Quote Originally Posted by .blank cd View Post
Then we'll have to agree to disagree here. This whole plan works on hospitals cutting the overcharging to cover people that can't pay by giving everyone a way to pay. There's no evidence they won't, but that's how this plan works and how it's funded.
Yes, on this point, we have to disagree. You keep stating that we already pay it and that the costs will not rise - but Obama disagrees with you.
First in order to help pay for the cost of Obamacare businesses and families will pay an additional .9% tax on taxable income and 3.8% capital gains exceeding $200k / $250k. If you choose not to purchase insurance (and can afford it) there is a 1% tax in 2014, it raises to a 2.5% tax in 2016 and adjusts for inflation.
Even Obama admits that it seems some insurance companies are raising costs to capitalize now, "grandfather you into higher rates" before it becomes illegal to do so in 2014.
Also, for families that do not purchase insurance, the tax will be $2,085 or 2.5% percent of household income, whichever is greater.
ObamaCare increases taxes on unearned income by 3.8%. This also applies to home sales over a certain amount.
Starting in 2013, ObamaCare taxes individuals with earnings above $200,000 and married couples making more than $250,000. This tax is an increase to the Medicare part A payroll tax. It's an increase of 2.35%, up from the current 1.45% ( a .9% Medicare payroll tax hike), on adjusted income over the threshold. This group will also pay a 3.8% unearned income tax on interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, rents, and gains on the sale of investments over the threshold.

You want to see how much you will pay? Health Reform Subsidy Calculator - Kaiser Health Reform
Obama keeps saying that if your family makes 400% above the poverty level, then you wont see a change. What he doesn't say is what happens at 425%.
For a normal family of four, 400% of the poverty level is $92,200. If the head of the household is between 20-60 years old, the cost is $8,901, according to Obama. Subsidy amounts vary from $238-$15K, but we'll stay in the middle at 40 years old, so it would be $3,229 in subsidy.
Now, take the same situation, but for an IT professional making $100K, the cost dramatically change. A 20 year old pays $9,139, a 40 year old pays $12,130, and a 60 year old pays $24,042 - each year. There are no subsidys for any of them. This the is the math that Obama does not tell the whole truth on. You have to look and investigate to find the numbers.



We can both agree that the current system needs massive improvement, and we can agree that single payer should not be completely ruled out. I would like to have a society where everyone has health coverage, and it certainly is possible, but there are major obstacles that need to be addressed first.