Under the title of "Recissions" of the PPCA page 14, we learn that an insurance company may not just drop you because you have an illness, unless you commit fraud, for example. That's a good thing. But I don't think that can be done now. Yes, home and auto insurance companies do that, but not health insurance companies.
Continuing on that same page, I am noticing a re-occurring theme in the the PPACA. On pg 14 of the document I am reading ( listed in my second post), in Sec 2713 titled "Coverage of Preventive Health Services", we are basically covered for what the government considers baseline preventative health care. For women it's screening such as mammograms and for kids it's vaccinations,for example. Sorry, men it doesn't mention you here, except maybe in a blanket statement about immunizations, which could be for anyone. Where it's more of the same, is when it establishes the "United States Preventive Services Task Force". Here we ago again. The government will have another agency determining the basic preventive care. And again, the "Secretary" is going to establish interval.
In my opinion, the reason people did not like going to government run, government assisted, medical facilities is because there was a stigma attached to them that the level of care was going to be basic at best. And, of course depending on the facility, you might get sub par care. This might be especially true if you were an indigent patient. You may have gotten excellent care and beg to differ. But I am just speaking to my opinion of the overall public view.
Well for those of you who agree with that assessment of government run medical facilities, guess where we're heading? To all medical facilities, or should I say treatment, being government run in a sense. Because if you are wanting more than the basic, government recommended preventive care, you'll have to pay for it out of your pocket. It makes sense to me that this will affect the middle income families the most. If you are poor and never had insurance before, you'll be covered as far as basic minimums go. And if you are wealthy, you can buy whatever treatment you want. But if you are that family who depends on your health insurance to get the most healthcare out of your hard earned dollar, you may see less coverage for more money.
So yes, at the bottom of the page the PPACA does say that it's not going to regulate whether or not insurance companies provide MORE than this. "Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit a plan or issuer from providing coverage for services in addition to those recommended by United States Preventive Services Task Force or to deny coverage for services that are not recommended by such Task Force." But my guess is that the minimum standard will become THE standard. The economics just don't make sense for insurance companies otherwise. But hey, you insurance gurus out there...what do you think? Please do comment about what insurance company projections are. I read just today that many medical facilities are planning budget cutbacks, including jobs and hours to brace themselves for the lower revenues and higher costs of healthcare.
But what bothers me most is this: How many government committees are we going to have weighing in on covered treatment and services? So far in the first page I've read, we have the Secretary, the US Preventive Services Task Force, in addition to the already formed CDC. And we've just begun. And who do you think is going to pay for this? I don't think they're volunteers and I'm not sure I would want the opinion of a volunteer affecting my healthcare either. The answer is YOU! ME! All taxpayers will pay for additional agencies required to tell us what medical treatments we can have.
I read a couple of articles about how the very wealthy such as the Waltons of Walmart fame position their wealth to avoid taxation. Don't get me wrong. I believe in capitalism. I believe they have a right to protect their earnings. But so do I, and so do you. I'm starting to understand the theory that middle class citizens bear the brunt of over taxation. And this healthcare plan will be no exception!
I know I'm slow writing this, but I can only digest so much of this information before I get crazy! In the past few days I've been waffling in my resolve because I have wondered like some of you may have, "who am I to be writing this blog?". I only have one follower and one comment and that's a family member! But as I said from the beginning, I'm researching this information for myself. I am sharing what I learn with you, along with my thoughts on the matter. If it helps me understand, it's worth it. If it helps you understand in ordinary terms, then I will consider it a triumph. So feel free to follow, share, comment, or just check in occasionally.
I will continue to write because I have an opinion of my own and I'm going to share it!
J
Friday, September 20, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Don't worry about it
Today, while listening to a beautiful message on dealing with stress from my pastor, I was prompted to state in this blog that what I am not going to do concerning Obamacare, is stress out about it. Yes, I do want to know what's in the PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), because it will affect my family and me for generations. But the US government is not my source. Insurance will not fulfill my needs. But God cares about every detail of my life. Nothing can happen that God is not in control of. In fact, the Bible tells us that God establishes kingdoms according to his plan for this earth.
So I'm not going to apologize for bringing God into this and if it discourages you from reading my blog, then so be it. But I want anyone following my writing to understand that I do not intend to get you worked up, worried, fearful or angry. I do want you to be encouraged. Knowledge is powerful and we can be used by God to affect change in this world. Use every ounce of the gifts God has already given you to change the world around you. But don't go in blindly spouting off half truths. That only makes us look foolish. Arm yourself with the truth and walk in wisdom. Regardless of the outcome of the battle, in the end, the war is won by those who stand for the truth.
And if any of you are dealing with stress and would like to hear my pastor's message at Church of the Highlands you may go to this link: http://churchofthehighlands.com/media. Today's message will be there by tomorrow. I promise that you will be encouraged.
And remember, you don't have to believe everything I do, but I do have an opinion of my own.
Be blessed today.
J
So I'm not going to apologize for bringing God into this and if it discourages you from reading my blog, then so be it. But I want anyone following my writing to understand that I do not intend to get you worked up, worried, fearful or angry. I do want you to be encouraged. Knowledge is powerful and we can be used by God to affect change in this world. Use every ounce of the gifts God has already given you to change the world around you. But don't go in blindly spouting off half truths. That only makes us look foolish. Arm yourself with the truth and walk in wisdom. Regardless of the outcome of the battle, in the end, the war is won by those who stand for the truth.
And if any of you are dealing with stress and would like to hear my pastor's message at Church of the Highlands you may go to this link: http://churchofthehighlands.com/media. Today's message will be there by tomorrow. I promise that you will be encouraged.
And remember, you don't have to believe everything I do, but I do have an opinion of my own.
Be blessed today.
J
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Where I'm coming from
Here's what I think: Every American should be able to afford and pay for health care. And I thought everyone was getting that opportunity with hospitals for those who couldn't pay... and I've heard that if you go to any hospital you can't be denied treatment. I've known people who did not pay for open heart surgery in the same hospital my husband went to and our insurance paid. I was among that number of uninsured for a brief period of time and could wind up there again. I got enough health care to keep me healthy. But there were some medications I couldn't afford. I lost my health insurance and couldn't get it on my own due to (flimsy in my opinion) pre-existing conditions. But there are stories of people who haven't gotten treatment they needed. Why is that? So yeah! We need something... but not just anything.
I don't want to sign up for something before I read the fine print. And I don't think I got that opportunity before this Obamacare was thrust upon me. I'm not sure what the answer is. Surely there's someone out there smart enough to figure it out though.
For those of you who want to know what my source is, here you go: http://www.ncsl.org/documents/health/ppaca-consolidated.pdf. If you know of a better document to read, let me know. This is supposedly the consolidated bill at 907 pages. I don't think I could make it through the complete document in my lifetime!
So right off the bat, on page thirteen where the contents pages end and the meat of the document begins with amendments, we get information about annual and lifetime limits. It says insurance companies can't set them. But for everything? NO! There is language here such as:
‘‘(2) ANNUAL LIMITS PRIOR TO 2014.—With respect to plan years beginning prior to January 1, 2014, a group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage may only establish a restricted annual limit on the dollar value of benefits for any participant or beneficiary with respect to the scope of benefits that are essential health benefits under section 1302(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as determined by the Secretary. In defining the term ‘restricted annual limit’ for purposes of the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall ensure that access to needed services is made available with a minimal impact on premiums.
Essential health benefits... what are those? A check up with my doctor? A mammogram once a year or colonoscopy every two? Who says what's essential? My doctor? Ummm I don't think so. It says above that this will be determined by the Secretary. Who the heck is the Secretary that decides what treatments I can and can not have? Under section 1302 B those have been established... let me see if I can find that list because I sure haven't found it yet. When I find it I'll report back.
But here's what you need to know for now. Don't think you've got carte blanche insurance. If you think insurance companies are going to be paying through the nose for anything you and your doctor want, think again! There's a list that is established somewhere and will be edited as deemed by the "Secretary" of what they have to cover. So for those of you that have fantastic coverage now, you're going to see less coverage and pay more out of pocket in order to cover more people. I've already started paying more in the last two. Somebody's gotta pay, right?
So say you have breast cancer, but you're not in immediate danger because it's stage zero and not fast growing. If that isn't listed under the essential health benefit, what are you going to do? You're probably going to live with it until it becomes a threat because the out of pocket costs are going to be too high.
Now this takes me to a little research I did on the term "comparative effectiveness". Supposedly, this list of essential health benefits coverage can be determined by a committee of people who determine the comparative effectiveness of the treatment prescribed. I'll break this down in a separate blog because it's deep folks... really deep. If you want to Google it and learn for yourself, go ahead. It sounds logical enough. But it scares the daylights out of me because it takes my choice of my physician out of the equation. My doctor may be the most brilliant mind in the the world and most experienced on the subject of my condition. But if this team of experts, or the "Secretary" doesn't add his treatment to the list, I'm not covered for what he recommends.
To me, I may as well go to the company nurse. (I'm not knocking you nurses! You can be brilliant too. I know because my sister is one. She's my pre-doctor!) But anyone can read a list of prescribed treatments. How many options can there be? And is it going to take into account my body's response to said treatments?
You tell me... is this a good thing? I'm cringing at the thought of where that kind of power can go. So I really don't think so. But you can decide for yourself. I just have an opinion of my own!
Enjoy this beautiful day!
J
I don't want to sign up for something before I read the fine print. And I don't think I got that opportunity before this Obamacare was thrust upon me. I'm not sure what the answer is. Surely there's someone out there smart enough to figure it out though.
For those of you who want to know what my source is, here you go: http://www.ncsl.org/documents/health/ppaca-consolidated.pdf. If you know of a better document to read, let me know. This is supposedly the consolidated bill at 907 pages. I don't think I could make it through the complete document in my lifetime!
So right off the bat, on page thirteen where the contents pages end and the meat of the document begins with amendments, we get information about annual and lifetime limits. It says insurance companies can't set them. But for everything? NO! There is language here such as:
‘‘(2) ANNUAL LIMITS PRIOR TO 2014.—With respect to plan years beginning prior to January 1, 2014, a group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage may only establish a restricted annual limit on the dollar value of benefits for any participant or beneficiary with respect to the scope of benefits that are essential health benefits under section 1302(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as determined by the Secretary. In defining the term ‘restricted annual limit’ for purposes of the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall ensure that access to needed services is made available with a minimal impact on premiums.
Essential health benefits... what are those? A check up with my doctor? A mammogram once a year or colonoscopy every two? Who says what's essential? My doctor? Ummm I don't think so. It says above that this will be determined by the Secretary. Who the heck is the Secretary that decides what treatments I can and can not have? Under section 1302 B those have been established... let me see if I can find that list because I sure haven't found it yet. When I find it I'll report back.
But here's what you need to know for now. Don't think you've got carte blanche insurance. If you think insurance companies are going to be paying through the nose for anything you and your doctor want, think again! There's a list that is established somewhere and will be edited as deemed by the "Secretary" of what they have to cover. So for those of you that have fantastic coverage now, you're going to see less coverage and pay more out of pocket in order to cover more people. I've already started paying more in the last two. Somebody's gotta pay, right?
So say you have breast cancer, but you're not in immediate danger because it's stage zero and not fast growing. If that isn't listed under the essential health benefit, what are you going to do? You're probably going to live with it until it becomes a threat because the out of pocket costs are going to be too high.
Now this takes me to a little research I did on the term "comparative effectiveness". Supposedly, this list of essential health benefits coverage can be determined by a committee of people who determine the comparative effectiveness of the treatment prescribed. I'll break this down in a separate blog because it's deep folks... really deep. If you want to Google it and learn for yourself, go ahead. It sounds logical enough. But it scares the daylights out of me because it takes my choice of my physician out of the equation. My doctor may be the most brilliant mind in the the world and most experienced on the subject of my condition. But if this team of experts, or the "Secretary" doesn't add his treatment to the list, I'm not covered for what he recommends.
To me, I may as well go to the company nurse. (I'm not knocking you nurses! You can be brilliant too. I know because my sister is one. She's my pre-doctor!) But anyone can read a list of prescribed treatments. How many options can there be? And is it going to take into account my body's response to said treatments?
You tell me... is this a good thing? I'm cringing at the thought of where that kind of power can go. So I really don't think so. But you can decide for yourself. I just have an opinion of my own!
Enjoy this beautiful day!
J
Just getting started in my quest for the truth...
Today as I was looking through Facebook I saw another article about Obamacare that caught my attention. It did so because just the bit that I do know about Obamacare, I don't like! The article was about the word Dhimmitude being in the Obamacare bill. Dhimmitude (my summary of what it said) is an exception for Muslims who do not have to participate in Obama's health care plan. In addition the article claimed that all who were not Muslim could be fined. And it also said it was ushering in Sharia law. That's a brief summary of the article which claimed it had been verified on Snopes.com.
Snopes is an Internet myth buster site. Well I went to Snopes and looked for myself. Snopes said it was FALSE... that dhimmitude is not in the law and that the law only gives exceptions for ALL conscientious objectors who are part of an established organization that has been around since 1951. That includes some Muslims, yes. But it also includes the Amish, Mennonites and Christian Scientists to name a few. Snopes also said not all Muslims have a thing against insurance or receiving social security like the Amish do.
So I was relieved that Sharia law is not immediately going to be shoved down my throat in January 2014! But I thought, "Who is Snopes"? And the conspiracy theorist in me kicked in. For all I know Snopes could be in Obama's pocket. They could be helping to usher in the Anti Christ!!! Calm down folks! I'm not claiming Obama is the Anti Christ. but he could be... who knows! Well that last part didn't enter my mind until I got creative with my writing just now. You see, if I'm going to write about something as boring as Obamacare, I've got to at least have some wit as well as wits about me!
But I say all that to say this: At this point in time, I have the freedom to read and interpret laws for myself. And I also still have the right to speak up if I don't like them. God willing, that's what I'm going to do. When I was in college I was in an art history class where one statement my teacher made stuck with me so profoundly. She said that in the dark ages people suffered more because they were uninformed. During that time, no one was allowed to learn to read and write except those in leadership. People knew what their government or their church wanted them to know. They believed what they were told and didn't try to understand the truth for themselves. As a result, creativity waned, progression stopped and chaos pretty much ruled the world. When people rose up and began to demand to learn for themselves, the world changed for the better for the human race.
So today I made a decision and announced it to all my Facebook friends... mostly so I would do what I promised myself I'm going to do. I decided, like I've thought so many times, that I would read the law and try to really understand it. I am asking God to give me wisdom in this task since I'm hardly the type to do such a thing. I'm a creative person, does that tell you anything? And I'm not particularly fond of reading, especially non-fiction. I always say I have to be in the mood...hmmm that mood hasn't been around in a while.
But I owe it to myself, my children and my grandchildren to know exactly what the laws say that so seriously affect us. We all deserve to know. I know... I've heard it's so complicated even scholars can't break it down. But I'll try to understand. And I'll share it with anyone who wants to take time to read this blog. I can tell you that I've gotten trough the first two pages and I already have concerns. (one being that I'll fall asleep) I'll tell you more about that in my next blog.
You're welcome to read, to share your insights and to present opposing opinions. I may not always get it right. But I won't address any hate speech. That's not what this is about. It's just about one American who's not willing to follow blindly to the slaughter house. And I encourage you to do the same. In fact, if you have an opposing opinion, please back it up with facts. I need to learn as much as I can!
Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings. I just have an opinion of my own!
J
Snopes is an Internet myth buster site. Well I went to Snopes and looked for myself. Snopes said it was FALSE... that dhimmitude is not in the law and that the law only gives exceptions for ALL conscientious objectors who are part of an established organization that has been around since 1951. That includes some Muslims, yes. But it also includes the Amish, Mennonites and Christian Scientists to name a few. Snopes also said not all Muslims have a thing against insurance or receiving social security like the Amish do.
So I was relieved that Sharia law is not immediately going to be shoved down my throat in January 2014! But I thought, "Who is Snopes"? And the conspiracy theorist in me kicked in. For all I know Snopes could be in Obama's pocket. They could be helping to usher in the Anti Christ!!! Calm down folks! I'm not claiming Obama is the Anti Christ. but he could be... who knows! Well that last part didn't enter my mind until I got creative with my writing just now. You see, if I'm going to write about something as boring as Obamacare, I've got to at least have some wit as well as wits about me!
But I say all that to say this: At this point in time, I have the freedom to read and interpret laws for myself. And I also still have the right to speak up if I don't like them. God willing, that's what I'm going to do. When I was in college I was in an art history class where one statement my teacher made stuck with me so profoundly. She said that in the dark ages people suffered more because they were uninformed. During that time, no one was allowed to learn to read and write except those in leadership. People knew what their government or their church wanted them to know. They believed what they were told and didn't try to understand the truth for themselves. As a result, creativity waned, progression stopped and chaos pretty much ruled the world. When people rose up and began to demand to learn for themselves, the world changed for the better for the human race.
So today I made a decision and announced it to all my Facebook friends... mostly so I would do what I promised myself I'm going to do. I decided, like I've thought so many times, that I would read the law and try to really understand it. I am asking God to give me wisdom in this task since I'm hardly the type to do such a thing. I'm a creative person, does that tell you anything? And I'm not particularly fond of reading, especially non-fiction. I always say I have to be in the mood...hmmm that mood hasn't been around in a while.
But I owe it to myself, my children and my grandchildren to know exactly what the laws say that so seriously affect us. We all deserve to know. I know... I've heard it's so complicated even scholars can't break it down. But I'll try to understand. And I'll share it with anyone who wants to take time to read this blog. I can tell you that I've gotten trough the first two pages and I already have concerns. (one being that I'll fall asleep) I'll tell you more about that in my next blog.
You're welcome to read, to share your insights and to present opposing opinions. I may not always get it right. But I won't address any hate speech. That's not what this is about. It's just about one American who's not willing to follow blindly to the slaughter house. And I encourage you to do the same. In fact, if you have an opposing opinion, please back it up with facts. I need to learn as much as I can!
Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings. I just have an opinion of my own!
J
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)