We will trade lives, OK?

Let's see how thankful you are for a $100.00/month insurance premium you can't pay, OK?

Walk a mile in MY shoes. I dare you.

[jberryhill]

590. But you don't know that your premium will be $100

Since it is highly unlikely your subsidy will not also change.

[Glitterati]

592. I'm going based on the FACTS I have in hand

Not much else I can go by, now, is there?

I'm sorry, but this letter, in black and white, holds a bit more sway over my situation than posters on a message board. Because, you see, come December 4, the insurance company is going to take $100.00 out of my account automatically. Then, I won't be able to pay other bills like electricity and water.

So I have to deal with the REALITY I have at hand.

[CreekDog]

600. actually the $100 isn't a bill, so you aren't going on facts

[Glitterati]

607. It most CERTAINLY IS

Because no matter what you say or think, on December 4th that amounts comes out of my debit card.

So you can play semantics all you want. The truth is, I'm on a clock to get this resolved BEFORE December 4 or I pay that fee.

[CreekDog]

631. do you smoke?

the only way I can come up with your premium in George is to input you as a smoker.

if you do smoke, you might pay even less next year if you stop smoking.

[Glitterati]

632. ROFL, I guess you need to speak with Humana then

cause they sure as hell came up with it.

Not that it's any of your business, but, no I do not smoke.

[B2G]

633. Premium anounts are not based on state

They are based on communities WITHIN states.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

601. In no way did I mean to come off sounding like I was

denigrating you in any way shape or form. If you felt that way, I am
very sorry.

My only point was really that the whole pricing system for healthcare
is FUBAR.

I wish we could go back to the days when you paid out of pocket
to see a doctor and only had "hospitalization" insurance. And then,
add in the way they have it in europe - go to a pharmacy and get
antibiotic - and not have to pay a doctor to tell you what you already
know.

[Glitterati]

611. I remember the days when

You'd go to the GP, sign in, sit in the waiting room for your turn, see a doctor who knew you by your first name, and actually remembered your case history!

Then, when you were done, you paid $10.00 to the receptionist on the way out the door for the visit.

If you needed a prescription, the Dr. handed you a couple samples to get you through so you didn't have to run to the pharmacy on the way home.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

617. Every Christmas, someone in my family

brings up the story about how my brother got the measles and the doctor came to our house on Christmas morning. And, the doctor did just fine, had a beautiful house in town and no one begrudged him one iota.

I swear, I wish Michael Moore would do an expose on how the hell we got into the mess we did. I imagine it was a slew of republicans sitting in a room brainstorming - how to make more money. And they said..."What do people all over the country spend money on?" And someone threw out "doctor visits". And they ended up with "ok, we create HMO's and we tout them as good for people" and "We take a chunk of every single visit"

[Glitterati]

619. If memory serves, HMOs were Hillary Clinton's

health care task force ideas.

[Glitterati]

627. I was WRONG. HMOs were Richard Nixon

Though some forms of group "managed care" did exist prior to the 1970s, they came about chiefly through the influence of U.S. President Richard Nixon and his friend Edgar Kaiser. In discussion in the White House on February 17, 1971, Nixon expressed his support for the essential philosophy of the HMO, which John Ehrlichman explained thus: "All the incentives are toward less medical care, because the less care they give them, the more money they make."

From wikipedia

[moriah]

628. HMOs/PPOs are very good for the people who are very sick.

I wouldn't buy a straight 80/20 plan now, even with a max out-of-pocket. I can't come up with a deductible, so I try to get as much of my stuff based on copays as I can. That makes it where I know I only have to pay $50 to see my psychiatrist every month, instead of $500 for the first visit and then 20% after that until I hit the max out-of-pocket. $500 and I wouldn't be able to pay my rent.

I hit it this year despite not being on the plan for the entire year (started it when my disability was approved, before that it was Medicaid), so I know I'll hit it again, sooner, just paying my copays for medications and doctor's visits. The plan closest to my old plan is showing they have gone up, too, not in proportion to my COLA increase.

[moriah]

625. I remember the days of my mother, struggling to pay my doctor's bills, until....

.... she got reimbursed by her insurance.

She had to pay out-of-pocket, too, when kids broke my arm and gave me concussions on the playground, and I had to have the services of an orthopedist once, and two CT scans at other times.

It's hard to come up with that kind of cash readily, even if she was reimbursed later.

[Glitterati]

626. Yeah, I remember those days, too

that's when medical bills began to spiral out of control as well.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

630. I guess I am older than you. I have vague recollections of

doctor billings or for any big purchase being like "you owe $100" and you send them a check for $10 until it's paid off - no interest.

[moriah]

634. I'm only 34, so you may be right.

We fortunately had grandparents with savings for the big stuff, like the cost of the orthopedist and the CT scans. If it wasn't for my grandparents.... I can't say what my life would have been.

[moriah]

622. Are you living off of widow's benefits through Social Security?

My premium, after I was approved for SSDI, was $82.94 for a Silver plan.

Believe me, I'm grateful for the fact I have insurance at all, but it's still not easy to come up with that kind of cash. My new plan will be, according to healthcare.gov today after accounting for the 1.7% COLA increase change to my income, $96.00. We'll see if that changes before tomorrow. It's not even the same plan, really, as the cost of medications are much higher, but same out-of-pocket maximum. I'll just struggle more in the early months of the year until I hit OOP again. It's hard to afford prescriptions when just one of your many medications costs $90 a month.

But still, rates increases are exceeding inflation or with COLA increases -- 15.7% versus 1.7% COLA increase, with what information is available on healthcare.gov.

They ought to fix the loophole so you could by through the Exchange -- 9% of family income is what the standard should be for affordable health care, not 9% for just individual coverage and letting insurance companies charge such exorbitant rates to people working.

But when you already know down to your last dollar where all your money is going, because it's all accounted for, even a 15% increase along with increases in copays is a lot to deal with.

And I draw a good check.

[Glitterati]

581. So, I should thank my lucky stars, huh?

Hell, after all, I CAN get cheap insurance, I just can't AFFORD cheap insurance.

Stop eating at all? Live without electricity?

Tell me what the difference might be between 100.00 and 1300.00 when you can afford NEITHER.

[moriah]

615. You probably wouldn't kill to be on a widow's benefit with chronic health problems too.

Or to be like me, laid off and facing the same type of COBRA premium before Obamacare finally came and gave me Medicaid, though not until two more uninsured hospitalizations (it was the first two that made my job let me go). Though at least I have my SSDI now, living on SSDI is not pleasant, even when it provides more than SSI. I got more on unemployment the first six months I was laid off.

Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful as hell for my SSDI and for my Obamacare. Without them I would be homeless, crazier than I am with no medical care, and not have anything left at all from the time when I was working and making a good wage, still paying my taxes and on costlier insurance.

You could have applied at last year's rate, and can still apply for it now for the rest of this year. Hopefully the rate will be in keeping with whatever income you do have now, whether it is from unemployment, severance, or whatever.

[DrDan]

585. I have been here since 2001. There was a VERY significant change in this site around 2008.

It used to be a place where open discussion was promoted . . . and differences of opinion valued. Around that year (an election year, by no coincidence) anyone with an opinion that varied from the group-think was met with snark and in-your-face bullying. This was particularly true with anyone challenging the purity of the ACA. "Liar", "hater", "troll" were not rare occurrences.

I hope tomorrow brings you some relief.

Don't let some of the less-considerate posters here get you down.

[Glitterati]

586. Thanks, DrDan

You're right. There's been an ugly, unpleasant change at DU that makes this place the same as Yahoo Groups or Facebook.

I find it hysterical that there's a thread this morning about Megan McCain and her "get your own rich parents" with all the associated outrage and horror. Yet, you can visit this very thread and find our own Megan's right here on DU saying the same thing.

Funny, isn't it?

[ReverendDeuce]

593. Member for ten years here and you speak the absolute TRUTH!

I showed actual SCANS of my ACA-induced rate increase and benefit decrease last year around this time and was quite nearly banned for even hinting that something was afoul.

Everyone kept screaming "YOU GOT A JUNK PLAN NOW THIS ONE IS BETTER!!!" even though I posted, repeatedly, the plan breakdown from my insurance company showing my deductible going from $1500 to $6750. "BUT YOU GET MORE NOW!" the would pound out. Yeah, a male needs MATERNITY COVERAGE.

I've been put in the jury penalty box more time than I can count for voicing my own opinion, pragmatic or otherwise.

DU is dramatically different now than it was, I agree. I think it's remnant of the PUMAs.

[stevenleser]

606. The one thing that has not changed is that DUers are demanding in terms of complete facts

If OP had posted

"I'm very concerned. I got this letter saying my ACA premium is going up. If the exchange doesnt offer me better options I think I am going to be in real trouble. Unless there is something else I am missing"

Then the OP would have received universal support and a complete analysis of their situation from all posting.

OP did not do that. OP went on the attack against the ACA knowing they did not have all of the facts in at least one aspect of their situation (whether better/cheaper plans would be available in the exchange) and it turns out more than one aspect of their situation (the subsidy as well).

Whether it's Obama, Grayson, Warren, Sanders, or any of their proposals or policies, if you attack them without accounting for the complete facts, and those complete facts cast serious doubt on your pronouncement, you will get a lot of criticism here.

That has not changed in the last 10 years.

[Glitterati]

608. Pathetic attempt to justify your Meghan McCain behavior.

Not working.

[stevenleser]

610. Nope. It is what I have been saying since my first response to you. Nice try though.

It's particularly telling when you have been forced now to admit that you were wrong about knowing the facts of your situation.

So you were wrong about your situation, you are wrong about my comments and you are still being nasty.

[Glitterati]

612. Toodles.

I'm done with your Fox News talking points.

Plonk.

[DrDan]

620. I would venture to say that even posting the complete facts would not stop

criticism/snark from certain DUers

[Glitterati]

624. Of course it wouldn't

they LIVE to find an Obama slight. And, when they can't they simply INVENT them from whole cloth. This thread is a perfect example of that behavior.

[stevenleser]

655. Yes, it would have. That or acknowledgement that they did not have all the facts.

Because OP did not have all the facts. But OP did neither.

OP went on the attack against ACA when the attack was not warranted due to lack of facts.

Now, OP is so embarrassed about going off half cocked that OP has preemptively stated that they will not update us all with what their subsidy and final cost will be. Probably because they now understand that their subsidy will likely offset the increased cost.

OP, and those who sided with her and accused other folks of being rude or uncaring, owe a lot of folks a mea culpa and an apology.

[DrDan]

656. I will offer no apology to those uncaring DUers who attacked this poster

and I do not blame the poster for sharing no more info with these pseudo-liberals. I would advise the same if asked.

an embarrassing display of arrogance and elitism

[stevenleser]

661. Oh we cared. We also knew there was a good chance OP was wrong. And we definitely knew...

that OP was going off half cocked and didn't have all the facts, and OP then attacked anyone for pointing that out.

So yes, you and OP and others who defended OP owe the rest of us an apology.

And you can bet that we won't hear anything about what OP found when they signed up on the exchange, because, again, OP will be very embarrassed after this display to find out they were wrong.

[Union Scribe]

646. Complete and utter bullshit

I've watched posters, like you, attack people with insurance problems mercilessly, dismissing them and calling them liars. It doesn't matter what they say or what they share, it's a fucking blood-in-the-water feeding frenzy on them.

[kelliekat44]

650. Make sure you are getting your subsidy. And ...it's Open Season. Try another plan. nt

[chieftain]

652. 3 Observations and 1 Question

Like so many others I have followed this thread closely. Here are my takeaways from the discussion.
1. Considering how many lies, distortions and bogus stories that the GOP has foisted on the American people regarding ACA, it is not surprising that one more horror story has been met with skepticism.
2. It is true that the OP expressed no direct criticism of Obamacare but her subsequent responses evidenced real hostility to the President.
3. I supported the President's approach to achieving increased health care through the existing system, but the inescapable conclusion that has to be drawn from this thread is that ACA is way too complex, extremely difficult to explain and susceptible to the type of misinformation campaign waged by the RW. Whether Obamacare is gutted by the RW or struggles on as a wounded halfway measure, I challenge Democrats to embrace single-payer and work tirelessly for its adoption.
My question is to the OP. Will you report back to the board your experience now that the exchanges will be available ? Having set off this firestorm I think you have an obligation to tell us how this turned out.

[Hekate]

658. All cogent observations, chieftan. And an excellent question. nt

[DrDan]

667. based on the responses, I think she has no such obligation

why should she be subjected to this treatment once again

[scarystuffyo]

653. Any updates today after the exchange opened ?

[Hekate]

657. We await the answer with bated breath

But I doubt it will be forthcoming any time soon. Pot-stirring mission accomplished, however.

[stevenleser]

662. Yep. OP and those who defended OP should apologize for this display, but I'm not holding my breath

thats for sure.

[DrDan]

668. wise on your part - no apologies will be coming as none are necessary

[stevenleser]

670. Yes, they are. Again, See my 661. nt

[DrDan]

672. I saw it . . . and see no need to apologize to those who offered blatant insults - I also see no

reason for the poster to share anything with those here who are so uncaring - she owes them nothing save disdain

[madfloridian]

674. Steven, this "display" as you call it showed some of you up for being heartless and rude

I thought I had seen it all here, but no. This one surprised me.

I defended the OP from all the rudeness. NO apologies forthcoming.

[OhioChick]

660. OP...I'm sorry to hear of your hardship

I've been a member of DU since 2004 and I must say that this is the ugliest thread that I've witnessed here.

I wish you the best.

[pecwae]

666. Was about to post the same thing.

It's sickening and disgusting that so many members are more concerned about defending the legacy of a politician who doesn't even know they're alive than another poster.

[DrDan]

669. yep - I have been here since 2001 and have not witnessed the visciousness and lack of compassion as

shown by several her

embarrassing

[ScreamingMeemie]

673. Mine went up 20 percent. Luckily, I went back to the ACA site, put my numbers back in,

and got the same coverage for 20 dollars cheaper a month.