The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare if you choose, is entering its fourth year. After watching it for the past three years, I believe it’s time to ask whether its working or not, is it a success, and has it provided affordable health insurance and healthcare as promised?
Health insurance for Texans is becoming increasingly expensive and has fewer options for participating doctors and hospitals. It may also require more out of pocket than it did in 2016. I know. I received my renewal packet and my rate starting in December will be 29% higher than what I’m paying now. The exchange opens on Tuesday, November 1st so here’s an overview of what’s coming
The health insurance market in Texas when through some pretty big changes in 2016 and it looks like even more are headed our way for next year. The Dallas Morning News published a number of articles during August on these changes, however, we’ll have to wait until the end of September before we know all of the details.
My search for health insurance has been interesting to say the least. Until this year, it’s been a relatively easy task; place a call to my broker, have her provide me with quotes, review the plans, pick a plan, pay the bill each month, and forget about it for another year. All that changed this year with the Affordable Care Act.
Growing up, my dad would look at me and with his best imitation of W.C. Fields say, “Close but no cigar kid!” when I’d almost get the point but be just a little off on what I was saying. I was reminded of his doing that with my ongoing search for affordable health insurance through the federal exchange. I’m closer to the answers I’ve been seeking but I haven’t been awarded a cigar yet.
The Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010 with some of the provisions going into effect immediately. The minimum coverage provision or individual mandate goes into effect on January 1, 2014. That means it’s imperative for individuals and families to know what’s coming, how to prepare, and what its impact with be for them.
N Money profiled a couple, Steve and Pam West, on December 13, 2012. Steve was diagnosed with ALS in 2008, a progressive disease that is always fatal. At some point, Steve will literally be unable to breath. As it was at the time the article was published, ALS had taken from Steve the use of his arms and legs.
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