The major health care bills moving through Congress would require nearly all Americans to have health insurance. But as lawmakers struggle to achieve the goal of universal coverage, a critical question is whether the plans will be affordable to those who are currently uninsured. Full Story »
Posted by Samuel W. Velsor IV
Brings to light, the important facts of, the heavy burden that will be imposed on the American public as the bills stand. 12.5% of gross income is to much of a burden - they have to do better.
“We have to make sure that the health plans are affordable to average Americans, and to low-wage workers who are not eligible for Medicaid, because they would confront a penalty if they do not have health insurance,” said Senator Olympia J. Snowe of Maine, a Republican who is leading efforts to forge a bipartisan bill.
On this I agree with the Republicans, but they must take copays and deductibles into account.
Under the House bill and a similar measure approved by the Senate health committee, premium subsidies would be available to families with incomes up to four times the poverty level, or $88,200 for a family of four. With income at that level, a family could be required to pay as much as 12.5 percent of its income in premiums under the Senate bill and 11 percent under the House measure.
They have to do better then this, thats why a zero cost plan is just stupid.
Much more attention has to be paid to what these bills are going to cost John Q Public.