The concept was admirable, the design flawed, and the politics overwhelming. Yes, we needed help for tens of millions of Americans without health insurance, but this poorly conceived and politically partisan legislation has now used up tens of billions of tax dollars and is on the verge of total collapse
The promises failed to materialize….if want to keep your doctor, you can,….if you want to keep your insurance you can…both were false statements then and now.
We now find ourselves in a dilemma. Rates are skyrocketing because of adverse claims experience. The average increase may be 25%. In an effort to keep premiums low for the disadvantaged, more subsidies are necessary. Legislative changes will be near impossible with a Republican controlled congress and won’t be a walk in the park for a Democratic congress.
The current plan is extremely complicated. The professionals struggle to understand it, how then can patients? We need changes and we need them now. Everyone has an opinion, but there isn’t a clear solution. The next twelve months will be chaotic at best.
Best advice is pay attention, be sure you clearly understand your alternatives, and choose wisely.