Is the Affordable Care Act really Affordable?

During this past presidential campaign we heard talk about repealing and replacing Obamacare and of course we heard people scream how that was going to hurt the American people. Well let’s go over Obamacare and how it has hurt or helped Americans.

First biggest lie that was associated with Obamacare or the Affordable care act is you could keep your own doctors. Many found out that was not exactly the truth. Many doctors were not on the particular plan you picked so you lost the doctor who knew your medical history like the back of their hand and had to start all over with someone else.

Affordable, not really, although for some the monthly payments were less the deductible was way out there. I was in my doctor’s office not long after the Affordable Care Act came into play and I was asking him if I should pick a plan or stay with my Medicare. He told me to stay where I was because he wasn’t taking any more United Health Care or Aetna and in this state that’s what you would get. I also found out although people, in some instances, were paying less for their monthly premium their deductible was close to $ 2,000 and for some, higher.

We hear stories how low income families were now able to receive such great healthcare and they did. They received Obamacare at a lower cost and for some who never had healthcare they were now able to have it, but at what cost. They didn’t have the high co-pays others were getting so they were more than happy with their new healthcare coverage and never wanted it to change. Who could blame them? How was this able to happen for them? Well for one thing over 7 billion dollars were taken from the Medicare system to pay for this. Now I don’t know about how you feel about this but I, for one, am pissed off.

I do not begrudge anyone healthcare but how is it fair to the many Americans who go to work every day, pay their taxes, pay into Medicare and have this money stolen from a fund they have worked so hard to contribute to so they will have some security in retirement. Do you know when a person retires, even after paying into Medicare for fifty years or more, for some, they still have to pay a monthly fee to get Medicare? Are you aware the minimal fee they pay is at least $ 107.00 a month which only pays for what is known as Parts A and B? This only pays for 80% of doctor’s office visits and 80% of a hospital stay. Now if you want to have your medications covered you have to purchase part D. So now more money out of your fixed income. Yet people who come into this country and have no healthcare are given Medicaid which, in case you don’t know, covers everything and you pay nothing into it. Medicaid is given to any family who is on welfare as well. Now when I say it covers everything I mean, doctors’ visits, hospital visits, prescription medications, eye glasses and dental. Yet our retired people who worked their entire lives can’t get anywhere near this help without paying more and more of the fixed income. This is why our elderly and disabled do without.

Oh, now let’s not forget the best part of this Affordable Care Act being if a person is not earning enough money to pay for health insurance the federal government punishes them come tax time. Yep, you get a fine on your income tax form if you cannot prove you have been insured for the year. Really? A person cannot afford to pay for insurance, they could really use that refund but the government fines you because you aren’t making enough money to afford insurance for yourself and your family. Great Obama, nice job, this is something that will keep on screwing the American people if Congress doesn’t do something about it. So nice legacy you left us with.

At CPAC this past week President Trump spoke on, what he called, our failed health care law and how it threatens our medical system. Has Obamacare helped people who never had healthcare before? Yes, but the more money you make the more you pay for it so that is not affordable as the title of this act insinuates. There were many Americans who were working and receiving great healthcare but because of the Affordable Care Act they lost their coverage or have to pay additional money just to keep their insurance because the employer could no longer afford to make contributions to the healthcare system.   Small business had to cut back on employees so they didn’t have to carry insurance for them so not only did they lose their healthcare some lost their jobs and let's not forget the small businesses that ended up having to close their doors.

I agree with President Trump. The Affordable Care Act needs to be repealed and replaced. I would like to see people who have preexisting healthcare issues covered so there is no bump in the road for them. We have too many people with cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and other health issues who do not need to worry about a burp in their healthcare. I believe President Trump and his administration will be able to come up with an affordable healthcare for everyone. We just need Congress to keep an opened mind and to look it over with the American people in mind. Not worrying about what Obama’s legacy is but what the American people need. Not a small percentage but all American’s.

I also agree with Our President that we need to open up the state boarders and allow insurance to be sold from state to state. Which would keep the price down for the consumer. Common sense if you have more insurance agencies fighting for the clients they will do more to keep their price down. The battle to get clients will be on them so they will work to give you the best possible plan at the most affordable price. There is nothing wrong with competition it is what makes champions.

For those of you who have been without healthcare coverage, have had to lose their doctor, have been lied to by the past administration and want to see a change, want the option to buy a family plan at a cheaper affordable price but still be able to have a low deductible, let your Representatives know you want a change for the better. Tell them you want to have improvements made to a plan that is going to fail and leave people without a life raft within the next two years. It’s time they work for the American people who voted them into office.

Perhaps a great way to get Congress to see things like the average American is to have them swap out their insurance. Have them use Obamacare under the same conditions as you or me. Let them pay for an insurance that takes away their doctors, gives them a high deductible per person in their household, minimal healthcare coverage for more money than they ever had to pay especially since their coverage is paid for, compliments of the tax payers.

Wake up Congress there are still way too many Americans who cannot afford your Affordable Care Act. It’s time to put something together that will help all Americans have an insurance they can afford so they can take care of their families healthcare needs. Oh, and while you’re at it, put the money back that was stolen from Medicare so those who worked so hard all their lives don’t have to worry. I also think anyone who is on Medicaid should also have to pay at least what those on Medicare have to pay every month. What’s fair is fair.

May God Bless America and May God open the eyes and minds of Congress so they work with President Trump towards improving the lives of all Americans.