SC

SC Health Care Rates To “Increase Significantly”

Remember that story we did a few weeks ago about the coming “rate shock” in South Carolina related to the implementation of U.S. President Barack Obama’s socialized medicine law? (ICYMI … here’s the story). Well guess what … the rate shock is officially here. According to the director of the S.C. Department…

Remember that story we did a few weeks ago about the coming “rate shock” in South Carolina related to the implementation of U.S. President Barack Obama’s socialized medicine law?

(ICYMI … here’s the story).

Well guess what … the rate shock is officially here. According to the director of the S.C. Department of Insurance (SCDOI), South Carolinians should expect to see “significant” increases in their health care premiums.

“Due to a number of new federal requirements going into effect next year as part of the Affordable Care Act, consumers should plan for premiums to increase significantly,” SCDOI director Ray Farmer said in a news release. “Overall, we expect to see average rates increase by 50-70 percent in the individual market and 10-20 percent in the small group market. Increases experienced by any individual or family may be much higher or much lower based on the product they choose, their age, smoking status, and other factors.”

Wow … everybody catch that?

Hold up … wasn’t Obamacare supposed to reduce health care costs?

“In an Obama administration, we’ll lower premiums by up to $2,500 for a typical family per year,” then-U.S. Senator Obama said during a June 2008 campaign swing through Virginia. “We won’t do all this twenty years from now, or ten years from now. We’ll do it by the end of my first term as President of the United States.”

Of course at the end of Obama’s first term, premiums for the average family with an employer provided plan increased by $2,400 according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

And the worst is yet to come …

SCDOI Statement On “Affordable Care Act”

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159 comments

Will sucks August 2, 2013 at 5:02 pm

Shocking that average healthcare costs are going up in the belt buckle of the stroke belt. Meanwhile in the healthier states costs are actually going down. Must be a coincidence. Can’t let facts get in the way…..

Reply
BrigidBernadette August 2, 2013 at 6:19 pm

Which states are those?

Reply
rafe August 2, 2013 at 8:14 pm

Please cite your sources.

Reply
Will sucks August 2, 2013 at 9:10 pm

Look it up yourself you lazy s.o.b.’s. what is this a socialist country? Take responsibility for your own questions! Any easy search of the CBO will give you your answer. Or health and human services. You pick Commrad.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 9:45 pm

Yeah, cite something and then call “rafe” a lazy s.o.b. for his request that you provide your source, of which you should have provided in your original comment. Typical liberal journalistic bullsh!t. BTW, I’m lazy; thus, since you noted that healthier states have health care costs which are decreasing, please tell me which states those are. If you can’t tell me, than your original comment is of no value.

Reply
Will sucks August 2, 2013 at 10:16 pm

Wow. Apparently humor is lost on you. The entire Norteast, Colorado, and about 10 others. Dick.

La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 10:39 pm

“As the cost of health care continues to rise, many insurance companies are raising premium rates.”

Souce: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

Link: http://cdn.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/DORA-HealthIns/CBON/DORA/1251623076929

Lying Dick.

Reading Comprehension August 2, 2013 at 11:25 pm
Will sucks August 3, 2013 at 12:23 am

I am so proud you! You did it! You looked something up on your own!

Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:05 am

+2. Ohhhhh Yeeeaaaaahhh!

Same ol' Same ol' August 2, 2013 at 11:26 pm

That’s not a source.

The Colonel August 3, 2013 at 7:23 am

No less a dem leaning organization than Huff Po says you are full of shit:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/26/obamacare-medical-claims-costs_n_2956986.html

Same ol' Same ol' August 2, 2013 at 11:26 pm

True, cite your sources or you’re the lazy sob. Don’t leave anyhting out, no cherry picking. Nuff said.

Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:04 am

Yeah cause the CBO (Creating Books for Oshitforbrains) is real trustworthy these days, Hmmmm?

Reply
Sarah Palin Forever! August 3, 2013 at 11:30 am

Hittin that stuff early today eh Pytel?See you also got all your Republican talking points together too!

You oughta listen more to those GOP “Family Values” folks,maybe youre have fewer “ex wives!”

The again, you aint even a Republican are you?

Neither is Fits

hahaha!

Beachtiger0412 August 2, 2013 at 10:27 pm

Documented state of NY – rates dropping as much as 50%

Reply
Same ol' Same ol' August 2, 2013 at 11:27 pm

I call bs on that one. Numbers and verifiable sources, please.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 11:46 pm

Yep, the article basically notes that Federal subsidies from Obamacare will be underwriting much of the decreasing premiums for the “lower class” ($45K is now poor?)… you know from taxes on the “wealthy” or from Chinese debt (yep, just more Amway-ish BS). Anyway, I thought it interesting that NY, which had had a very similar plan to Obamacare anyway, had health care costs that were 18% higher than the nation… before the infusion of said subsidies.

Thomas August 3, 2013 at 2:42 am

The article is WH bovine sewage in this manner…the so-called lower rates, as much as 50%, is unrealistic if you do not earn from your job four times the federal poverty limit which then kicks in a federal subsidy that would reduce a “silver” plan with a 12,000.00 annual premium by a 3,550.00. There is no actual reduction, only a temporary subsidized reduction in which, maybe, 26,000,000 families might be eligible. If you do not earn four times the federal poverty levels, you do not receive a subsidy. If you do not have a job, no subsidy. If you are an illegal, no subsidy. The subsidy will expire and your rates go up by as much as 50%

Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:12 am

I could (and frequently am according to my ex wives) be wrong, but are you sure you don’t have that backwards Hoss? You must earn 400% of the poverty level, or you get when you are at or below 400% of the poverty level? IDK. Just asking.

Curious August 3, 2013 at 11:34 am

“But under Obamacare, healthier residents are expected to flood the individual market to avoid paying the penalty. The state is expecting more than 600,000 people to enter the exchanges, with about 70% of them eligible for federal subsidies.

“The people who are going to come in are healthy people who can’t afford the coverage now,” said Gary Claxton, vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “That will substantially lower the average cost of care.””

Dude, seriously – whole story or nothing at all.

La Gloria Cubana August 3, 2013 at 6:02 pm

Dude, I don’t care… health insurance is mainly a scam. So seriously, just STFU.

I See Bullshit August 3, 2013 at 1:58 am

Bullshit liars. Must be in Obama’s pocket.

Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:09 am

Because CNN (Communist News Network) is so honest and forthright.

But seriously, since this is a federal program what is happening is similar to the SS death benefits. Everyone gets the same. So, dirt fracking poor SE is now subsidizing costs for Albany, Manhattan and LA. Ohh Boy.

tomstickler August 3, 2013 at 2:08 pm

It’s no coincidence that states that have opted to form their own exchanges have seen many more companies submitting plans with lower-cost premiums, while states like the Carolinas — having refused to participate in the Obamacare exchanges — are seeing less competitive plans offered.

It is no coincidence that refusal states are dominated by Republicans in office.

It is no coincidence that such Republican-dominated states are trying to scare citizens by tossing all of the plans — from the basic plans suitable for healthy young people to the Platinum coverage for older people — together in one pot and then “crunching the numbers” to arrive at an “average” that they then compare with a basic plan and exclaim “disastrous consequence.”

Meanwhile, our so-called “Representatives” are passing a bill that would prohibit the IRS from enforcing the mandate necessary to the success of the Affordable Care Act.

These Republicans are getting desperate. They hate the President so much that they are willing to make you continue to endure the most costly health insurance system in the developed world while continuing to pay the highest premiums — or else do without.

Reply
Will sucks August 2, 2013 at 5:02 pm

Shocking that average healthcare costs are going up in the belt buckle of the stroke belt. Meanwhile in the healthier states costs are actually going down. Must be a coincidence. Can’t let facts get in the way…..

Reply
Brigid August 2, 2013 at 6:19 pm

Which states are those?

Reply
rafe August 2, 2013 at 8:14 pm

Please cite your sources.

Reply
Will sucks August 2, 2013 at 9:10 pm

Look it up yourself you lazy s.o.b.’s. what is this a socialist country? Take responsibility for your own questions! Any easy search of the CBO will give you your answer. Or health and human services. You pick Commrad.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 9:45 pm

Yeah, cite something and then call “rafe” a lazy s.o.b. for his request that you provide your source, of which you should have provided in your original comment. Typical liberal journalistic bullsh!t. BTW, I’m lazy; thus, since you noted that healthier states have health care costs which are decreasing, please tell me which states those are. If you can’t tell me, than your original comment is of no value.

Reply
Will sucks August 2, 2013 at 10:16 pm

Wow. Apparently humor is lost on you. The entire Norteast, Colorado, and about 10 others. Dick.

La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 10:39 pm

“As the cost of health care continues to rise, many insurance companies are raising premium rates.”

Souce: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

Link: http://cdn.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/DORA-HealthIns/CBON/DORA/1251623076929

Lying Dick.

Reading Comprehension August 2, 2013 at 11:25 pm
Will sucks August 3, 2013 at 12:23 am

I am so proud you! You did it! You looked something up on your own!

Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:05 am

+2. Ohhhhh Yeeeaaaaahhh!

Same ol' Same ol' August 2, 2013 at 11:26 pm

That’s not a source.

The Colonel (R) August 3, 2013 at 7:23 am

No less a dem leaning organization than Huff Po says you are full of shit:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/26/obamacare-medical-claims-costs_n_2956986.html

Same ol' Same ol' August 2, 2013 at 11:26 pm

True, cite your sources or you’re the lazy sob. Don’t leave anyhting out, no cherry picking. Nuff said.

Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:04 am

Yeah cause the CBO (Creating Books for Oshitforbrains) is real trustworthy these days, Hmmmm?

Reply
Sarah Palin Forever! August 3, 2013 at 11:30 am

Hittin that stuff early today eh Pytel?See you also got all your Republican talking points together too!

You oughta listen more to those GOP “Family Values” folks,maybe youre have fewer “ex wives!”

The again, you aint even a Republican are you?

Neither is Fits

hahaha!

Beachtiger0412 August 2, 2013 at 10:27 pm

Documented state of NY – rates dropping as much as 50%

Reply
Same ol' Same ol' August 2, 2013 at 11:27 pm

I call bs on that one. Numbers and verifiable sources, please.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 11:46 pm

Yep, the article basically notes that Federal subsidies from Obamacare will be underwriting much of the decreasing premiums for the “lower class” ($45K is now poor?)… you know from taxes on the “wealthy” or from Chinese debt (yep, just more Amway-ish BS). Anyway, I thought it interesting that NY, which had had a very similar plan to Obamacare anyway, had health care costs that were 18% higher than the nation… before the infusion of said subsidies.

Thomas August 3, 2013 at 2:42 am

The article is WH bovine sewage in this manner…the so-called lower rates, as much as 50%, is unrealistic if you do not earn from your job four times the federal poverty limit which then kicks in a federal subsidy that would reduce a “silver” plan with a 12,000.00 annual premium by a 3,550.00. There is no actual reduction, only a temporary subsidized reduction in which, maybe, 26,000,000 families might be eligible. If you do not earn four times the federal poverty levels, you do not receive a subsidy. If you do not have a job, no subsidy. If you are an illegal, no subsidy. The subsidy will expire and your rates go up by as much as 50%

Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:12 am

I could (and frequently am according to my ex wives) be wrong, but are you sure you don’t have that backwards Hoss? You must earn 400% of the poverty level, or you get when you are at or below 400% of the poverty level? IDK. Just asking.

Curious August 3, 2013 at 11:34 am

“But under Obamacare, healthier residents are expected to flood the individual market to avoid paying the penalty. The state is expecting more than 600,000 people to enter the exchanges, with about 70% of them eligible for federal subsidies.

“The people who are going to come in are healthy people who can’t afford the coverage now,” said Gary Claxton, vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “That will substantially lower the average cost of care.””

Dude, seriously – whole story or nothing at all.

La Gloria Cubana August 3, 2013 at 6:02 pm

Dude, I don’t care… health insurance is mainly a scam. So seriously, just STFU.

I See Bullshit August 3, 2013 at 1:58 am

Bullshit liars. Must be in Obama’s pocket.

Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:09 am

Because CNN (Communist News Network) is so honest and forthright.

But seriously, since this is a federal program what is happening is similar to the SS death benefits. Everyone gets the same. So, dirt fracking poor SE is now subsidizing costs for Albany, Manhattan and LA. Ohh Boy.

tomstickler August 3, 2013 at 2:08 pm

It’s no coincidence that states that have opted to form their own exchanges have seen many more companies submitting plans with lower-cost premiums, while states like the Carolinas — having refused to participate in the Obamacare exchanges — are seeing less competitive plans offered.

It is no coincidence that refusal states are dominated by Republicans in office.

It is no coincidence that such Republican-dominated states are trying to scare citizens by tossing all of the plans — from the basic plans suitable for healthy young people to the Platinum coverage for older people — together in one pot and then “crunching the numbers” to arrive at an “average” that they then compare with a basic plan and exclaim “disastrous consequence.”

Meanwhile, our so-called “Representatives” are passing a bill that would prohibit the IRS from enforcing the mandate necessary to the success of the Affordable Care Act.

These Republicans are getting desperate. They hate the President so much that they are willing to make you continue to endure the most costly health insurance system in the developed world while continuing to pay the highest premiums — or else do without.

Reply
jeffdickson August 2, 2013 at 5:14 pm

Hope the rate shock forecast is better than the shock and awe used in Iraq

Reply
jeffdickson August 2, 2013 at 5:14 pm

Hope the rate shock forecast is better than the shock and awe used in Iraq

Reply
Reading Comprehension August 2, 2013 at 5:20 pm

So this is for prices on the exchanges – Maybe SC should have set up their own after all instead of letting the Feds do it. Care to opine on that? And most people will still get insurance through their employers – primarily the large group market. You didn’t even mention that. And how about those insurance premium rebate checks – nothing to say there? And what about all those fika with pre-existing conditions who will now be able to buy insurance ina market they were totally shut out of before? Reporting the whole story would be great.

Reply
Reading Comprehension August 2, 2013 at 5:32 pm

“folks,” not “fika”

Reply
Sarah Palin Forever! August 2, 2013 at 8:09 pm

A Republican insurance industry hack ,ah “Commissioner” ,makes a pronouncemnt and Fits goes ballistic!

Hes not a Republican you know?

Reply
Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:14 am

Dang. Lots of new picketers, errr uh commenters on FITS for this one. HuffPo must have issued marching orders.

Reply
Reading Comprehension August 2, 2013 at 5:20 pm

So this is for prices on the exchanges – Maybe SC should have set up their own after all instead of letting the Feds do it. Care to opine on that? And most people will still get insurance through their employers – primarily the large group market. You didn’t even mention that. And how about those insurance premium rebate checks – nothing to say there? And what about all those fika with pre-existing conditions who will now be able to buy insurance ina market they were totally shut out of before? Reporting the whole story would be great.

Reply
Reading Comprehension August 2, 2013 at 5:32 pm

“folks,” not “fika”

Reply
Sarah Palin Forever! August 2, 2013 at 8:09 pm

A Republican insurance industry hack ,ah “Commissioner” ,makes a pronouncemnt and Fits goes ballistic!

Hes not a Republican you know?

Reply
Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:14 am

Dang. Lots of new picketers, errr uh commenters on FITS for this one. HuffPo must have issued marching orders.

Reply
lowcorider August 2, 2013 at 5:28 pm

Hmmm. Just got a rebate check and a DECREASE in our private plan for wife and son.

Reply
broke August 2, 2013 at 8:18 pm

What plan is that? I’ve got three kids and a 4th in the oven…my insurance costs have steadily increased over the past 3 years.

Reply
Torch August 2, 2013 at 8:52 pm

You should keep it in your pants and your cost won’t go up as much.

Reply
broke August 2, 2013 at 11:30 pm

Hey dude…watch it! America’s birth rate is at historic lows…It takes a measure of optimism and courage to create life in this abysmal economy…not to mention sacrifice…I am cognizant of the fact that more children means more financial burdens for me…I am also aware that the President lied when he boasted that his Obamacare would lower costs…it will do the exact opposite…and YOU know it!

Reply
Guest August 3, 2013 at 12:35 am

Seems like it takes not giving a shit what happens to your progeny.

Having more kids isn’t changing anything Obama has lied about.

tomstickler August 3, 2013 at 1:49 pm

Obamacare requires that at least 80% of premiums go to providing health care (as opposed to administrative costs, advertising and lobbying). Premium refunds are required if the plan exceeds that level.

Reply
Same ol' Same ol' August 2, 2013 at 11:24 pm

My costs went up considerably. How the hell did yours go down? Sounds like smoke and mirrors to me, and I don’t have any dependents.

Reply
lowcorider August 5, 2013 at 7:55 am

4 years ago with UH my personal premium on my wife and son was around $700/mo. Switched to BC/BS SC three years ago. Premiums were $650/mo. $3000 deductible, $25 copay, $8 rx. Starting 2 years ago that premium began to go down. After my posting the other day I received a letter from BCBS stating that again the premium had decreased to $498/mo. $2500/yr over the last 3 years. Shop around. I can’t get insurance because of a pre existing condition. That’s ok as I qualify for VA care.

Reply
Lowcorider August 2, 2013 at 5:28 pm

Hmmm. Just got a rebate check and a DECREASE in our private plan for wife and son.

Reply
broke August 2, 2013 at 8:18 pm

What plan is that? I’ve got three kids and a 4th in the oven…my insurance costs have steadily increased over the past 3 years.

Reply
Torch August 2, 2013 at 8:52 pm

You should keep it in your pants and your cost won’t go up as much.

Reply
broke August 2, 2013 at 11:30 pm

Hey dude…watch it! America’s birth rate is at historic lows…It takes a measure of optimism and courage to create life in this abysmal economy…not to mention sacrifice…I am cognizant of the fact that more children means more financial burdens for me…I am also aware that the President lied when he boasted that his Obamacare would lower costs…it will do the exact opposite…and YOU know it!

Reply
Guest August 3, 2013 at 12:35 am

Seems like it takes not giving a shit what happens to your progeny.

Having more kids isn’t changing anything Obama has lied about.

tomstickler August 3, 2013 at 1:49 pm

Obamacare requires that at least 80% of premiums go to providing health care (as opposed to administrative costs, advertising and lobbying). Premium refunds are required if the plan exceeds that level.

Reply
Same ol' Same ol' August 2, 2013 at 11:24 pm

My costs went up considerably. How the hell did yours go down? Sounds like smoke and mirrors to me, and I don’t have any dependents.

Reply
Lowcorider August 5, 2013 at 7:55 am

4 years ago with UH my personal premium on my wife and son was around $700/mo. Switched to BC/BS SC three years ago. Premiums were $650/mo. $3000 deductible, $25 copay, $8 rx. Starting 2 years ago that premium began to go down. After my posting the other day I received a letter from BCBS stating that again the premium had decreased to $498/mo. $2500/yr over the last 3 years. Shop around. I can’t get insurance because of a pre existing condition. That’s ok as I qualify for VA care.

Reply
Jesus H. Christ! August 2, 2013 at 5:33 pm

Be more specific. Which regulations?
Thanks.

Reply
Jesus H. Christ! August 2, 2013 at 5:33 pm

Be more specific. Which regulations?
Thanks.

Reply
Elfego August 2, 2013 at 5:34 pm

While Congress subsidizes their’s! Kick all the bums out!

Reply
Elfego August 2, 2013 at 5:34 pm

While Congress subsidizes their’s! Kick all the bums out!

Reply
William August 2, 2013 at 5:45 pm

Also, we turned down expanded Medicaid. That will also make our health insurance premiums higher.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 6:30 pm

Why? I’m glad we turned that crap down… hopefully, the shiftless, unproductive Riff Raff will chase that Federal government nonsense to a blue state instead.

Reply
Insurance Poor August 2, 2013 at 7:14 pm

That would probably be a good chunk of the state, since a family of 4 making 30k qualify for the medicaid option. Median income in this state isn’t anything to crow about – somewhere in the low 40s. Numbers were just released about tightfisted companies only hiring part-time and temporary workers – New Normal?
Let em go to the ER and not pay their medical bills type of thinking is what has contributed to my premiums skyrocketing for the last decade. Come Oct 1 I will be looking at the exchanges. If the calculator on the Kaiser website is close to true, I’ll save myself a bundle.

Reply
William August 2, 2013 at 7:17 pm

Well i would try to answer your question, but your comment is so unbelievably stupid that you are either too lazy or too dumb to understand.

But let me leave you with this mind blowing piece of information. Just because the Hospital is not getting paid by Medicaid, does not mean the people who would be covered by expanded Medicare are not getting the care; And someone is paying for it.

Its because of people like you that we did not set up our own exchanges, are not receiving expanded Medicaid funds, and are paying higher than necessary insurance premiums.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 8:02 pm

First of all, I doubt there’s parity in our economic intelligence… I’m pretty sure that I’m above you. Second, if you believe in market economics at all, you’d realize that the “poor” would eventually leave for states where the Feds continued to prop up their medical costs (and this would be hastened if hospitals, without receiving proper payments from these folks, would simply cut them off for everything but the most basic care.. as they should be legislated to do). Third, sure, with this class of individuals gone, hospitals would have overcapacity and would certainly need to downsize to meet a smaller “paying” customer base. (So yeah, there would be some “high-wage” medical contraction as a result of those who are governmentally-subsized leaving for other states. So? Basically, in economics, there is always going to be some winners and some losers. And in fact, improving educational test scores, less overall violence, less domestic abuse, less alcohol/drug abuse, etc., would likely accrue to the state with the movement of this class of individuals.. hardly, a sole negative to SC), Fourth, and finally, government health insurance/private health insurance is overwhelmingly a scam. Insurance, to be functional, should be a system that is meant to cover only catastrophic events: chronic cancer, heart attacks, a totaled car, a burned down house, etc. Insurance that is used on a day-to-day basis is but an Amway scheme that skews that market realities of an industry. Self insurance through health savings accounts – which Obamacare attacked – up to a threshold level that would cover sub-catastrophic health issues, afterwhich health insurance would kick in, is the only solution to the nation’s health insurance crisis. Unfortunately, the “something-for-nothing”, um DNC, crowd, doesn’t like this solution. And you know what William? I bet you don’t either.

Reply
Shiny_Squirrel August 2, 2013 at 10:30 pm

Assuming the “poor” would leave because they can’t get health care here is flawed. What they won’t have is the ability to see doctors other than the ones at your friendly neighborhood emergency room. Since hospitals can’t deny treatment for inability to pay, guess who’s going to get stuck with higher taxes and premiums?

La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 11:02 pm

Again, legislation should shut this down. Hospitals, other than life threatening emergencies, should not be allowed (or required) to admit patients that cannot pay… thus requiring a cost shift to others that do (individuals/insurance companies). It’s simple really, just pass a law to stop this. I mean, would you be excited it Belks required that you hand over several of the new Lacoste shirts that you excitingly bought from them to the smiling guy shopping right next to you as you checkout? If not, then why would you be OK for this with health care costs?

William August 5, 2013 at 10:33 am

Well we will just have to leave it at that. I’ll continue to believe you are dumb, and you continue to believe you’re not.

mph August 5, 2013 at 3:23 pm

Buying private insurance is socialism? Marx must be so disappointed.

And the statistics continue to show that inflation in healthcare is getting better and premiums are consistently coming in lower than expected. But whatever. Keep yelling the sky is falling. It beats the hell out of actually governing, I guess.

From the Hill:

“The monthly cost of health insurance under President Obama’s healthcare law is consistently coming in lower than expected.

Premiums for a middle-of-the-road policy have come in below earlier estimates in all nine states that have released their initial rate information.

A new analysis from Avalere Health says the lower-than-expected prices show that the central piece of the healthcare law — new insurance exchanges in each state — is working as intended.

“The initial data suggest that competition in exchanges is working to lower premiums, which will benefit nonsubsidized enrollees and the federal government,” said Caroline Pearson, vice president at Avalere Health.”

nitrat August 3, 2013 at 9:49 am

Those “shiftless, unproductive Riff Raff” on Medicaid are PRIMARILY the elderly in nursing homes and the severely physically and mentally disabled – many in or from the middle class and wealthy who cannot afford the level of medical care that they need.
Do you people live in a world with no elderly or disabled? Do you just not pay attention to them all around you?

Reply
La Gloria Cubana August 3, 2013 at 5:56 pm

I live in a world where I pay for what I get. If I can’t pay for it, I proudly don’t get it. You?

Reply
William August 2, 2013 at 5:45 pm

Also, we turned down expanded Medicaid. That will also make our health insurance premiums higher.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 6:30 pm

Why? I’m glad we turned that crap down… hopefully, the shiftless, unproductive Riff Raff will chase that Federal government nonsense to a blue state instead.

Reply
Insurance Poor August 2, 2013 at 7:14 pm

That would probably be a good chunk of the state, since a family of 4 making 30k qualify for the medicaid option. Median income in this state isn’t anything to crow about – somewhere in the low 40s. Numbers were just released about tightfisted companies only hiring part-time and temporary workers – New Normal?
Let em go to the ER and not pay their medical bills type of thinking is what has contributed to my premiums skyrocketing for the last decade. Come Oct 1 I will be looking at the exchanges. If the calculator on the Kaiser website is close to true, I’ll save myself a bundle.

Reply
William August 2, 2013 at 7:17 pm

Well i would try to answer your question, but your comment is so unbelievably stupid that you are either too lazy or too dumb to understand.

But let me leave you with this mind blowing piece of information. Just because the Hospital is not getting paid by Medicaid, does not mean the people who would be covered by expanded Medicare are not getting the care; And someone is paying for it.

Its because of people like you that we did not set up our own exchanges, are not receiving expanded Medicaid funds, and are paying higher than necessary insurance premiums.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 8:02 pm

First of all, I doubt there’s parity in our economic intelligence… I’m pretty sure that I’m above you. Second, if you believe in market economics at all, you’d realize that the “poor” would eventually leave for states where the Feds continued to prop up their medical costs (and this would be hastened if hospitals, without receiving proper payments from these folks, would simply cut them off for everything but the most basic care.. as they should be legislated to do). Third, sure, with this class of individuals gone, hospitals would have overcapacity and would certainly need to downsize to meet a smaller “paying” customer base. (So yeah, there would be some “high-wage” medical contraction as a result of those who are governmentally-subsized leaving for other states. So? Basically, in economics, there is always going to be some winners and some losers. And in fact, improving educational test scores, less overall violence, less domestic abuse, less alcohol/drug abuse, etc., would likely accrue to the state with the movement of this class of individuals.. hardly, a sole negative to SC), Fourth, and finally, government health insurance/private health insurance is overwhelmingly a scam. Insurance, to be functional, should be a system that is meant to cover only catastrophic events: chronic cancer, heart attacks, a totaled car, a burned down house, etc. Insurance that is used on a day-to-day basis is but an Amway scheme that skews that market realities of an industry. Self insurance through health savings accounts – which Obamacare attacked – up to a threshold level that would cover sub-catastrophic health issues, afterwhich health insurance would kick in, is the only solution to the nation’s health insurance crisis. Unfortunately, the “something-for-nothing”, um DNC, crowd, doesn’t like this solution. And you know what William? I bet you don’t either.

Reply
Shiny_Squirrel August 2, 2013 at 10:30 pm

Assuming the “poor” would leave because they can’t get health care here is flawed. What they won’t have is the ability to see doctors other than the ones at your friendly neighborhood emergency room. Since hospitals can’t deny treatment for inability to pay, guess who’s going to get stuck with higher taxes and premiums?

La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 11:02 pm

Again, legislation should shut this down. Hospitals, other than life threatening emergencies, should not be allowed (or required) to admit patients that cannot pay… thus requiring a cost shift to others that do (individuals/insurance companies). It’s simple really, just pass a law to stop this. I mean, would you be excited it Belks required that you hand over several of the new Lacoste shirts that you excitingly bought from them to the smiling guy shopping right next to you as you checkout? If not, then why would you be OK for this with health care costs?

William August 5, 2013 at 10:33 am

Well we will just have to leave it at that. I’ll continue to believe you are dumb, and you continue to believe you’re not.

mph August 5, 2013 at 3:23 pm

Buying private insurance is socialism? Marx must be so disappointed.

And the statistics continue to show that inflation in healthcare is getting better and premiums are consistently coming in lower than expected. But whatever. Keep yelling the sky is falling. It beats the hell out of actually governing, I guess.

From the Hill:

“The monthly cost of health insurance under President Obama’s healthcare law is consistently coming in lower than expected.

Premiums for a middle-of-the-road policy have come in below earlier estimates in all nine states that have released their initial rate information.

A new analysis from Avalere Health says the lower-than-expected prices show that the central piece of the healthcare law — new insurance exchanges in each state — is working as intended.

“The initial data suggest that competition in exchanges is working to lower premiums, which will benefit nonsubsidized enrollees and the federal government,” said Caroline Pearson, vice president at Avalere Health.”

nitrat August 3, 2013 at 9:49 am

Those “shiftless, unproductive Riff Raff” on Medicaid are PRIMARILY the elderly in nursing homes and the severely physically and mentally disabled – many in or from the middle class and wealthy who cannot afford the level of medical care that they need.
Do you people live in a world with no elderly or disabled? Do you just not pay attention to them all around you?

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La Gloria Cubana August 3, 2013 at 5:56 pm

I live in a world where I pay for what I get. If I can’t pay for it, I proudly don’t get it. You?

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nitrat August 2, 2013 at 5:59 pm

Any reason we should have a lot of confidence in Haley’s insurance agent appointee?
He was terribly instrumental in the deceit that took place in 2011 over the grants received to research insurance exchanges, right?

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Torch August 2, 2013 at 9:17 pm

Yep, Keck just smiles and does what Tricki tells him to do. She controls her appointees but they aren’t very good at what they do.

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Beachtiger0412 August 2, 2013 at 10:29 pm

Yeah Keck came right out and said that he doesn’t work for residents of SC – he works for Nikki Haley.

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nitrat August 2, 2013 at 5:59 pm

Any reason we should have a lot of confidence in Haley’s insurance agent appointee?
He was terribly instrumental in the deceit that took place in 2011 over the grants received to research insurance exchanges, right?

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Torch August 2, 2013 at 9:17 pm

Yep, Keck just smiles and does what Tricki tells him to do. She controls her appointees but they aren’t very good at what they do.

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Beachtiger0412 August 2, 2013 at 10:29 pm

Yeah Keck came right out and said that he doesn’t work for residents of SC – he works for Nikki Haley.

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Insurance Poor August 2, 2013 at 6:10 pm

One constant is that it seems it is nearly always better to purchase health insurance in any other surrounding state than South Carolina. For example, the median plan for a family of four there would not only pay 70 percent higher premiums, but would also have a 36 percent higher out-of-pocket maximum.

http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/blog/2013/08/nc-insurance-plans-are-better-than.html

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Insurance Poor August 2, 2013 at 6:10 pm

One constant is that it seems it is nearly always better to purchase health insurance in any other surrounding state than South Carolina. For example, the median plan for a family of four there would not only pay 70 percent higher premiums, but would also have a 36 percent higher out-of-pocket maximum.

http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/blog/2013/08/nc-insurance-plans-are-better-than.html

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burr August 2, 2013 at 8:06 pm

Yep…thanks Democrats! Destroying the American Middle Class and the best health care system in the world…fundamental transformation is a wonderful thing indeed!

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Shiny_Squirrel August 2, 2013 at 10:32 pm

On what planet is our health care system “best”?

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La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 11:18 pm

The same planet that so many of the world’s leaders try to launch and shuttle too when they face a health crisis.

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Nite August 2, 2013 at 11:45 pm

Ask the shieks from Saudi who regularly jet to MD Anderson for their cancer treatment…or perhaps you could ask the thousands of Canadians who seek medical care here in America…I bet they know

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Smirks August 4, 2013 at 5:20 pm

Best health care system? Millions left out of it. Poorer countries have universal health care. Ours is the highest per-capita spending on health care. Even more “economically free” countries have mandates or single payer.

Best is irrelevant if you are shut out of it. Lifetime maximums, pre existing conditions, staggering percentages of bankruptcies, refused treatments, high costs that rise at above the rate of inflation (except for just recently, whoops!), and an emergency room epidemic where ERs are flooded beyond capacity due to being the only option many people have.

If that is “best in the world” I have to wonder what is worst.

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burr August 2, 2013 at 8:06 pm

Yep…thanks Democrats! Destroying the American Middle Class and the best health care system in the world…fundamental transformation is a wonderful thing indeed!

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Shiny_Squirrel August 2, 2013 at 10:32 pm

On what planet is our health care system “best”?

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La Gloria Cubana August 2, 2013 at 11:18 pm

The same planet that so many of the world’s leaders try to launch and shuttle too when they face a health crisis.

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Nite August 2, 2013 at 11:45 pm

Ask the shieks from Saudi who regularly jet to MD Anderson for their cancer treatment…or perhaps you could ask the thousands of Canadians who seek medical care here in America…I bet they know

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Smirks August 4, 2013 at 5:20 pm

Best health care system? Millions left out of it. Poorer countries have universal health care. Ours is the highest per-capita spending on health care. Even more “economically free” countries have mandates or single payer.

Best is irrelevant if you are shut out of it. Lifetime maximums, pre existing conditions, staggering percentages of bankruptcies, refused treatments, high costs that rise at above the rate of inflation (except for just recently, whoops!), and an emergency room epidemic where ERs are flooded beyond capacity due to being the only option many people have.

If that is “best in the world” I have to wonder what is worst.

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Vanguard16 August 2, 2013 at 8:55 pm

Get the real story here: http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/

Don’t fall for these scare tactics!!

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Vanguard16 August 2, 2013 at 8:55 pm

Get the real story here: http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/

Don’t fall for these scare tactics!!

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Grumpy Dude August 2, 2013 at 9:34 pm

Insurance commissioner doesn’t work for the consumers/buyers of the product. shame on the lazy meathead

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Grumpy Dude August 2, 2013 at 9:34 pm

Insurance commissioner doesn’t work for the consumers/buyers of the product. shame on the lazy meathead

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Beachtiger0412 August 2, 2013 at 10:24 pm

More Republican scare tactics. Nikki Haley is telling her directors to spew this nonsense – just like how much medicaid expansion will cost SC.

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Beachtiger0412 August 2, 2013 at 10:24 pm

More Republican scare tactics. Nikki Haley is telling her directors to spew this nonsense – just like how much medicaid expansion will cost SC.

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Beachtiger0412 August 2, 2013 at 10:26 pm

After being refused insurance for years, due to a history of migraine headaches, my daughter got a decent insurance policy this week that is cheaper than her insurance she had before the migraines.

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Beachtiger0412 August 2, 2013 at 10:26 pm

After being refused insurance for years, due to a history of migraine headaches, my daughter got a decent insurance policy this week that is cheaper than her insurance she had before the migraines.

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fool August 2, 2013 at 11:18 pm

Bbbbut Obama PROMISED his Afforordable Healthcare Law would lower medical costs and he PROMISED me I could keep my doctor…Liar! Liar!

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fool August 2, 2013 at 11:18 pm

Bbbbut Obama PROMISED his Afforordable Healthcare Law would lower medical costs and he PROMISED me I could keep my doctor…Liar! Liar!

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We WIll Get You Back August 3, 2013 at 1:57 am

Greed Greed Greed. I point fingers at Obama and his cronies. But I also point fingers at these hospital groups. Tens of Millions are going to want to hunt down these Hospital people and doctor groups and rip their throats out. And rightfully so!!!

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We WIll Get You Back August 3, 2013 at 1:57 am

Greed Greed Greed. I point fingers at Obama and his cronies. But I also point fingers at these hospital groups. Tens of Millions are going to want to hunt down these Hospital people and doctor groups and rip their throats out. And rightfully so!!!

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Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:14 am

Dang. Lots of new picketers, errr uh commenters. HuffPo must have issued marching orders.

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Frank Pytel August 3, 2013 at 5:14 am

Dang. Lots of new picketers, errr uh commenters. HuffPo must have issued marching orders.

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vicupstate August 3, 2013 at 9:08 am

Anything from one of Haley’s appointees is purely political and usually total B.S.
Have we already forgotten her lies about ‘900 dead people voting’ or ‘SRS can’t hire enough people because most of the applicants are on drugs’ or her total sellout to GA for a speech and some campaign contributions?
FITS, you usually can smell Nikki’s B.S. a mile away. Do you have a head cold?

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vicupstate August 3, 2013 at 9:08 am

Anything from one of Haley’s appointees is purely political and usually total B.S.
Have we already forgotten her lies about ‘900 dead people voting’ or ‘SRS can’t hire enough people because most of the applicants are on drugs’ or her total sellout to GA for a speech and some campaign contributions?
FITS, you usually can smell Nikki’s B.S. a mile away. Do you have a head cold?

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nitrat August 3, 2013 at 12:59 pm

Some can talk about foreign potentates coming to the US for treatment to extend their deaths, but in the meantime, Americans going abroad to find care they can afford:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/health/for-medical-tourists-simple-math.html?ref=us

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Smirks August 4, 2013 at 5:12 pm

Canadians who can’t afford to come here at least can get seen eventually. People in the US are fucked if they can’t afford an alternative. You go to the ER and hope they will treat you. If they do, you hope it doesn’t make you go bankrupt, as it is the #1 reason for bankruptcies here. If they don’t, well, better start writing that will.

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nitrat August 3, 2013 at 12:59 pm

Some can talk about foreign potentates coming to the US for treatment to extend their deaths, but in the meantime, Americans going abroad to find care they can afford:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/health/for-medical-tourists-simple-math.html?ref=us

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Smirks August 4, 2013 at 5:12 pm

Canadians who can’t afford to come here at least can get seen eventually. People in the US are fucked if they can’t afford an alternative. You go to the ER and hope they will treat you. If they do, you hope it doesn’t make you go bankrupt, as it is the #1 reason for bankruptcies here. If they don’t, well, better start writing that will.

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tomstickler August 3, 2013 at 1:41 pm

It’s no coincidence that states that have opted to form their own exchanges have seen many more companies submitting plans with lower-cost premiums, while states like the Carolinas — having refused to participate in the Obamacare exchanges — are seeing less competitive plans offered.

It is no coincidence that refusal states are dominated by Republicans in office.

It is no coincidence that such Republican-dominated states are trying to scare citizens by tossing all of the plans — from the basic plans suitable for healthy young people to the Platinum coverage for older people — together in one pot and then “crunching the numbers” to arrive at an “average” that they then compare with a basic plan and exclaim “disastrous consequence.”

Meanwhile, our so-called “Representatives” are passing a bill that would prohibit the IRS from enforcing the mandate necessary to the success of the Affordable Care Act.

These Republicans are getting desperate. They hate the President so much that they are willing to make you continue to endure the most costly health insurance system in the developed world while continuing to pay the highest premiums — or else do without.

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tomstickler August 3, 2013 at 1:41 pm

For those missing Grand Tango, he is working his magic in the comments on this story at The State (La Socialista according to Willie) but without all the F@KE CU$$ING.

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MyDaddyIsRich August 3, 2013 at 2:23 pm

Just got a rebate!

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MyDaddyIsRich August 3, 2013 at 2:23 pm

Just got a rebate!

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Meh August 4, 2013 at 2:21 am

Single payer health care got shot down by insurance companies who now have a government mandate to keep them even richer. No surprises here.

No one will ever tackle overcharging for US medical procedures which has always been the major problem. For example, one of my relatives is a physiotherapist. Her day is billed at 110 bucks/hour with only minutes for paperwork, and wages are 35/hour. She makes good money buy the billing is essentially but not provably fraudulent since no one can go from pt to pt and perform the actuall billed hrs in a work day. This is industry standard but the public have ZERO idea it goes on.

Enjoy the Left/Right ideological battles which will never solve the real problems. It’s more fun to fight anyway. I have Tricare so I don’t give a fvck.

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Meh August 4, 2013 at 2:21 am

Single payer health care got shot down by insurance companies who now have a government mandate to keep them even richer. No surprises here.

No one will ever tackle overcharging for US medical procedures which has always been the major problem. For example, one of my relatives is a physiotherapist. Her day is billed at 110 bucks/hour with only minutes for paperwork, and wages are 35/hour. She makes good money buy the billing is essentially but not provably fraudulent since no one can go from pt to pt and perform the actuall billed hrs in a work day. This is industry standard but the public have ZERO idea it goes on.

Enjoy the Left/Right ideological battles which will never solve the real problems. It’s more fun to fight anyway. I have Tricare so I don’t give a fvck.

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Smirks August 4, 2013 at 5:24 pm

Expanding Medicare to cover everyone would be cheaper, but I take it you don’t want a cheaper plan to improve health care, you want it to go back to being broken.

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Thomas August 4, 2013 at 10:04 pm

That is a damn stupid thing to say. In your parlance…(start Snarks Parlance) If we did not send our shit to China, protect our shit with patent enforcement, stop giving our military shit to our enemies, and keep the companies that make shit in America in America, then we would have a insurance system that is paid by group policy members with jobs and the doctors would get paid big bucks, like it was before government started intervening in our shit back in the 60’s. Then our health system would be the shit where you could actually get the shit you need without the government in our shit. (end Snarks Parlance)

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Frank Pytel August 5, 2013 at 2:15 pm

I like Snarks. Nice Moniker

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Frank Pytel August 5, 2013 at 2:16 pm

You here that Snarks. (I like it, I LIKE IT!!)

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Smirks August 4, 2013 at 5:24 pm

Expanding Medicare to cover everyone would be cheaper, but I take it you don’t want a cheaper plan to improve health care, you want it to go back to being broken.

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Thomas August 4, 2013 at 10:04 pm

That is a damn stupid thing to say. In your parlance…(start Snarks Parlance) If we did not send our shit to China, protect our shit with patent enforcement, stop giving our military shit to our enemies, and keep the companies that make shit in America in America, then we would have a insurance system that is paid by group policy members with jobs and the doctors would get paid big bucks, like it was before government started intervening in our shit back in the 60’s. Then our health system would be the shit where you could actually get the shit you need without the government in our shit. (end Snarks Parlance)

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Frank Pytel August 5, 2013 at 2:15 pm

I like Snarks. Nice Moniker

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Frank Pytel August 5, 2013 at 2:16 pm

You here that Snarks. (I like it, I LIKE IT!!)

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dm10ae September 13, 2013 at 3:00 am

Medicaid would have been primarily paid for by the federal government-decreasing each following year. Obamacare will ruin all Americans.

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