The “trainwreck.” This is Sen. Ted Cruz’s pet name for “Obamacare”, formally known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Well, it’s a good thing I don’t listen to Republicans because I have now saved over HALF the amount my premium was with my prior insurance via my previous job.
Less than half. Do you hear me, Cruz? LESS THAN HALF!
Almost exactly a year ago, I changed jobs. I left a full-time salaried position for a job which is a 1099 contracted position. I took a gamble. At the time I knew I was going to have to give up my insurance as my Cobra payment was going to be nearly $700, which is the full amount of the monthly premium – and this is just for me, only. Divorced. No children. No longer considered to be in my “child-bearing” years. No pre-existing conditions, although I have had my share of health problems, but nothing that is long-term.
I took a gamble only because I knew the ACA was just around the corner and I hoped (and still hoping for that matter since it doesn’t take affect until January 2014) that nothing major will happen with my health during this interim. In all honesty, though, even if the ACA wasn’t up-and-coming, I couldn’t have afforded that premium all on my own.
My previous employer paid half my premium, as is normal with many companies. Monthly, my share was $347 towards my coverage. I hated that job, but had been there many years only because of the insurance coverage – and I knew I was fortunate to have a job after the “train wreck” of an economy Bush left us with. Now due to the ACA, I was able to change jobs to a higher paying position, and a job that I love and thoroughly enjoy. I have never been happier with a job before in my life than I am now.
When I completed the on-line form – yes, ONLINE, as in the website – my premium (with a slightly better deductible than my previous insurance, but the rest being very similar) and the Gold plan (80/20 coverage) is $309/month total.
Additionally, I do not qualify for subsidies. My income is above the maximum amount allowed to qualify.
So, let me sum this up again…. My premium is less than half of my prior premium via an employer plan – and I receive no subsidy “discount.” It’s all me, baby.
Ted Cruz, I ask you, if you bring on the train wreck yourself and take away the AFFORDABLE health insurance I have been waiting for, what will you, in turn, then provide to me? What’s that? Nothing?? That’s what I thought.
Yes, I am a liberal Democrat. But I will admit, as much as it pains me to, that even if the worst of the worst Republicans set up the ACA, like Bachmann or Palin, I would bite my tongue and check it out as my health is more important than my pride and disdain over their ideologies and greedy, corrupt ways.
So, those who are opposed to the ACA…. you are only hurting yourself by fighting against it. Definitely hurting millions of others.
If you claim that your insurance is going up, then I very strongly suggest you check out the exchange program. Get online and see what’s available. You are allowed to change plans. I am confident most of you will be pleasantly surprised.
In fact, since there isn’t any charge to complete the online form, anyone who doesn’t check it out is, well, stupid. Keep in mind, I am talking about the general public. Not those people who qualify for special insurance plans for whatever reason. And I’m sure there is a large number of people who are blessed with excellent plans and premiums.
Don’t want to switch insurance companies? Deal with it. It’s not the end of the world. I wish I was in your shoes having been covered with health insurance and now looking at a lower premium if I change companies….
Yes, the website has it’s problems. I tried to log in at midnight when it came live, but I expected it to have problems, and it did. All new sites with this type of traffic will and do. Since the coverage wouldn’t start until January, I left the site and remained patient. It’s working now. Not the greatest site, I will admit (and I build registration websites) but it’s functional. Still having problems with the website? Then get off your duff and make an appointment with your local exchange counselor. No one is required to complete the information online.
In closing, for those who are grumbling, complaining and calling the ACA a train wreck… STFU! You are so wrong! Now see if it can save you some money and move on. Be proactive.
(NOTE: There are NO absolutes in life and I’m sure there are people whose current plan is great, and the ACA will not save them any money — good for you! Seriously, I am glad. But a LOT people are not as lucky, so please, have some compassion for those who are not as fortunate as you and don’t take away their newly-found health insurance.)
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