Conclusion: If we look at the three main points of Obamacare we see (1) although there has been an increase in the number of insureds, it was minimal; (2) costs have increased (vs. the decrease we were promised); and (3) the ability to keep your doctor has not held true for many Americans.
A new Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) report shows final enrollment in 2015 marketplace plans across the country stands at 10.2 million; 6.4 million Americans receive subsidies in the federally facilitated marketplaces. Weiss ratings looked at Obamacare 5 years after it was passed into law, here’s what they found.
Although the number of insured has increased, doctor visits have gone up as well as days spent in the hospital. Pro-Obamacare, the increase in usage makes sense since there are more people covered by insurance. Anti-Obamacare, more people overwhelm the healthcare system and make it more expensive for everyone.
In addition Weiss Reports, “Unfortunately, as we predicted some years ago, there are now fewer but larger health insurers, which has reduced competitive pressures. Additionally, the 15 percent of premiums allowed for expenses and profits offers no incentive to the insurers to keep health costs lower and perversely encourages them to increase spending. Consequently, Obamacare, ironically, has encouraged higher healthcare spending. However, once the challenge of medical expenses is addressed, we look forward to the day when healthcare is cheaper and more affordable.” (EBA says wishful thinking if you believe last point.)
Inevitably, if health expense issues, which were a major exclusion from Obamacare, are not addressed, prices will continue to rise. And that means costs (premiums) will get a lot worse before they get better.
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(EBA’s commentary – We were told 43-47 million were uninsured prior to the ACA and Obamacare would insure all but about 13 million. Now we hear 30 million will remain uninsured. End result, far short of expectations and not worth the expense.)
Employee Benefit Advisors provides employee benefits, tax-advantaged healthcare, compliance guidance for ACA and Health & Welfare DOL Audits, and PEO Advisory & Consulting Services.
