I have no data for 1990-1996 and 2004-2010, but let’s assume the same 9% annual increase.
I think this is a shaky way to extrapolate. Also, why don’t you have data for 2004-2010 since you are using your own insurance for an example?
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As shaky as taking 1950-2008 returns for S&P 500. The premium for my company went up 10% each year for the last three years and that is with a downgrade to a plan that comes with higher copay. The impending arrival of the new mini me will cost me close to $1K, vs. $300 for the previous version 3 years ago (my gratuity all taxpayers for financing the public school system – low qualify, but affordable)
I agree with you that the bill does little to address the cost issue, which is the big one. I just don’t think that market forces alone would drive the cost down. You are able to navigate the system with no insurance, but you are above average in many ways and I don’t see an average person as being able to replicate your feat.
Dying people and their families will generally do anything and there will always be people who will take advantage of that. Didn’t you see what happened to Richard’s wife in Lost?
