The “essential, enhanced and premium” refer to 3 different levels of coverage in the insurance exchange. Nobody is required to choose a carrier that participates in the plan. Nobody is required to choose a particular plan. I suspect we share the objection to the plan being mandatory, and the penalties for not participating (as stupid as that choice might be for most). But ignoring that particular objection for the moment, I’m not sure what the objection to this particular clause would be. Since the government is establishing the non-mandatory insurance exchange, it is also establishing the guidelines under which different policies and benefits would be classified.
With regards to the item on page 50, section 152, I would direct you to page 132, section 142. Everyone must have insurance. Affordability credits are granted to those deemed to have income insufficient to pay premiums in full. Those credits are only available to “an individual who
is lawfully present in a State in the United States”. So those illegally present would be required to buy insurance, but get no aid in doing so. They would pay full price for premiums, and be penalized on their tax returns if they don’t. (yes, I smiled when i typed that) I think that makes it so that no one that is here illegally gets anything for free. (existing aid under medicaid notwithstanding)
