A Poorly Executed Effort for Health Care insurance
Over the past several months I’ve heard from numerous individuals and business owners about their current and future health insurance. A lot of people initially expressed support for the concept of “all people having the opportunity for health insurance coverage.” Unfortunately, we’re now really feeling the results of what was proposed as insurance coverage that would work for everyone. The outcome for a growing number of people is that ObamaCare wasn’t well thought out and was rushed in to place without a true understanding of the ramifications. The failed web sites are obvious signs of lack of experience and understanding of coordinating a huge effort, such as this.
Most of us were told that we could keep our same plans and there wouldn’t be any financial or program changes. Now we’re learning this isn’t the case.
I’ve recently heard from individuals who have had health insurance coverage and are now receiving cancellation notices, or hefty spikes in premiums.
Some folks I spoke to weren’t willing to publish their names because they felt it might result in negative feedback from those in support of ObamaCare. However, I did hear from others who were willing to share their concerns.
David Garmo, who receives coverage through his work, has a daughter who was recently diagnosed with cancer. He has just learned that his wife and daughter’s coverage will be cancelled. He has another daughter who also had cancer. Had it not been for his insurance coverage, the out of pocket expense would be well over $1 million. Garmo says, “We’re not sure what we’re going to do.”
Kathy Houser, CFO for Lansing Companies, says she is very concerned with the 72 percent renewal increases. Every employee at her company making more than $40,000 annually would be responsible for the increased costs, which is a loss to their income. She said most would elect not to get insurance.
I’ve also heard from some of my neighbors who have small businesses who are saying that their profits are marginal. This added expense will prevent them from making any capital improvements, hiring new staff as well as doing business as usual. They are in a state of uncertainty. If you’re a small business owner every financial hic up is impactful.
There’s no doubt in my mind, it’s time that our elected officials admit that it’s already broken. To deny and point fingers doesn’t fix the problem.
I’ve already contacted some of our elected officials and recently spoke to Carl DeMaio, who is running for Congress. He’s researched the issue and had proposed new bipartisan legislation to allow San Diegans to keep their existing health care coverage. It’s at least a start. I plan to continue these discussions and learn more about what “we” can do to prevent a health insurance disaster.
Category: Local News
