The Fallacy of Obamacare

Flashback! 2010. Long before I started a former podcast, Facebook political page, or my present blogging career, I warned people I knew about the passing of Obamacare. The former president said it would reduce the cost of healthcare, and we’d pretty much all be happy. I knew he was wrong. Government’s involvement in everything only makes it costlier. Healthcare, and insurance for it, is no exception.

Coverage under the health law enacted under former President Barack Obama is getting more expensive -– and for worse coverage. The possible expiration of COVID-era enhanced tax credits (i.e., taxpayer funded handouts) is just around the corner. Many are about to get a real dose of what poor diet, lack of exercise, and unfortunate accidents really cost.

For one Wisconsin couple, the loss of taxpayer-funded health subsidies will mean choosing a lower-quality insurance plan with a higher deductible. For a Michigan family, it means going without insurance altogether. For a single mom in Nevada, the spiking costs mean fewer Christmas gifts this year. She is stretching her budget while she waits to see if Congress will act.

I repeat… coverage under Obamacare is getting more expensive - and for worse coverage. For the couple from Wisconsin, the husband is a 58-year-old military veteran who had to leave his firefighting career early because of arm and back injuries. He and his wife, Kelley, 60, both retirees, cut their own firewood to reduce their electricity costs in their home. They rarely eat out and hardly ever buy groceries unless they are on sale. Why are both of them retired? The “official” full-benefits retirement age is 67. If they can cut their own firewood, they’re physically capable of working to pay the added expense.

In Michigan, “Dave’s” family of four has been on ACA insurance since 2014. Back then, the accessibility of insurance on the marketplace helped him feel comfortable taking the leap to start his own business. Great! I consistently promote self-employment. Now, with the possible expiration of extension subsidies that kept their premiums down, the 53-year-old said their $500 per month insurance plan is jumping to at least $700 a month, along with spiking deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Again, “Obamacare: more expensive, for worse coverage”.

There are many others, including numerous single parents. If Congress does not act, many will drop insurance for themselves and keep it only for their children. For single parents who may have lost a spouse, I can sympathize. For those who just made bad choices, not as much sympathy. Actions have consequences. Again, “Obamacare - more expensive - and for worse coverage”.

We should all see this as a reason to get government out of the economy and let true supply and demand work. Handouts alter that equation, and not to your favor in the long run. Sadly, most will cry for continued/more government intervention. Again, coverage under the health law enacted under former President Barack Obama is getting more expensive -– and for worse coverage. Government doesn’t deserve another chance when they keep making it worse. Eventually, the piper needs paid.

Source used: Associated Press