Is health care still going up in price?

[CKN]

Originally Posted By: NormanBuntz
Healthcare costs overall increase by 7-10% a year, and health insurance is not far behind. Future healthcare costs now are the single biggest threat to an affordable retirement.

Some fun, eh?


How so with Medicare?

 

[Benito]

Originally Posted By: Wampahoofus
It sure is. When Obamacare passed we at work all saw an immediate 35% increase. Now, (as of 1st October), they will be dropping our PPO for an HMO with worse coverage, and my rates will increase an additional 50%. I will now officially be able to buy similar private insurance for basically the same cost as what my employer offers.


Sounds like your company is pulling a fast one there.

 

[Benito]

More companies need to begin offering HDHPs. And there needs to be education about them as well (which may be easier now that premiums are becoming expensive).

When a HDHP first became an option for me, I calculated it would never cost me more than regular insurance. Plus it is still a PPO plan and lets you save in an HSA.

But other people I knew were just unaware of the potential savings because the convenience of unlimited health care through "cadillac" style plans was very appealing, just like unlimited data plans for cell phones.

Ideally, I'd want to spend the money the employer spends on my own choice of plan.

 

[walterjay]

Oh yes it is going up. Front page news today in the Baltimore Sunpaper. Care First Blue Cross received state approval to raise their rates up to 26% The insurance company claims they lost 100 million dollars last year as older sicker patients signed up under the Affordable Care Act.

 

[Mr Nice]

Affordable Care Act is a disaster.

I work in healthcare and deal with contracts, hospitals hurt when reimbursements get cut by government.

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
Affordable Care Act is a disaster.

I work in healthcare and deal with contracts, hospitals hurt when reimbursements get cut by government.



Gee....when I go to the hospital I have coverage through the Obama website but it's my own insurance. Maybe I don't understand what your saying. The government doesn't pay the bills for those of us with our own plan. I see what your saying for those that have government aid. Perhaps, you could enlighten us?

 

[dishdude]

I haven't noticed any changes in my employer sponsored plan, over the last few years it's remained pretty consistent - November is open enrollment so I'll see if any changes happen then.

In the last few years their contribution, my deductions per pay period and benefits haven't changed significantly.

 

[BigD1]

Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
Affordable Care Act is a disaster.

I work in healthcare and deal with contracts, hospitals hurt when reimbursements get cut by government.


What you mean is the government is not going to pay $30 for one band-aid.