Question? Since preexisting conditions is the biggest drawback to repeal Obama care, couldn't they just put in the law that if any insurance company wants to receive gov financing of any shape (medicare, Medicaid, tax credits etc) they can only charge 50percent more than the standard rate(rate for healthy) individuals.
Joe T
Pre existing is one issue, its not the only one. Annual and lifetime caps, premium increase, decreased and unequal federal funding (which puts the burden on states, some of which may lack adequate resources) are a few of the others.
50% would still put insurance out of reach for many. Premiums are expected to rise under this bill because of decreased funding and lifting of some constraints. For example, Premiums for older people will be allowed to be 5x that of younger, instead of 3x as it is now. So you're already looking at 5 figure annual premiums for 55-65 (possibly 50+) regardless of health status.
This is a hurried solution to a complex issue affecting so many in many ways and seems largely motivated by a partisan desire to "end ACA." It is opposed by medical groups including the AMA, and even insurers like BCBS have spoken out against it.
An issue this critical to everyone calls for a bipartisan discussion and solution that truly benefits "we the people." And since we have a framework in place with some parts of the puzzle working (essential benefits, caps on out of pocket expenses, pre-existing conditions), negotiating to shore up and fix the parts of ACA which don't work would be more efficient and cost effective than sabotaging it.
BTW, a belated happy birthday to the US constitution, which was put down on paper and signed on 9/17/1787 and first published for public consideration on 9/19/1787.
