The Rural Blog provides link to explanations about the changes in health care, a few of which take effect tomorrow:
The complex package has been the subject of much post-passage debate and demagoguery, which is escalating as the congressional elections come closer, so this week is an ideal time to give readers, listeners and viewers an evenhanded description of the law and its ramifications.
I run my own company and have always provided health insurance to the employees. Our rates have gone up 65% over the past 5 years and we have no claims other than routine primary care. Today’s renewal quote came in with the premium’s going up $200 a month per employee. That doesn’t feel like progress to me.
Do you think your insurer’s rate increases are justified?
I do not think they are justified in particular when health insurance companies seem to have the most grandiose buildings in whatever town they reside in, and their CEO’s salary ranges are 3 to 4 times what the President of the United States makes. I remain annoyed that insurance reimbursement in a majority of policies give little credence to paying for routine primary care, mental health services, or helping people change bad lifestyles that many people may actually need more of. The premiums go up..as well as the co-pays for prescription drugs, doctor visits, et cetera. Finally, did you notice that “all” insurance premiums regardless of carrier go up about the same every year? I am convinced that somewhere in some country club is a smoke filled room filled with Insurance CEO’s deciding how large the rate increases should be this year. But I digress..:)
I heard at one time that insurance companies are happy if they break even on the premium/loss ratio. They make their money by investing the premiums. I don’t know if that is true for all insurance categories. [or any for that matter]
I don’t think they are making much in the last few years by investing. If the country could get past the idea that everyone has a right to acquire health care at the same cost then I believe the free-market could sort it out to provide a plan to everyone. Too often I believe the govenment tries to fit a square peg in a round hole.