[quote=PatentGuy]. . . Bearishgurl, you are being a bit hard on the “newly insurable.” Do you feel this way about people you already subsidize with food stamps or medicare or [fill in the blank]? . . . [/quote]
PatentGuy, I think everyone who doesn’t have an employer-paid health plan should be entitled to health coverage . . . for an appropriate price relative to their health care usage. If the “appropriate price” is more than they can afford and the care they are seeking is absolutely necessary, then there should be government program(s) in place to assist them in paying their premiums (w/o affecting ALL insureds’ premiums). I don’t believe people who have EARNED low premiums (thru prudence, good genes or luck or a combination of any of these) should be required to subsidize those who didn’t (very often through their own current and prior addictions/abuse/neglect). This huge “neglectful” demographic is what comprises most of my “age group” that I am lumped-in with (for insurance rating purposes).
I could go on and on here but as ONE example, it might be a lot more fun for me to spend my time socializing, eating and drinking in “happy hour” 3 eves a week instead of spending those hours instead at the gym. But I choose to do what is best for my health. This doesn’t make me “perfect” but it’s where one of my priorities lie and my health care usage reflects this mindset.
I believe by age 50, most people’s past decisions are a reflection on their current state of health.
Why don’t you study the schedules for HDHP premiums with the various insurance companies for the 50-65 year old demographic, patentguy? You might be very surprised how little coverage is actually accessible for each premium category before out-of-pocket expenses in the thousands are required. And then study the premiums for a comprehensive plan (with lower copays and lower deductibles). They’re in the stratosphere!!
Regarding social security (OASDI and death benefits), I have posted before that I believe the current laws unjustly enrich those who never worked, did not work the required amount of quarters and minors whose deceased parent did not work enough or for a high enough wage to justify the benefits paid to them. For these reasons, I am wondering if the fund is sustainable enough for those who DID contribute the required amount of quarters of FICA to be able to receive OASDI benefits when their time comes. SS has been totally mismanaged, IMO.
