Benefit for Uninsured May Still Pose Hurdle New York Times
He is just the kind of person who should benefit from the health care overhaul, and he is, in fact, eligible for heavily subsidized insurance that will cost him an estimated $1,845 a year, while the government contributes about $2,756.
But Mr. Mann says he still can’t afford it. He lives too close to the edge, and won’t be buying insurance, even though he will face a fine under a provision called the individual mandate, which penalizes most Americans who don’t buy coverage starting in 2014. The requirement is one of the most controversial aspects of the overhaul.
“I just can’t put that kind of money out for a ‘maybe’ — maybe I’ll get sick and use it,” said Mr. Mann, who makes just over $25,000 a year as an administrative assistant at a small wine distribution company. “That’s a lot of money.”
“The people who make all these decisions don’t live like the way I do,” Mr. Mann added, echoing other uninsured people in his income group. “They don’t live like the rest of us.”
BBC NewsGovernment-sponsored health care can be used to restrain libertyI have a bizarre suggestion: ban all types of medical insurance. You read that correctly, no gov't or federal programs, no health plans provided by any employers, nada, zip, nothing Everyone has to pay as they go for every procedure, every office Video: Doctors Weigh in on Obama Health Plan How Obamacare Will Change Your Life Health care needs real, effective reform -
ABC NewsHow Will We Pay For The Health Care Plan?The question is how to do it efficiently, cut down on emergency room health care, and prevent working people from financial disaster if they get sick. Right now you and your employer pay the insurance company, if you are employed. Video: GOP: Dems Health Care Plan 'Misses Mark' An Ad Script for Teddy Kennedy on Healthcare Reform
Times OnlineBerry confirmed that the Defense of Marriage Act, which withholds federal recognition from same-sex unions, blocks the government from offering health or life insurance to government employees' same-sex partners. "This is a first step, not a final step First thoughts: Financial regulations Eye Opener: Same-Sex Partners Get Benefits
We need a public option, we need for the congress to lose the insurance they have so they will understand a little better what the people are talking about. Or just put the rest of us under their umbrella policy - for life no less.
