Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	My experience with Obamadon'tcare
Date:	12/23/2023 11:23:24 AM

So as of January 1st my COBRA expires and I am not eligible for Medicare until November 2024.  So I dipped my toes into the world of the ACA and it was an ugly experience.......far worse than it used to be to get individual coverage.  So for about two months I looked around on my own and finally decided to get a broker to help me.  There are only two options anymore.  1) Short-term insurance; and 2) Marketplace plans.  Short term is less expensive but no pre-existing conditions.  ACA plans are wildly expensive because they do cover pre-existing conditions as mandated by law.

So the monthly cost with no subsidy for the cheapest Bronze plan is $1,700 a month.  The cost for the most expensive Gold plan with no subsidy is over $3,500 per month.  The plan we chose has an individual deductible of $7,500 and an out of pocket max of $9,400....that's correct, as a couple our combined deductible is $15K and OOPM is $18.8K.  Our premium without subsidy is $1,980 per month with no dental or vision!!! Compare to my COBRA policy through my former employer which was an HSA with dental and vision and a $3K family deductible and $7K OOPM that I paid $1,400 per month premium.  But I also got to write off the $8,700 I put into the HSA account which saves me around $5K on my taxes.  So basically the cost for no insurance unless something catastrophic happens is annual premiums of $24K and the potential out of pocket costs of another $19K for a potential total of $43,000 before coverage kicks in.

Now you know why insurance companies were all in for the ACA.....they have become government contractors and will keep raising rates to keep the money flowing in.  No wonder my son called it Obamadon'tcare and went from being an independent sound designer to working for a gaming company so he could get actual insurance at a much more reasonable price.  And no wonder so many younger people forgo signing up at all.  It's so unlikely that they will ever need it and financially ruinous to pay the premiums and deductible/OOPM.  And I saw an article today that a record number of people have signed up......it's no wonder.  Other than short term policies there is NO OTHER OPTION.  It's one of the two....period.

Name:	lucky67 -	Reply
Subject:	My experience with Obamadon'tcare
Date:	12/23/2023 2:36:33 PM (updated 12/23/2023 2:36:59 PM)

you didnt check the proper boxes--go back & check illegal , no assets, re calculate  & you should be good + UPS will overnight a free iphone with no monthly 

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	LOL!
Date:	12/23/2023 3:13:16 PM

No doubt you are correct.  My glaring error is that I file my tax returns and actually report my income and deductible expenses.  Oh well.....

Name:	lucky67 -	Reply
Subject:	LOL!
Date:	12/23/2023 4:20:39 PM

when you and wife are eligible fir medicare--the absolute best is VIVA MEDICARE PLUS

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	My experience with Obamadon'tcare
Date:	12/23/2023 5:10:16 PM

I know a number of people that are in the ACA.  Some of these people don't earn a lot of money- Blue collar people.  They tell me they feel like they still don't have insurance becasue the high deductibles and they don't have that kind of money.  So for those whom going to the Dr. vs. not going to the Dr. because they can't afford an office all are still screwed. 

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	My experience with Obamadon'tcare
Date:	12/23/2023 8:09:40 PM

You have hit the nail on the head......even if they get a big subsidy and their montlhy premium is low they get the shock of their lives when they understand how deductibles and out of pocket max hits them.  That's what happened to my son.  His premiums were low because fo the govt subsidy (i.e., you and I paying) but then he had to have some sinus work and was shocked when it was entirely out of pocket. 

In the meantime the insurance companies get their $2,600 to $3,500 per month, some from the insured and most from the gov't.  That's why they and orgs like AARLP (American Ass of Liberal Retired People) were all in.  They can now suck off the govt teet and idiots think they are getting "cheap" health insurance.....until they have a big claim.  Then reality bites them big time.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	LOL!
Date:	12/23/2023 8:10:44 PM

I'll check it out.  My child bride is 1.5 years younger than I so she has a way to go. Thanks for the advice!

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	LOL!
Date:	12/23/2023 8:10:45 PM

I'll check it out.  My child bride is 1.5 years younger than I so she has a way to go. Thanks for the advice!

Name:	Carlson -	Reply
Subject:	Did you try Medishare
Date:	12/24/2023 2:33:15 PM

Bible based group self insurance?  Open enrollment now

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	My experience with Obamadon'tcare
Date:	12/25/2023 10:45:37 AM

My better half retired this month after 46 YEARS with Russell/Fruit of the Loom and doesn't turn 65 till March and needed gap coverage.  She went to the ACA marketplace and by elimating Mental Health, drug abuse, maternity/OBGYN care and a couple of other things she was able to get a short term policy for the two months for $353 a month.  Basically it is just major medical/catastrophic care.  She is in excellent health and doubtfull she will even need it.  She got 90 day refills on all scripts in December even though her new plan has Prescription coverage. 

I do agree with Hound about Viva.  When you are eligable be sure to check them out.  My beneifts get better every year and I havent paid a deductible on a prescription this year. Zero co-pay on doctor visits and usually a $50 co-pay on tests such as MRI"S, CAT Scans, and most outpatient procedures.  I also get a card with moeny on it to use for over the counter and healthy food choices, or you can have it applied to a utillity bill.

Name:	lucky67 -	Reply
Subject:	Did you try Medishare
Date:	12/25/2023 11:04:41 AM (updated 12/25/2023 11:09:02 AM)

Lifer-im the one who recommended VIVA- not Hound -ive been on VIVA MEDICARE PLUS for 8 years--BUT IVE never heard of a card for stuff you mentioned-card with money, use for healthy foods, apply to utility bills ??? -( after i read your post it disappeared  ) ??? please enlightem me

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Did you try Medishare
Date:	12/25/2023 2:58:53 PM

Those benifits were in the plan when I signed up.  Until January when the card kicks in you had to go online and shop in their "online store" (where everything is at least twice reatil), So much per quarter in OTC ($150 I think) and $30/mo for groceries.  NOt sure which plan I am on.  I have had it for about 10 years or so. Call customer service and ask about it.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	My experience with Obamadon'tcare
Date:	12/25/2023 4:13:06 PM

We looked at short term and because of the pre-existing condition clause it didn't see worth the risk even though it seems unlikely I will have an issue.  But I take meds for my blood pressure and when I asked if a heart attack would be covered or considered pre-existing since I take blood pressure meds they said it wouldn't.  I'm in excellent health but it just seemed like we would pay everything out of pocket and then if something like that happened we would have no coverage.  So we passed on the short term for the 10 months I need it.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	My experience with Obamadon'tcare
Date:	12/25/2023 6:25:00 PM

She kept working for an extra year to avoid having a long gap, well that and she liked her job.  It is jsut the spring quarter was always the busiest time and she didnt want to do it again. She probably could have jsut skipped it and been OK, but we plan to travel in January and din't want to risk being away and something happening with no coverage.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	My experience with Obamadon'tcare
Date:	12/25/2023 9:56:16 PM

That was the the other issue with the short term.  We have some international travel coming up in 2024 and that is not covered.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Some snowflake infant flagged all my posts
Date:	12/26/2023 8:44:08 AM

It's a pure joy to live rent free in your mind, whoever you are.  I do appreciate you reading all my posts though.  LOL!

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Martini
Date:	1/2/2024 1:23:47 PM

You need to check your policy as it is my understanding that Obamacare does NOT cover foreign travel.