[Editor’s note: The following is a cross post by Justin Menza that originally appeared on CNBC.com]:
To provide all Americans with health insurance, premiums will have to rise to pay for it, Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini told CNBC’s “Closing Bell” on Wednesday.
“If we’re going to insure all Americans, which is a worthy and appropriate cause, then somebody has to pay for it,” Bertolini said of the expected premium increases under Obamacare:
Bertolini said that insurance premiums could double in some places just on the basis of what types of policies people buy today.
He also said that when Obamacare is fully implemented, it won’t start the way people had hoped and it won’t be cheaper.
Over the longer run, the key to bringing down premiums will be controlling health care costs, he added. “It’ll be fits and starts, but we’ll get there,” Bertolini said.
Higher premiums also will not necessarily mean higher margins for Aetna. “The people coming into the system will be sicker because they have not used services,” Bertolini said. “So in the initial part of this program it will cost more to take care of people because they have been going without health care for so long.”
The Aetna executive also weighed in on the debate over the country’s fiscal situation.
Bertolini said a big deal would be the best deal for the country, but that it’s looking increasingly unlikely that politicians do anything more than a short-term fix which won’t be enough to restore confidence.
And confidence is key to increasing business investment and spurring economic growth. “A grand bargain won’t create a slow economy,” Bertolini said. “It will restore confidence and we’ll all invest.”
He added, “Americans don’t want Plan B, they don’t want a short term fix. They want the very best we can come up with. They want Plan A.”
–
RELATED:
- Obamacare Tax Hikes May Just be Getting Started
- Will Obamacare Spark the Next Tech Boom?
- The Dominant Healthcare Headline Next Year? Obamacare
©2012 CNBC LLC., Justin Menza. Featured image courtesy Getty Images.
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (75)
Salamander
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:40pmAnd, THAT’s the GOOD NEWS!
Report this comment
michaelmoron
Dec. 27, 2012 at 6:01pmNo one can force me into a contract.
I have, and will not sign an adhesion contract with this insurance company or the government (A private Corporation).
No one owns me. If so, where is the legal title? Since not all provisions of a BC, SS and DL are disclosed, they are not adhesion contracts, and in fact, unconscionable contracts if they claim ownership of your Body.
Unconscionable contracts are freudulent contracts and therefore, non-binding and void.
The Fact is, The Constitution is a Trust.
We the People are the Boss (Grantors)
We the People are the Beneficiaries also.
ALL PUBLIC SERVANTS, from the roadkill clean-up crew to the President and Supreme Court Justice are TRUSTEES of this TRUST.
By LAW, a Trustee has no authority over a Beneficiary or a Grantor.
They are NOT to Manage the Beneficiaries. They only have authority to manage the Trust that is in the best interest of the Beneficiary.
They have been granted authority to detain a beneficiary who has violated the rights of another beneficiary, and that is ALL !!!!
When they changed the trust in 1871, we became stockholders in the Corporation and are still beneficiaries.
We can fire Directors of the board (politicians including Presidents and more)
and Trustees (employess) still have no authority over a stockholder.
http://www.dailypaul.com/227306/bombshell-constitution-is-a-trust-the-people-are-the-beneficiaries-public-servants-are-trustees
Report this comment
OBUMAURMAMA
Dec. 27, 2012 at 9:46pm@michael
Can’t force us to make the I.R.S. contributions either. Right? Got a lot of white collars sitting in Federal prison that said the same thing. Forget about defending yourself against these people either. You have a gun they have flash grenades etc. They really have us by the rear and it’s our own fault and our parents and grand parents, we can only fight back against street crims. and not the Government crims.
Report this comment
michaelmoron
Dec. 28, 2012 at 3:25am@OBUMAURMAMA
They have you by the rear, because you and 95% of the people allow it.
Try this on for starters:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARPj0S9cBxU
Report this comment
michaelmoron
Dec. 28, 2012 at 12:48pmThe article I posted disagrees with me about who is the Grator of the trust.
He states that the British Crown (A private Company) and the Vatican is the Grantor.
Since it says at the top of the Constitution that WE the PEOPLE are forming a Union (Creators/Grantors) for the benefit of the people (beneficiaries), I believe the people are the grantors and creators.
The Bill of Rights was not written for the people. It is rules and regulations for the trustees, telling them that THEY shall not infringe on our rights and so forth.
Every time a person walks into a court and puts the Hearing Officer on notice that they are the Trustee, they run out of the court.
Here are two such instances.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ0Y_jjlCTQ&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL12FC061FA00D800E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzjv20sC5CY
Report this comment
michaelmoron
Dec. 28, 2012 at 1:19pmHenry Clay, Sr. (April 12, 1777 – June 29, 1852), was a lawyer, politician and skilled orator who represented Kentucky in both the Senate and in the House of Representatives. He served three different terms as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and was also Secretary of State from 1825 to 1829. He lost his campaigns for president in 1824, 1832 and 1844.
Clay was a dominant figure in both the First and Second Party systems. As a leading war hawk in 1812, he favored war with Britain and played a significant role in leading the nation to war in the War of 1812.[1] In 1824 he ran for president and lost, but threw his electoral votes to John Quincy Adams, who made him secretary of state as the Jacksonians denounced what they considered a “corrupt bargain.” He ran and lost again in 1832 and 1844 as the candidate of the Whig Party, which he founded and usually dominated.
“Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees. And both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.”
– Henry Clay
That is evidence that my statement is not a “theory”.
Report this comment
Brother Winston Smith
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:39pmSame as UNCONSTITUTIONAL Bushcare (Medicare Part D) and UNCONSTITUTIONALLY-FUNDED Romneycare, UNCONSTITUTIONAL Medicare, UNCONSTITUTIONAL Medicaid and UNCONSTITUTIONAL “Disability”… right?
Report this comment
datsanono
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:38pmAnyone that understands anything about budget projections and the way insurance premiums are calculated surely understands that Obamacare will fail on its own merits. That doesn’t mean it will go away. It just means that one way or another, people will suffer because of it. Within 15 years there will be NO private healthcare insurers operating, it will all be govt. run. Not tying jobs to insurance coupled with the fact that Obama is purposely bringing growth to a stand still means a completely different economy. I predict agenda 21 will be near 100% complete within 50 years. Obamacare represents much more than 1/5th of the economy in terms of fundamental change. It means he can take away the idea of people having to be productive in society and that represents much much more than just 1/5th of the economy. If this country is ever going to get back to the roots of the constitution,uhm ……..lets just say that the years 1775 -1783 come to mind.
Report this comment
jhrusky
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:50pmThe entire plan from the beginning was single-payer. Why people didn’t see that is beyond belief.
That said, I have a friend whom swears single-payer will be the best of all worlds for all of us. She gets it now and says there is no better option as she receives what medical care she needs. I’m not versed enough in single-payer to know what could be wrong with it, but I’m fairly certain someone here will inform me :-)
Report this comment
loriann12
Dec. 28, 2012 at 8:32amThe problem with single payer is no competition to keep costs low, for one thing. Another is if the single payer is the government, the money has to come from somewhere. There are people out there that if the government says your health care is free if you make under 150% of poverty, they will make sure they make under 150% of poverty. It’s like getting into a higher tax bracket. You go over that line and suddenly your health care is no longer free, but costs $2400 a year. The government will not be able to afford health care for EVERYONE that qualifies. This will lead to decisions on your care that aren’t in YOUR best interest, but follow the bottom line of how much it costs. I can give you an example. I am battling stage 4 breast cancer (have been for 2 years). My treatment is getting more and more “cutting edge” meaning the newer treatments. I have had 2 different things that my doctor wanted to try denied with no explanation. The first, they went with a much cheaper shot than an infusion that took an hour to complete. Then, they put me on a brand new cancer pill, and the pharmacy just didn’t fill it. Denied. I have Tricare Prime through my retired military husband. I’m 49. If you think a person who gets cancer at the age of 70 (no matter how active) will get treated under a single payer, I want what you’re smokin’.
Report this comment
jhrusky
Dec. 28, 2012 at 12:58pm@ lorianne12
“The government will not be able to afford health care for EVERYONE that qualifies. This will lead to decisions on your care that aren’t in YOUR best interest, but follow the bottom line of how much it costs.”
But do not insurance companies already make decisions based upon costs, and as your example shows, denies what is too costly? People have always stated such against single-payer, that it would lead to “them” not allowing medical treatment when the cost was too high, but insurance companies already do this so how would that change? I’m not seeing the difference.
As to no competition thus too high costs … can they truly rise at a faster rate than they have been already? The costs for medical care, hospital stays, etc., have risen much faster than anything else in our society, so I’m unsure how it could get that much worse. I guess anything can always be worse, but is it logical to assume costs will rise faster than they already do?
And, foremost, my prayers are with you in your fight to beat your cancer.
Report this comment
Hotconchick
Dec. 31, 2012 at 1:52pmMy uncle died at 60 years old from a treatable cancer due to a single payer system. He was too weak for us to fly him to the USA since they stopped treatment and let him suffer for months before he died. Enough said…the quality of health care will go down and life expectancy will be cut short when a bureaucrat decides your too old and expensive.
Funny thing is- you can get better care in universal health care systems if you can afford to pay for it. Most people try to use the private hospitals instead of the government ones if they can. In fact, we send money to relatives in Europe for this purpose. So you tell me that single payer is the greatest thing since sliced bread and I’ll have to disagree since I have seen it first hand.
If you get a chance- take a trip overseas and check out the hospitals- that is a rude awakening.
Report this comment
high school drop out
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:37pmI hate to resort to personal attacks but. You,re an idiot.. and the biggest problem we face today are the drooling morons out there who swallow the bull being shoveled by our lying Govt. officials!!!. This is the moron mantra Government good.. business bad.. Anyone who truly believes the govt is on their side is a true IMBICILE!!!
Report this comment
TheFrost
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:28pmIs this surprising to anyone?
Report this comment
Brother Winston Smith
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:42pmNo. UNCONSTITUTIONAL, ANTI-American, COMPULSORY, COLLECTIVIST, central government “healthcare” (Obamacare, Bushcare, Romneycare, Medicare, Medicaid, Disability, etc) are bringing the EXACT RESULTS PREDICTED.
Had enough?
The Constitution Party.
State nullification.
NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report this comment
Isis79
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:28pmThe United States passed the rubicon of freedom on November 6th 2012 and the only true remedy is armed revolution like our founders eerily foresaw in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence. The federal government does not govern anymore, they rule. Barack Obama will oversee the complete destruction of America because that has been his only purpose since day one. I find it sad so many today are so blind and apathetic to freedom and liberty and choose tyranny and big government to guide them through life. Sad times are coming for all and we have no one to blame but ourselves for letting it happen.
Report this comment
Brother Winston Smith
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:43pmWell… Obama AND Bush AND the leftist democrat party AND the leftist republican party.
Report this comment
TheFrost
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:25pmI thought the rationed care (to be decided upon by the obamacare board to be appointed this year) was going to start saving money by rationing care (at least for those that can’t afford better)? Just like in Canada/Europe.
Report this comment
Pat Alexander
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:07pmI can’t wait until all the young Bozos that voted for him find out if they have any moderately decent job – they will have to pay for their own insurance. And the premium will be 3X what it was before – back when they weren’t being forced to buy it.
And much of what they advertise about the “new healthcare law” just isn’t true.
For example Medicare is supposed to now pay for cancer screenings. They run the ads on the radio constantly.
My Dr. sent me for a scope on both ends. (Nothing wrong BTW.) Till I got all the bills they wouldn’t cover, I had to pay almost $700. We use a small community hospital. I’m sure in a metro area the bills would be twice as high.
Report this comment
HelloWorld
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:59pmIn relation to my previous comment and recommendations by Medical Societies. “this may be a good time for physicians to explore alternative revenue streams” Huh? Yes, perhaps the most educated members of the medical team should rethink being physicians. Perhaps they should become nurses or physician assistants. Or perhaps waiters.
Report this comment
JRook
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:24pmI guess as of course physicians in the US should make 2 to 2.5 times what they do in other countries. And given that most of their incomes increased dramatically after the passage of Medicare they should be thankful the government provided the bulk of their patients with health insurance. As far as Aetna, let them unnecessarily double premiums so that they die in the free market. It is time for Medicare and private insurance companies to pay for the free care being provided. And it is time for people who lead healthy lifestyles to stop underwriting those who don’t.
Report this comment
Yoach
Dec. 28, 2012 at 1:19pm@JRook – You make me chuckle. You have the gumption to tell others that if they aren’t informed, they shouldn’t be in the discussion.
Physicians are making 2.5 times physicians in other countries? /laugh. Surely you jest. Malpractice insurance much? Apples to Apples your assertion is absurd.
And if you think Aetna won’t raise their premiums and not be joined by their “comptetition” you are just a silly person.
There is no invisible hand at work in health care. Market forces have not been present for years. Anyone that suggests such tripe is not informed and shouldn’t be in this discussion.
Report this comment
HelloWorld
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:47pmThis is something new….??? Private insurance premiums doubled last year. Medicare begins processing claims at a 27 % reduction on Tuesday. Local Medical Associations are warning physicians: http://www.mcmsonline.com/announcements/important-message-ceo-executive-director-sara-presler
Report this comment
saranda
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:04pmPrivate insurance companies are raising premiums to make political statements. It is laughable that you cannot see that their premium increases are intended to reflect badly on obamacare and not for any other reason.
Report this comment
FISH_BONE
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:15pmI don’t give a rat’s hairy hind end how much an insurance company charges. This used to be a free society where a private business could charge what they want. If I didn’t want to pay for the product or service, I didn’t. That freedom is now dead and we have the Kenyan and his mindless worshippers to thank.
Report this comment
Zipit
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:26pmDing, ding, ding, ding! That I correct!!!!! Lost our so called Cadillac health care that we paid out the rear for, not because we couldn’t afford it, but because of the gov’s interference and regulation that made it impossible for the co. To offer it anymore!!!!
Report this comment
cowgirl
Dec. 27, 2012 at 7:14pmmy group insurance provider is getting out of that business. wonder why? this is so there will be nothing left except gov”t insurance. we will be dying sooner i assure you. the best you will get is a physicians assistant that knows practically nothing compared to the real deal and then they will deny you meds that are too costly, procedures etc.
Report this comment
Steve28
Dec. 27, 2012 at 8:59pmLook there is a set loss ratio of 20%. The government must approve increases so maybe you should have some facts before you blame the insurance companies. As an agent commissions are part of the loss ratio and have been cut by 30% and renewals are down 66% with some companies in 2013. I hope you enjoy what you voted for- fools!
Report this comment
loriann12
Dec. 28, 2012 at 8:38amThen explain to me how my GOVERNMENT insurance policy (Tricare Prime, through retired military) went up and my cost for medicines went up. Is that the government making a statement on itself?
Report this comment
perry1980
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:41pmThe uninformed masses just think the money will come from the “Obama Stash”
Idiots. If you voted for Obama you are an out right uninformed voter.
Report this comment
JRook
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:57pmPerhaps you should inform yourself. The only reason there is a transitional step such as the Affordable Care Act is because the country was and is to stupid to enact a national health insurance program. It has been proposed under both Republican and Democratic Presidents such as Nixon and Clinton. But the uniformed do not seem to realize you can’t surround Non-Profit Hospitals with For Profit Health Insurance, medical equipment, medical supply and pharmaceutical companies and expect costs to remain reasonable. Additionally, you can’t have physician incomes that are 2 to 2.5 times higher than most industrialized countries. Similar to the federal government spending…. far too many people are eating from the same trough.
Report this comment
RaydocX
Dec. 27, 2012 at 6:01pmNationalized health care has not worked as well as privitized care anywhere it has been employed… the haves either get private care or if outlawed (a la Canada) they come elsewhere.
America’s health care is the best available in the world… it’s where the important people come for their care. To decry the income of American docs… GP’s in my region often clear only $125,000 working 70 hours weeks while allowing the riches garnered by our politicians and the golden parachutes for the upper echelon businessmen is a weak Liberal attempt to sway people to your arguement by class warfare.
IF there was tort reform, and government support for the training centers, where anyone could go, but understanding they would be cared for by docs in training, and that waits might be longer, therapies might be experimental, and in those cases there would not be legal recourse, the bulk of the uninsured could be handled.
If there were insurance reforms… some of which went into the Affordable Healthcare Act, to include a fixed maximal decreased rate (say 7%), then hospitals and docs could (and should) cut rates by more than 50%, and suddenly costs are contained.
And if people stopped expecting insurance to pay every health issue (we don’t use auto insurance to pay for gas or oil change) further savings could be gained. Pay your own annual physical ($125), pay your own mammo ($135). we pay mor for unimportant things
But expecting government to ‘solve it’ is a guarante
Report this comment
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:39pmDouble rates at the minimum, more likely triple or more by the time all hidden taxes, fees, and so much more is ‘discovered’ via regulation and taxation. How many more surprises remain hidden away in the monstrosity called ‘Obama-care’ await our discovery?
Report this comment
chewfatlip
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:19pmI can hardly wait for the “post-office” medical care.
Report this comment
RaydocX
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:39pm‘we have to pass the bill to see what’s in the bill’…
Well, America…. this is what’s in the bill… the ‘increased health care’ isn’t coming from thin air… your premiums will go up… the premiums you have to take over because your employer can’t foot the entire bill and so has fired your co workers and/ or cut your hours.
Instead of supporting the nation’s medical schools as free care centers, instead of supporting ED’s that have been the GUARANTOR OF FREE CARE TO ALL (that little lie they kept saying… that ‘millions didn’t have care’) for more than 2 decades, and instead of involving physicians and hospital administrators in the decision, it was a DEMOCRATIC PLAN from start to finish… politicians were allowed to take over your health care, and you reelected the master manipulator.
But wait, America, what’s behind door number two? Some of the money comes from paying doctors less… not insurance companies, not malpractice attorneys (nope, no tort reform in Obamacare)… the reimbursement for docs will fall…
and the roll of patients who ‘have to be seen’ will go up… so your already underpaid General Practitioner will be seeing… 30% (or greater) more patients just to stay even… think there will be shorter visits? less attention available to your problem? more risk of problems? LONGER WAITS? How much will that cost? In fact, many docs will just retire… and who wants to BE a doc with politicians saying what you can or can’t
Report this comment
JRook
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:01pmOk but then again you didn’t read the part where the American Hospital Association and American Medical Association agreed to lower reimbursement from Medicare because it won’t have to offset as many people without any health insurance. So in the end the Hospitals and Physicians will receive the same total amount in payments, but it will come from a wider group of now covered patients. If your arguing the current system is functional and sustainable then you are not informed enough to participate in the discussion.
Report this comment
RaydocX
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:54pmI never said the current system was sustainable.
Physicians and hospital administrator are HORRIBLE businessmen.
AMA was coopted by the government by their putting into place the ICD9 coding system… they get a bit of every study, so when Uncle Sam says jumpt, they jump and ask on the way up, how high.
just because they say it will work, does not mean docs are happy with it.
and in point of fact, most docs are already running very close to as busy as they are comfortable being… claiming their income will remain flat if they simply see all of the new patients is an accounting reality, but in real world medicine, it will mean people have sub-standard treatment.
And when the entire decrease in medicare funding is expected to come from physicians’ pockets in the next two years, you are flogging a segment of the healthcare economy that when damaged will not be easily repaired.
To be sure, the system neede to be fixed… right now every year insurers pay a smaller percentage, and docs/ hospitals raise the rates to keep payments even… Insurers will just piggy back their rate plans, but docs/ hospitals can’t (monopoly issues). and until recently, John Public couldn’t be offered a lower rate by the plans… and reimbursement is already lower than cost… in 1998, KUMC was paid $3 for immunizations to Medicaid kids. the immunization cost was $18.
and that ignores the ‘cover your bottom’ tests and meds that are given to stave off lawsuits… again, NO tort r
Report this comment
Yoach
Dec. 28, 2012 at 1:33pm@JRook -
Obamacare did not address the problem of why the costs of health care are spiraling out of control. To say it did, is simply uninformed as you put it.
It isn’t “stupid” to accept DMV-style health care just so everyone gets coverage.
It is stupid to argue that the quality of health care won’t decline under a national health care system.
It is stupid to say market forces are at work in the present system or under Obamacare. A government bureacrat deciding a fee schedule is not Adam Smith’s invisible hand at work.
It is stupid to “fix” health care and not have tort reform.
It is stupid to suggest Doctors are profiting 2.5 times as much as their counterparts in other countries.
By all means, let’s embrace the mediocrity of the rest of the world just so everyone will have health insurance. Everyone in America (citizen or not)already gets health care, it’s mandated by law.
Report this comment
4xeverything
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:39pmWell, ummmm…Duh!!! This is exactly what every American entreprenuer said would be the result. Why do you ridiculous libs just not get it ? I’m flabbergasted!
Report this comment
MrSunshine
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:32pmAll you have to do is say the word FREE and the 47% come a runnin’. Simple elementary logic tells you that Obamacare will be more expensive. There’s no such thing as free. Now all we can do is wait until the **** HITS THE FAN.
Report this comment
FISH_BONE
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:31pmWhere is my good friend SIMPLETRUTHS a.k.a. SIMPLETON to explain to me how this POS law doesn’t take away my freedom? Inasmuch as SIMPLETON is a clueless coward, perhaps some other equally brilliant TROLL could help me understand how forced government health insurance doesn’t remove my freedom? Anyone? Anyone?
For once in his life, Joe Brain-Dead Biden told the truth when he said: “This is a big F’ing deal!”
Report this comment
nationoflaws76
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:28pmMy premiums for my healthcare has more than doubled since Obamacare was passed! I have
no job and am forced to be in an individual self pay plan. If I were to join the state of Kalifornia’s exchange, it would be just under a $1000.00 a month. N o JOKING. Nothing affordable about this. Morons are running amok in this once great country. Screw the public sector I am tapped out
Report this comment
8YRSOFHELL
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:27pmThat’s the plan…Make it unaffordable till you have to use the govt system…Hope you like the new DOH…Department of healthcare….DOH!!!!!!
Report this comment
8YRSOFHELL
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:33pmhttp://ocspeakersbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/homer_simpson_doh1.gif
Report this comment
ranepowel
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:26pmDoesn’t matter how expensive it will be for the rich, as long as 100% of Americans are insured, so be it. Those making 400% above the poverty level and below will have all or some of their health insurance premiums paid for by the government anyway.
This is a non issue. So long as everyone has insurance. If the insurance companies think they can scare Americans into dumping Obamacare by raising prices they are very, very wrong. All it will do will lead the way for a much cheaper government option, and then we’ll have the start of our own socialized healthcare system — just like every other modern civilization out there, including Israel.
Report this comment
HelloWorld
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:02pmDo you have any idea how many people the physicians that are being put out of business employ? Guess not. Let’s think modern.
Report this comment
FISH_BONE
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:03pm“paid for by the government” There’s your problem Einstein. The “government” doesn’t pay for anything. I PAY FOR IT!!! If you simple minded liberal fools had any idea about the real world, you would quickly change your tune.
Report this comment
John.Galt
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:24pmDOUBLE? Well mine have already gone up by 47%! I bet within 5 years they will have gone up 500%. Obama will not be happy until every single American has the exact same coverage (exempting politicians, both current and retired, of course!)… which means more MANDATES. Just because Obama says that everyone will get a “free” annual physical doesn’t make it true. SOMEONE HAS TO PAY FOR IT! So, instead of paying $85 for a physical, which is the rate my insurance company negotiated, my premiums go up $20 per month. That $85 physical now costs me $240, WHETHER I USE IT OR NOT.
Yeah, this will work out well…
Report this comment
ranepowel
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:31pmDid you even read the article. The prices are going up in anticipation of taking care of all the people why have been denied or unable to afford coverage up until this point. The reason rates are going up are because the GOP denied free universal healthcare for so long, leaving millions uninsured. Well, now those millions are a lot more sick than they would’ve been if given access to healthcare years before.
This is the GOP’s fault, not Obama’s. Blame him all you want. The fact is, as this exec just stated, if we’d adopted a universal healthcare system years ago the rates wouldn’t be going up now. But, because conservatives refused to acknowledge healthcare as a right and not a privilege, they will now have to pay for all the poor and sick that they denied care to years before. As they should.
Report this comment
Chromo200
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:48pmRANEPOWEL SO now it is the GOP fault .. what happened to it is Bush’s fault..
Report this comment
Tri-ox
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:24pmWell, we’ll be lucky if premiums only DOUBLE. The ultimate goal of obama’s seizure of our healthcare system is to destroy all private insurers. Rates will skyrocket – all employers will drop insurance coverage – no one will be able to afford private insurance coverage – insurers will go belly up and very quickly, we will find ourselves 100% at the mercy of obama’s network of government “doctors”. Americans are being marched to slaughter.
Report this comment
ranepowel
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:35pmLike Canada, England, Japan, Israel, France, Switzerland, etc, etc, etc. Those poor, poor imprisoned countries.
You’re so ignorant it’s staggering.
Report this comment
RaydocX
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:43pmRane, sorry to squash your egg, but Canadians came to America in DROVES so they could get timely care… no six month wait for coronary stents… no year wait for new hips and knees.
acting like it’s OK because it is an affliction in other countries whose health care QUALITY is lower than ours forgets the basic truth… it does not matter when YOU are the patient what the cost is… you want the best care possible– the best chance to go on living– without a wait.
That has been taken away by politicians who will run health care with the care and accuracy of… the US Postal Service… Fannie and Freddy… The Treasury…
I don’t think you’re donald duck… you’re an ostrich with that gourd in the sand… pull your head out and see just how what you wanted to happen will hurt this nation…
Report this comment
FISH_BONE
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:49pmSorry RANE, but in this string, you hold the monopoly on ignorance. The Kenyan has destroyed the world’s best healthcare system.
Report this comment
HelloWorld
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:03pmDon’t forget Greece and Spain. Remember how well they are doing?
Report this comment
Cavallo
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:24pmThis is what the American people voted for. This is what they deserve.
Report this comment
soybomb315_II
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:23pmif it hasnt become clear to everyone yet – now is the time to get healthy. Loose the weight, get off the nicotine/alcohol addiction, eat well, and strengthen your body and immune system. Good healthcare is going to be for the rich
Report this comment
FISH_BONE
Dec. 27, 2012 at 5:06pmGood healthcare is a thing of the past SOY. There is no good healthcare when communism controls. It doesn’t matter how rich you are.
Report this comment
NOTAMUSHROOM
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:20pmI thought the original problem was that health care was too expensive and people couldn’t afford insurance. Oh, I get it. It never WAS about bringing costs down! Huh. Imagine that.
Report this comment
ResistSocialism
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:18pmOnce Obamacare is fully implemented there won’t be a Aetna health insurance. There will be U.S. government health insurance.
Report this comment
mrunner
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:24pmWell and that is a good thing right? Cuz we all know that the gubberment is sooo much more efficient than the private sector, and cheaper too!
Report this comment
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Dec. 27, 2012 at 4:40pmIndeed, and we only need to look to Europe and Russia to see what will await us in the future.
Report this comment