Gotta love this (re: healthcare reform)

[AZhitman]

Got a letter from our benefits department here at work:

Dear Member:

Recently, President Obama signed into law sweeping federal legislation that will impact health care insurance for all Americans. Health care insurance reform requires significant changes to the benefits offered by [the plan]. The required changes to benefits include coverage for dependent children to age 26 and limitations on maximum dollars the plan pays for essential medical services. These federally mandated changes will result in greater expenses and higher premiums for members.

Wait, WHAT?

Wasn't this supposed to REDUCE our healthcare costs?

Mr. President, at the risk of being simplistic and brash... You suck.

[IBCoupe]

Wasn't this supposed to REDUCE our healthcare costs?

I know you're being a bit facetious, but I still feel like clarifying: on a systemic level.

But, boy, I mean, the insurance company couldn't possibly have any motivation for misrepresenting the reasons that prices are going up, or for hiding what could turn out to be conveniently-timed profit hikes. No, insurance companies are renowned for their customer service and honest practices. Really. When was the last time you heard of an insurance company trying to save/make money by behaving dishonestly?

Oh, wait. That's every personal-injury lawsuit ever filed.

[AZhitman]

And you may well be right. Trust me, I'm well aware of the maneuverings of our state government (and insurance companies).

However, it's kind of like the fuel prices / oil surplus issue. We all know there's a surplus, yet prices haven't dropped in accordance. We can make excuses for it, but I prefer to bang the drum a little louder - If you're right, and the insurance companies are double-dipping us, then the Administration can come out and put the blame on them (and risk pissing off the lobbyists). See, we force them to choose.

[IBCoupe]

See, we force them to choose.

Always a good thing. I just want to make sure we're clear that nobody's innocent here.

[wingFeather]

I just hope this BS is something that can & will be reversed when the current dictator is overthrown. "May his days be few..."

[stebo0728]

"... and may someone else take his office"

Dont really want to get into a big scuffle here on this ... BUT ...

Do some googling on average profit margins of health insurance corporations. Very low numbers in comparison with most other industries. Not to say that theres no dirty pool, that exists everywhere to some extent, but vilifying corporations over profit is highly overrated.

[AZhitman]

...as is commentary on the size of bonuses paid to Wall Street execs.

Contrary to what the Pointy-Head In Chief might think, it's not up to anyone but the shareholders how much is "too much", and it's certainly not the government's business.

[stebo0728]

Agreed ... even "golden parachutes" are at the discretion of the shareholders, although personally I think only a collection of morons would pay an executive for totally f***ing up a company.

[bigbadberry3]

Anyone want to bet that when the POTUS leaves your rates will still go up but you just won't be notified by letter?

[wingFeather]

Anyone want to bet that when the POTUS leaves your rates will still go up but you just won't be notified by letter?

It is likely, because Obama is putting laws into effect that will hurt us well beyond his years. His legacy of disaster will outlast his time in office. We will all be paying for his damages for generations to come

[USsil80]

if i heard my uncle right, who works for verizon, he is losing his insurance... it is just cheaper to pay the fine then the insurance cost that would have went up for them

[bigbadberry3]

Anyone want to bet that when the POTUS leaves your rates will still go up but you just won't be notified by letter?

It is likely, because Obama is putting laws into effect that will hurt us well beyond his years. His legacy of disaster will outlast his time in office. We will all be paying for his damages for generations to come

Sadly, it's true. BUT that is what you may say about every president since the great depression.