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The Stunning "Explanation" An Insurance Company Just Used To Boost Health Premiums By 60%

Tyler Durden's picture




 

It may not have been easy for Blue Cross Blue Shield to admit to their clients their premiums are set to rise by 60% due to Supreme Court-mandated tax known as "Obamacare" but it would have been the right thing.

Instead, in justifying the boost to the two-month medical premium from $867 to $1.365, the health insurer decided to use the following excuse: "With advances in medical technology, prescription drugs and ways to treat injuries and illnesses, Americans are living healthier lives. [i.e., living longer] Because of these changes, we must adjust your premium to stay in line with increased costs."

In other words, if you want lower costs, and avoiding 60% healthcare inflation, just do everything in your power to prevent Americans from "living healthier lives."

And just in case anyone is still confused why plunging gasoline prices simply refuse to translate into greater discretionary spending, please keep reading the above letter until you finally get.

Finally, for those who are likewise confused how companies like Valeant can boost the prices of their drugs anywhere between 90% and 2300% in 2-3 years, and get away with it without nobody noticing...

... also keep reading the above letter until you finally get it.

h/t @JeffreyTetrault

 

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Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:22 | 6607260 BullyBearish
BullyBearish's picture

Same as the water company..."since mandatory conservation was so successful, we must raise rates"...and then, when the drought is over, "please feel free to use as much water as you want"...at the higher rates of course...

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:28 | 6607305 nuubee
nuubee's picture

Actually, the surprising thing on that chart is how low their increases actually are considering the amount of market power they bought for themselves.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:39 | 6607348 NoDebt
NoDebt's picture

Adverse selection's a bitch, isn't it?

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:06 | 6607457 nuubee
nuubee's picture

The level of actual research into the side-effects of some of these drugs before they get approval is on-par with high-school science projects. No, I'm not a biochemist myself, but I am a physicist/engineer and I have friends who work as drug researchers in big pharm. These people tell me straight out, "Do not use any drug that hasn't been on the market at least 30 years, tell your doctor you reject their suggestion."

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:20 | 6607531 max2205
max2205's picture

hope and change....nope

if you like your Dr...pay moar

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:40 | 6607633 froze25
froze25's picture

I have heard the same thing.  There is a lot of money in those little mind control pills, excuse me, pills to treat "illnesses".

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:05 | 6607774 weburke
weburke's picture

the drugs are trying to do the jobs that vegetables do.  enzymes. fresh fruits and vegetables. ginger for cancer.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:40 | 6607943 Stuck on Zero
Stuck on Zero's picture

You are absolutely correct weburke.  We'd be collectively better off if the drug companies raised their prices to infinity.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 17:29 | 6608183 asteroids
asteroids's picture

Folks, this is just the Oligarchy extracting capital from Baby Boomers. The jackals dream up plans of feeding off of the largest and richest demographic groups than can afford to pay. Obozo care is  a mandatory "forced" tax. I'm amazed you Amerikans haven't revolted because of it. These vampires will feed off you sheeple until you are six feet under and then they'll go after your kids and grandkids.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 20:17 | 6608948 Richard Chesler
Richard Chesler's picture

To anyone who believed in a single word of Obozocare,

YOU'RE A FUCKING IMBECILE DUDE!

 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 18:28 | 6608436 N2OJoe
N2OJoe's picture

The point ----->

.........................You.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 23:45 | 6609567 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

NO! You are missing the POINT (not QUITE on target).

 

YOU,

US,

WE!

I.

"Triumph Fight The Good Fight. Wake Up, World." (schwboll)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmRtV2jWR5Y

THAT's some cryptic stuff...

The Prozac meds are wearing off, and I gotta go re-up my scrip now.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:39 | 6607352 Skateboarder
Skateboarder's picture

60% - the public will take it up the pooper with minor complaints.
100% - the public will take it up the pooper with major complaints.
1000% - you pay the gubbamin license and maintenance fees to use your pooper.

There was definitely a panel that found the "optimal" milking rate hike as 60% without giving leeway into public opinion the ridiculousness of the scam that is insurance.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:15 | 6607500 Ignatius
Ignatius's picture

Woohoo! I'm gonna live a 60% longer life!

50 extra years with a limp dick, just think of it!

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 21:23 | 6609173 Whodathunkit
Whodathunkit's picture

I heard Obozo care pays for a stiff dick pill. WooHoo

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:16 | 6607510 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

Living longer might mean more time over which to collect premiums. Unfortunately many are living longer, in a state of "chronic dis-ease." There is too much money to be made in rent seeking, to motivate anybody to cure things like (type II Diabetes...a result of the USDA and its fucking food pyramid.)

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:42 | 6607646 froze25
froze25's picture

Predators eat protein, prey eat grains.  Choose wisely.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:44 | 6607658 Miffed Microbio...
Miffed Microbiologist's picture

Conservatively speaking, diabetes accounts for about 75% of my work. An infected toe can get a patient in ICU for weeks often times resulting in amputation. I've had a patient get stuck by a palm on her ankle and they amputate her entire leg after 3 weeks. She had 4 bacterial and 3 fungal species growing aggressively, unstoppable even with very strong antibiotics. This is not unusual anymore. High blood sugar is a microbial culture media.

The sad thing is most of this is preventable. If people would decide to stop shoving crap in their faces, turn off the tv and go outside and get some exercise their lives would improve incredibly. I frankly don't get why they have no motivation to do so and rather get their appendages whacked off. I guess if you have a tv remote nothing else matters.

Miffed

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:57 | 6607735 overmedicatedun...
overmedicatedundersexed's picture

miffed, you know why the syndrome x crowd gets that way..it's why we all post here ..the end of the world comes in a .gov handout twinkie.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:22 | 6607859 overmedicatedun...
overmedicatedundersexed's picture

for Miffed:

Emerging evidence ties endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure to two of the biggest public health threats facing society - diabetes and obesity, according to the executive summary of an upcoming Scientific Statement issued today by the Endocrine Society.

The statement's release comes as Society experts are addressing a global meeting, the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4), in Geneva, Switzerland, on the importance of using scientific approaches to limit of EDC exposure.

The statement builds upon the Society's groundbreaking 2009 report, which examined the state of on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the risks posed to . In the ensuing years, additional research has found that exposure is associated with increased risk of developing diabetes and obesity. Mounting evidence also indicates EDC exposure is connected to infertility, hormone-related cancers, neurological issues and other disorders.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 17:04 | 6608075 Miffed Microbio...
Miffed Microbiologist's picture

This is hot stuff. I've been reading about this. When BPA broke I knew this was just the beginning. Just like when trans fats finally got recognition as causing MORE heart disease than regular butter and they had been pushing margarine as a substitute for 30 years. I have friends that say " oh, I switched to the non trans fat margarine so it's ok". I've read the chemical they have switched to may not be any better than the original but they need years to prove it. So, once again, Americans volunteer to be guinea pigs.

My rule of thumb. Any processed food made by a big corporation is probably not going to be good for you. BPA is in 75% of canned food too. The assholes have got it everywhere. This leeches into water ways. There is no way to filter out hormones and these chemicals from public water cheaply.

I believe they are correct it has a part in this obesity epidemic. Since the use of the Pill and estrogens used in fattening beef, we've had an explosion of environmental estrogens and estrogen mimicking chemicals. My old boss wanted to study this at Salk but was denied funding and told never to pursue this again. Obviously, they didn't want to risk the consequences if he found out something that would affect big Pharm or Chemical's bottom line.

Miffed

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 20:21 | 6608966 insanelysane
insanelysane's picture

Miffed,

As a fat person I love hearing that the "cure" to being fat is to eat healthy and exercise.  Well the cure to heroin addiction is to not shoot heroin, the cure for depression is to be happy, and the cure for ADD is to pay attention.  It's easy.  As a fat person I have no problem not shooting heroin, no problem being happy, and no problem paying attention so why is it difficult for all of these people on heroin/methodone, anti-depressents, and whatever the anti-ADD drug of choice is now???

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 22:48 | 6609420 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

PHHH!

You're not addicted to Heroin, and you have the ability to pay attention; AND, you're happy as well. GOOD FOR YOU.

I hear that eating too much, or eating the wrong foods, makes you fat (that is, if you don't have a pre-existing externally-caused condition within your body that makes you this way).

I eat lots of beef and chicken and eggs and salted butter and potatoes and onions and tomatoes and garlic and and lettuce and REALLY RICH FOODS, and drink pure artesian deep-well water (from my well), and lots of WHOLE milk, and should be a PORKER (but I also work, you know; WORK, physically as well as mentally). NO PORK, though. That shit makes you FAT and POISONS your body. NO processed snack foods, no High Frutcose Corn Syrup, NO artificial sweeteners, NO artificial colors, NO fucking McDONALD's!

IF I was FAT I would get depressed because I was unnatractive. I might resort to pharmacological answers, going so far as to use Heroin and smoke (GASP!) Mary-Jane. Sitting in my Barcalounger eating Doritos and Cheetos and watching Foozeball, I would finally sign up for free O-care, and try to get a Prozac Conscription, and bitch because my long-term SSI benefits didn't cover my cable bill. I'd laugh at myself in rememberance of 'a jolly old man who's belly shook like a bowl full of jelly' every 25th of December. Every morning I'd be working on breathing exercizes in order to sit up in bed. I'd look back fondly on the time when I used to be able to see my penis. I'd laugh at the re-runs of 'Austin Powers' (because 'Fat Bastard' actually looks 'fit' to me). Planning for the future, I'd log on to mortuaries and look for the link to caskets the size of Grand Piano cases.

BUT: Because most people are HEALTHY, and WORK for a living, THEY (US, WE, THE OVERWHELMING MASSES) are forced to see THEIR insurance rates DOUBLE (or more), while sick, fat, avorous people get the shit for FREE.

I'm seriously GLAD that you are FAT; and HAPPY (at the same time).

I'm happy that I'm FAT (in the places that count). FAT, and LONG, as well. In ye olde days, this was called 'thick'.

PHHH!

 

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 01:11 | 6609700 MisterMousePotato
MisterMousePotato's picture

Well, you know ... it's not entirely revolting (the idea of Miffed wacking your appendage off).

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 20:31 | 6609006 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture

DES is a dandy too.

Bruce Jender confusion anyone?

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 00:31 | 6609646 Miffed Microbio...
Miffed Microbiologist's picture

That is one awful drug. They have found multigenerational cancers in both men and women from that shit. Thank God my mother refused to take it when they prescribed it for her. She told me " something about taking a hormone didn't seem right".

Sometimes having a stubborn cynical asshole for a mother is a good thing.

Miffed;-)

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 08:47 | 6610248 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture

My understanding is not only cancers but a deformed uterus in offspring rendering them barren.

What a boon for fertility clinics.

They're giving it to the livestock.

Anyone eating industrial food is unknowingly taking it.

Little boys sterile, little girls puberty at age 5.

Everything engineered for profit off the back of misery.

Your mom had some good spidey senses when it came to bullshit.  ;)

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 00:40 | 6609655 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

"If man made it, don't eat it." - Jack Lalanne

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:03 | 6607760 Almost Solvent
Almost Solvent's picture

"I frankly don't get why they have no motivation to do so . . ."

I can't speak to the socio-economic life of this specific patient, but I see many in the lower tiers of our society basically give the fuck up on life. Not like, I'm going to shoot myself in the head, but rather I'm going to take the path of least resistance.

As long as the EBT cards work, and Section 8 pays the rent, and Sugardaddy Sam gives out the $$$$ Earned Income Refundable Credit every year - nothing will change. And frankly, why would it? Not that most of us here see any real existence in such an arrangement, but there are millions out there who do. And know they can go to the ER for 'free' whenever they want.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 17:06 | 6608072 daveO
daveO's picture

.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:24 | 6607868 still kicking
still kicking's picture

Generally I agree but I'm a type 2 I lift heavy 3 days a week and do either high intensity cardio or slow cardio 2-3 times a week and then play with my kids on all of the days and I can barely keep my shit in check.  I don't eat baked chicken and vegetables every meal but it's along those lines 70% of the time, sometimes you are just destined to lose.  I'm 39 and I figure by 55-60 I'll be done for but till then I'll give it all I've got.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 17:30 | 6608175 Christophe2
Christophe2's picture

You should definitively check out Rick Simpson Oil, which is a widely reputed 100% cure for severe diabetes (in addition to curing cancer + many other things)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQwwGPiyW9M

A small (home-made) 1 month RSO treatment cured me of my athma, my allergy to cats (strangely enough), my 10+ year old achiles tendon injury, and a few minor issues.  I don't doubt that if I had cancer or diabetes, it would have helped a lot with that too.  It is the most amazing stuff.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 17:36 | 6608206 Miffed Microbio...
Miffed Microbiologist's picture

My naturopath has several patients like you. He told me the lean, in shape type 2 diabetics are extremely difficult to manage. Fortunately they are rare. He has a whole protocol for them. May I suggest alternative medicine? It has changed our lives.

Miffed

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 18:00 | 6608329 still kicking
still kicking's picture

Absolutely, do you have any alternatives in mind?  I self medicate with several supplements to keep whole body inflammation down such as resveratrol, milk thistle, cinammon, tumeric and lots of vitamin C.  I was on Vit E but my doctor discouraged it due to some studies showing potential heart problems.  I may get back on it as that was when my numbers were at their best.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 18:17 | 6608398 Miffed Microbio...
Miffed Microbiologist's picture

I'll get back with you when I get home. The vit E studies that showed heart problems was with synthetic Vit E. Natural is far better but you should be careful with fat soluble vitamins with the exception of D( I take vit D with K2 derived from natto). You can take too much vitamin A and E.

Miffed;-)

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 19:38 | 6608748 FreedomGuy
FreedomGuy's picture

Saw palmetto has good data for guys, too. It's standard therapy in some European countries.

I am a limited fan of the claims of supplements. It is not because I think they are false. It is because they come heavy with claims and testimonials and theory and not a lot of mathematically sound studies. Some do and those I believe in. Also, there are often trade-offs and variables that are not analyzed. I can tell you stories of supplements gone wrong, too. When you eat a root, you are not eating one chemical. You are eating many depending on how far you want to go. If it is not a staple, like broccoli then you are in unknown territory. The pop supplement of today is often gone tomorrow. 

However, there really is not down side whatsoever to eating healthy with a little common sense. You really cannot go wrong with organic or fresh or whole or basic things we know we are made to eat. 

The flip side is that you can actually and inadvertantly sensitize yourself to something by avoiding it. Allergists now recommend early and regular exposure to peanuts to desensitize kids. If they avoid them they increase risk of severe peanut allergies. It can be the same with gluton or most anything else. It is an interesting problem of modern society as we can eat many foods now we did not grow up with, as well as avoid many. If you were Thai you would grow up eathing their foods. You'd get sick if you ate a heavy fried and cheesy southern dish, but not the southerner...well, not in the short run. 

My basic premise is to read carefully, not just testimonials but actual quantitative research with either placebo's or comparitors. Then there is your own constitution and what works for you. You might actually be a gluten sensitive person.

I am eating turkey chlli with crackers as I write this. 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 20:29 | 6608998 Jena
Jena's picture

You might look into quercitin as another possible overall anti-inflammatory agent. It is usually packaged with bromelain (another anti-inflammatory) and between the two, they can interactact with some drugs so check it out before taking.

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 10:50 | 6611003 still kicking
still kicking's picture

Thanks for the suggestions, I will look into them.  Honestly I trust animal treatment studies more than human doctors, my BIL is a vet and confirmed they treat dogs with milk thistle all the time my doctor and most MD's I've read think it is bunk since Merck didn't recommend it. 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:46 | 6607981 DirtyHowi
DirtyHowi's picture

as a diabetic, i can tell you its not all lifestyle, ate right, exercised and this little thing called crappy genes did it to me.  I take no medicine, A1C is nominally pre-diabetic every 3 months. DX was a 6.3, past 2 years kept it at 5.7/5.9 ish.

 

what i dont get is how a guy who is in somewhat reasonable shape (hey pears a shape) gets this while the 300lb porker at the buffet eats whatever he damn well wants.  THAT will piss you off.

 

Cest la vie, Cest la guerre, Cest laAmore

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 17:35 | 6608201 still kicking
still kicking's picture

EXACTLY!

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 18:11 | 6608371 Miffed Microbio...
Miffed Microbiologist's picture

My husband discovered during a routine check up he had fatty liver. He was 25 lbs over weight and once he lost it, his liver enzymes resolved. I was nearly 40lbs over weight at the time and I didn't have it. Pissed him off to no end. But it was a good reason for both of us to lose the weight.

Looking back, when we were both so fat, we had two little kids and both of us were working full time with no extended family for support. I was working a killer 10hr graveyard shift so I could be with them during the day and my husband would come home early so I could get some sleep before going to work. We relied on convenience foods to get by and rarely got enough exercise.

These were the toughest years of our marriage but we stuck it out. I have such empathy for young families today with no one to help. Seeing such narcissism today make it even more tragic for the kids.

Miffed

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 21:10 | 6609135 WonderDawg
WonderDawg's picture

Narcissism is the zeitgeist of the 201X's. I'm simultaneously shocked, baffled, and depressed by the shameless narcissism on display pretty much everywhere you go.

 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:05 | 6607769 boattrash
boattrash's picture

Skateboarder,
You're so right. I still can't understand why, when this kind of shit happens, people don't just cancel their policies.
If these bastards saw that they had NO customers, their damned premiums would soon look like a Dollar Store Clearance Sale.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:19 | 6607842 azusgm
azusgm's picture

If a refusnik movement got underway, being uninsured or ACA noncompliant insured would become a felony. Being overinsured would gain you a Cadillac tax for being an elitist.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:26 | 6607880 boattrash
boattrash's picture

I currently have Blue Cross. If I get notice of a 60% increase, I'll cancel.

My ultimate insurance is .45 cal.

Always save the last one for yourself, problem is, I have many, many, to send first.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:49 | 6607991 DirtyHowi
DirtyHowi's picture

150,000 rounds....i call it a decent start.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 20:40 | 6609038 Whatta
Whatta's picture

dude we had BCBS of TX. They cancelled our plan (thanks to "if you like your plan you can keep it" ASSHOLE OBAMA), and forced us into increasingly expensive plans untilwe said enuf!!!!

We ditched their system and opted into a nonprofit healthcare cost sharing plan (one of the plans that got an exception from the obama POS.)

It's TONS cheaper and well rated and growing as people ditch Gubermint dictate.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 21:13 | 6609123 Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill's picture

My choice also.

After contracting osteomyolitis after a routine stent implant.

Rather eat my gun than go back into a US hospital.Safer in an Indian public hospital

than in "the best medical system in the world".

.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 23:22 | 6609511 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

I feel truly sorry for those who think that a 'stent implant' is 'routine'. A 'simple fracture of the ulna', well, THAT might be 'routine'; cutting into the living human body to open an artery that goes into/from the human HEART and placing an artificial duct within isn't quite as 'simple'.

DEVOLUTION: It IS a BITCH.

 

Doctors PRACTICE.

They are 'PRACTICING PHYSICIANS', in fact.

I see lots of people bitching about 'incompetent mechanics', but DOCTORS only have ONE MAKE and TWO MODELS to 'PRACTICE' on.

Once those 'doctors' graduate, let me know (I don't want to be a guinea pig to be 'PRACTICED ON').

'Hello. This is BILL from BOMBAY, and I will be your practicing physician. Mary from Mombay will be the head nurse in this procedure. Breathe deep, and don't worry...'

YOU caught STAPH infection. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteomyelitis/basics/cause...

Of course, in India, Staph has been eradicated (?). Here in CONUS, we import it in order to try to bring everyone down to an 'equal playing field'.

You are a DIPSHIT. Speaking of 'DIPSHIT', I hear that the River Ganges is as clean as it gets, and you should go drink the water there (it helps with STAPH infections).

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 07:05 | 6609951 Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill's picture

Tell that to yor fellow doctors who believe they are gods.Most think they are  beyond

human failings.And I have swum in the Ghats at sunrise,but it took an American hospital

to give me that staph.They knew I had old compression fractures and newglected elemental

precautions/prophylaxis.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:55 | 6608034 thecondor
thecondor's picture

They can charge what ever they want, its mandated by law to buy it. 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 17:04 | 6608074 Mentaliusanything
Mentaliusanything's picture

I cancelled because I am fit and healthy, Old yes but fit and healthy and Not stupid.

I ride motorbikes fast and women slow. I drink good Scotch and eat only natural food. I shop in two isles, fruit and Veg & fresh fish and meat. I have a Doctor who hates me because he can't make anything off me.

Fuck insurance companies. They know your going to die and You happily pay to say your not..

I have better thing to spend $9,000 a year on.

(Ps. Some parts of the world have excellent medical facilities if you require anything done for far less than you can imagine.)

 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 17:13 | 6608107 daveO
daveO's picture

$9000 before the Ins. Co. pays anything! That will get you to a cheap country and pay for the procedure, in many cases. If they raise rates next year, $14,400. The rule of 72=doubles every 1.2 years, 14.4 months. Everyone will be broke by the time O'Care's namesake leaves office. 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 20:25 | 6608984 Mentaliusanything
Mentaliusanything's picture

Exactly, If you add in the deductable you can get a holiday and your procedure done in absoulute luxury

Check the prices for one of the Worlds top rated hospitals in Thailand -

 https://www.bumrungrad.com/

Even better in Vietnam.

or if in USA

ABC Hospital in Mexico City

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 00:58 | 6609686 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

Medical tourism and the supporting meta-services may be the next big thing.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 23:12 | 6609485 NeedtoSecede
NeedtoSecede's picture

I am sure I will die sometime (genetics really not good on my Dad's side of the family), but I pride myself on NOT going to the fucking doctor. 50 years old, bike, run, walk, or lift weights every day and just ran a marathon on Kauai earlier this month. Haven't had a "check up" since the mid 90s. Like @Mental I try to eat real food, and don't eat like a ravenous pig every meal. Regular small meals works for me and my weight is the same as when I graduated from college.

 

Maybe I am lucky, or maybe I will drop dead tomorrow morning when I head out for my run. But no disrespect to Miffed and others, but we really don't know shit about the human body yet except our current lifestyle of choice - super size meals and too much TV-is killing us. Stay away from hospitals, stay away from doctors and get up off the fucking couch and move! We evolved to move and life is much better when you just keep moving.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 18:44 | 6608510 FreedomGuy
FreedomGuy's picture

The insurance thing is very confusing because we cannot know what they are pricing into it. Maybe they anticipate sex change operations will be free for everyone and San Fran will blow the budget (pun). It is hard to tell but Obamacare gives them a pass and guarantees their margins. The main point to me is that options are far more limited and far more expensive. I meet people daily who opting out. It is too much. The term "illegals" may soon refer to those who skip out on mandatory insurance rather than Mexicans without passports. I have this conversation almost every day. Today I was talking with someone and going over the methods of reimbursements and rising numbers of Obamacare folks who are making hard choices. 

The second chart needs to have the raw prices. Percentages can be deceiving. If something goes from a dollar to five dollars it is 500%. I know almost every medication on that chart and virtually all of them are very old and generic. About 85% of the market by volume is generic today. I suspect most of these are simply generic prices rising. I am not sure how many players are left and producing some of the more uncommon meds. I priced a generic last week at $100 for a months worth at one pharmacy and then $124/mo at another. It is a low volume generic. 

The pricing is crazy because of how the completely controlled government markets work. Without going into pages of details it is an extremes market, now. You either get paid nothing and are not covered or you have something the market must cover and you chart like a fighter plane. You have to make your living in the remaining and still dwindling 15% of the market. It is very difficult to bring competition in because of long lead times. Even if you get in, the first competitors will bid to actually keep you off of plans and control the market. 

So, in the future one of two extremes (compared to now) will be used. First and most likely will be full and direct government control in single payer or national health care. The other will be to go free market, fewer controls and matching the prices in medicine to actual abilitty to pay or buy products and services. This is not very likely. Most people cannot imagine anything outside of government. 

 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 21:20 | 6609160 WonderDawg
WonderDawg's picture

Premiums are up because the providers are raping us. Hospitals charging $12 for a generic ibuprofen tablet. TWELVE FUCKING DOLLARS! $75 for a $4 box of sterile hand wipes. SEVENTY FIVE FUCKING DOLLARS! And guess what? They don't give you a price list and an estimate before you go in. No, no. You find out when you get your bill. If some doctor you never met, never even heard of, sticks his head in the door while you're getting your procedure, you get a $12,000 bill from him. This is where the criminal activity is occuring. Insurance companies raise premiums to cover these absurd provider bills.

Why don't the insurance companies call bullshit? I don't get that part.

 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 21:54 | 6609281 FreedomGuy
FreedomGuy's picture

Well, Dawg, you are pretty much correct. That $12 ibuprofen has a large service fee because it was packaged and delivered as a single dose in the hospital unlike buying the 100 count Walmart special. For insurance it will get adjudicated down to about a buck or rolled into a package reimbursement. 

Hospitals are "Gotcha!" Once you are in there you have no idea what you may or may not need or how much anything coming your way actually costs. You don't even know if it will be disallowed after the fact by your insurance company. Frankly, you are helpless and you may even be unconscious, right? 

Your best protections are the insurance company negotiated prices. From my experience, they are about 21-22% of the billed amounts. It can be even less.

It is a sucker system with little conscience. The suits in the corner suites make large bucks working the billing systems. 

I will tell you your best defense is to actually pick your hospital before you need it. If you are in an urban area you probably have several choices. Ask how they negotiate charges not covered by insurance. That is the key. If they are vague or do not negotiate, do not go there apart from understanding your insurance very well. Part of the reason they do not negotiate is because it is more profitable to not negotiate. If they are only getting 20-25% from insurance they can probably shake you down for far more even using debt collectors and they write off at a 40% or more tax rate. 

I do not know the answer but the problem is that the system, like all systems arises from the rules of the game and current tax laws and reimbursement systems. 

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 01:32 | 6609722 MisterMousePotato
MisterMousePotato's picture

Hm. My first double post. I forgive all you others now.

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 01:31 | 6609725 MisterMousePotato
MisterMousePotato's picture

Remember that scene from The Fifth Element where Bruce Willis went in to negotiate?

"Anyone else wanna negotiate?"

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 01:45 | 6609744 harposox
harposox's picture

Insurance compaines don't call bullshit because their margins are guaranteed under Obamacare. So more expensive health care means that their profits increase proportionally. Fucking twisted.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:27 | 6607291 TongueStun
TongueStun's picture

Thanks Obama! Thanks Socialist jew media, Thanks socialist jew FED banksters!

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:35 | 6607330 r101958
r101958's picture

Thank both parties. They are both bought and sold by the same huge corporations (...and I am definitely NOT an Obummer fan!).

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:47 | 6607378 Billy the Poet
Billy the Poet's picture

How many Republicans voted for Obamacare?

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:51 | 6607398 r101958
r101958's picture

Enough to not defeat it; as planned. Wake up and smell the Yuban! All these things are choreographed.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:57 | 6607423 r101958
r101958's picture

For those STILL drinking the current political system Koolaid I repost this from 4 years ago:

by r101958
on Mon, 04/04/2011 - 11:24

I'll say it once (last year before the elections) and I'll say it again now:

"Current politics is best represented by a two headed dragon. Politicians pay lip service to opposing ideologies but both the Republican and Democratic parties are part of the same big government dragon body. The body is moving in one direction; bigger and more powerful government. More control over the electorate. Having the two parties serves a greater purpose though....it divides the populace (sheeple?) into two camps that are always at each others' throat. This tactic is called divide and conquer. Until we wake up and get away from the 'Repubs this....' or 'Dems that....' blame game then we will be slowly boiled...just like the frog in the frying pan...all while the dragon stands by watching and laughing."

And .....the sheep continue bleating.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:10 | 6607480 Countrybunkererd
Countrybunkererd's picture

the two headed dragon stands by...

1.  Watching

2.  Laughing

3.  Eating us and our children

4.  Laughing even harder, giving itself fist bumps in the mirror

5.  Eating us and our children, telling us to be PATRIOTIC and stupid crap like that...

6.  Eating us and our children, planning on eating our great great grandchildren in the future... and laughing

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:23 | 6607547 r101958
r101958's picture

Bottom line.....we need to get the big money OUT of politics. I have often wondered how......seems to me if we can give 700 billion to TBTF banks in one year we can fund candidates and demand accountability. NO pacs, no private donations, equal air time. No network marginalization of candidates etc. It would take some serious planning. This is one of the only palatable solutions that I have come up with. The problem will be convincing the establishment, et al, to make the changes - not likely.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:10 | 6607771 LowerSlowerDela...
LowerSlowerDelaware_LSD's picture

So... The gubmint, with TRILLIONS of dollars of money IN politics, isn't big money?  The largest political contributions/influence come from government buying votes/power by giving away enormous amounts of money.  Then they get all kinds of free advertising, etc., as well.

The answer to all of these problems is to get gubmint back to what it should be under the Constitution - LIMITED.  If gubmint weren't so enormous with so much money to buy votes and pay corporations/individuals (Solyandra, for example) with there would be no need for big money to buy influence.  Gubmint should simply protect individual rights (not wants).  That's it.

 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:16 | 6607826 r101958
r101958's picture

I am not saying it would be easy to figure out or implement. It is US (our) money. It does not belong to the government. It can be done. Candidates that achieved a certain polling percentage (yes, this would need to be monitored) when the primary races begin for each side would receive a set amount for ads, travel, staff etc. They would only be able to spend this money and would need to account for their expenditures. Same for the final two candidates except that the money would be a greater amount. The TV time would be free. A certain amount of time for each candidate to deliver his/her message. No money from other sources used. Including personal funds. Etc, Etc...of course this would all need to be monitored. It would be difficult. BUT, really, think about it....what are the alternatives? Continue posting inconsequential screeds on a blog site?

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:37 | 6607926 LowerSlowerDela...
LowerSlowerDelaware_LSD's picture

Because all are competing with more or less unlimited money in political advertising - that being government, pull out all stops and simply require full disclosure.  Then it is up to the population to not be fooled by dishonest Hillary(!) for emperor ads, etc.  An ignorant population is the end of a free country. (Therefore, poor quality, and getting worse, government education exists.)

The Koch brothers were all behind Scott Walker.  How did Big Money work out there?

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:46 | 6607946 Billy the Poet
Billy the Poet's picture

I drink so much government kool-aid that I won't vote and openly advertise myself as an anarchist of the capitalist variety. That doesn't change the fact that the votes which brought Obamacare into being were cast by Democrats. The Republicans could not have cast fewer "Yes" votes than they did.

For the record, I used to have a seat on my local Democratic Committee.

The way to fix the situation is to repeal Obamacare and use the Commerce Clause to make the states allow insurance to be purchased across state lines. That's the rational solution within the existing paradigm. Eliminating government altogether would be better, of course.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:53 | 6607721 cheech_wizard
cheech_wizard's picture

Pardon me, the correct answer here is zero. Don't be a twat.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:17 | 6607831 boattrash
boattrash's picture

OK cheech, will they repeal it?

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:55 | 6607414 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

How many people voted? Therein lies part of the problem. The other part of the problem is obedience.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:32 | 6607595 Vullsain
Vullsain's picture

Right..... and if it were not for Obamacare everything would be OK  "Yeah Thats the Ticket"   just do what Dubya did and pass a new Medicare modernization act with no offsetting spending cuts to pay for the one trillion over a decade costs. borrow and spend and then pretend it never happened and talk about good ole republican fiscal responsibility!!  what a fucking broken record.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:50 | 6608000 Billy the Poet
Billy the Poet's picture

The fact that I now pay so much for insurance that I can't afford to go to the doctor doesn't concern you but it concerns me. I'm sorry if that upsets you. Pardon my micro-aggression, I'm just a cis-normal guy.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:52 | 6607404 azusgm
azusgm's picture

Obamacare passed on a straight party line vote. The republicans have tried over and over again to get rid of the (Un)affordable Care Act. They are trying again as we speak.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/house-republicans-advance-bill-undo-160613...

But hey, don't vote because it makes no difference which candidate gets elected. /sarc

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:02 | 6607438 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

Why is that sarc? If voting actually made a difference, it would be illegal.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:14 | 6607493 Countrybunkererd
Countrybunkererd's picture

So would voting multiple times, voting while dead, voting being foreign, voting without id, and so on...

nothing is illegal in our "new" system, unless you are a threat to that system, then everything you do is illegal (think civil asset seizures... the one that leaves you on the ground wrything and jerking in disbelief)

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:20 | 6607527 Abaco
Abaco's picture

The GOP has never tried to to get rid of Obamacare.  If they wanted to get rid of it they would simply not fund it. They control the house.  Since it remains funded it is because the GOP wants it that way. Lying sack of shit Boehner's whining notwithstanding.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:37 | 6607621 azusgm
azusgm's picture

Defunding Obamacare was exactly what was at stake with the shutdown a couple of years ago. The "amendment" to the CR stripped out every single word of the bill beyond the header and replaced it in toto. It included funding for a nice piece of infrastructure for Mitch McConnell's state.

The GOP is not a unitary entity. There are the RINOs (good old boys who need to go away) and the conservatives. Personally, I have been ready to see McConnell and Cornyn go away for a long time. Jeff Sessions would be a good replacement for McConnell. Tomorrow would not be too soon.

In a solidly Republican district, the trick is to get the right person to run and stay behind him. Another essential task is to seat the right state party chairman. It is very hard to fight the RNC, but it can be done. A third party is not viable. A reformed republican party is the only option that might work.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:41 | 6607640 overmedicatedun...
overmedicatedundersexed's picture

azu you reform the gop, but you gotta have lots of bribe money to off set their losses..(you really do think like that mr smith going to washington guy, surprising in your nieve way) I wish you luck.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:48 | 6607682 froze25
froze25's picture

20 disciplined men ready to work hard are enough to take over or at-least completely throw a monkey wrench into any local political party.  Its all about taking the committee seats.  Most are vacant and are appointed by the party chairman so they do his bidding.  But you can simply petition your local election district and only need 2 signatures of registered party members to get a real committee seat that is not beholden to the party chairman.  The power of the party is in the committee they choose who the party funds will be used to support.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:41 | 6607619 Vullsain
Vullsain's picture

OK, but then what? is the Health Care monstrosity fixed?? We are so fucked it's unbelievable. The Republicans have no answer so they resort to  simple political posturing, in a transparent attempt to  secure their votes, money and power.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:46 | 6607641 socalbeach
socalbeach's picture

It does make a difference if a Repub or Dem gets elected.  If a Dem gets elected we get shafted with one set of policies  If a Repub gets elected we get shafted by a different but overlapping set. The overall size of the screw job could be a little different though.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:51 | 6607396 shanearthur
shanearthur's picture

No way did Obama write anything 2,300 words long. Lobbyists wrote this bill with full knowledge that Obama would get his socialism, but who cares as long as the medical lobby would get to skyrocket their rates and blame it on socialism. See how clever that is?

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:40 | 6607636 Bay Area Guy
Bay Area Guy's picture

I think you got your measurements a little off.  The "Affordable" Care Act wasn't 2300 words long.  It was 2300 pages long.  The only way Obama wrote any of this is so that it would fail dramatically and we'd get the ultra-left's version of single payer.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:44 | 6607652 shanearthur
shanearthur's picture

Yes, pages I meant, and, yes, all part of the overall plan to control our lives directly or through our wallets. This two-headed snake doesn't care how is sucks the life out of us and long as they control the sucking and the profits.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:50 | 6607694 froze25
froze25's picture

If the people are able to have too much capital for themselves and put that capital to work then they don't need the Gov't.  Can't have that now.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 18:46 | 6608516 FreedomGuy
FreedomGuy's picture

Only the Jews are socialists? Seems to be a lot more than that. 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 22:12 | 6609330 MEFOBILLS
MEFOBILLS's picture

About 3 minutes 50 seconds into video.  Crimean seniors are queing up to receive Russian medical cards.  Apparently Russia can afford to give health care to its new seniors, and Russian system does not have a crises of costs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1zvb_ottiw

 

Crimea for dummies... especially American dummies.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 22:27 | 6609365 MEFOBILLS
MEFOBILLS's picture

So, how is it that a normalized medical dollar will buy twice as much in Gemany as it does in U.S.  It buys three times as much in Japan.  In other words, the Same U.S. dollar spent in Japan will buy 3x as much medical care.

Hmmmmm.   Must be a lot of rent taking in U.S. medical system, with prices being boosted.

That private market is a perfect predictor of price and always leads to lowest costs.

 

Riiiiight.  

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:38 | 6607339 Normalcy Bias
Normalcy Bias's picture

It sounds like an abusive parent saying, "This is going to hurt ME more than it hurts you" just before they beat a kid's ass.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:54 | 6607412 booboo
booboo's picture

It used to be that way, now mom and dad go to jail for child abuse over a spanking so yes it will hurt them more, thanks progs.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:39 | 6607346 Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day's picture

Lets not forget the airlines..

due to high oil prices (140 in 2008) we have no choice but to stop providing meals, 

oh and now 25 dollars per bag on domestic flights only one time

oh and now 25 dollars per bag on international flights as well

oh and now 25 dollars per bag each way

oh and we will gladly sell you a shitty meal on our flight for 12 dollars

am i missing something????

2016...   we no longer allow you to bring on any meals on our long flights...you must buy our shitty meals

We accept credit/debit/ and paypal....no cash as it is banned on our flights

for the children...and education...and peace on earth... and god bless America and nobody else

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:00 | 6607432 vq1
vq1's picture

airline prices are going up because the rising costs of the radiation technology, physical molestation officers and baggage-content-confiscation.

 

Remember this all keeps YOU and america safe.

 

Without these measures flying would be 5% less safe since TSA fails 95% of the security tests administered by the department of homeland security. 

(obviously none of this actually correlates to airline costs but still makes for a shitty way to spend alot of you hard-earned money)

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:09 | 6607477 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

Brought to you by the government protected oligopolies, and their anti-competitive bureacrat minions. This is, of course, the primary mission of The State.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:01 | 6607437 TheCanadianAustrian
TheCanadianAustrian's picture

 

You may book lavatory minutes, $5.99 per 5 minutes from the flight attendant, or $4.99 if you use our pre-purchase option. (Non tramsferrable and non refundable)

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:10 | 6607481 Scooby Dooby Doo
Scooby Dooby Doo's picture

Scooby use to be able to hitch a ride for free. Now it's $300 or stay in the kennel.

I hate the kennel!

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:38 | 6607626 chunga
chunga's picture

It's not funny at all but many times (the exact same) meds can be bought much cheaper for animals than for humans without an RX. There's also a war going on to stamp out effective OTC meds. It's really fucking sickening.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:17 | 6607514 Countrybunkererd
Countrybunkererd's picture

the last line... and your name.  Can i take the cyanide pill, i don't want the red or blue one unless it is the cyanide one.

God Bless THE WORLD, america isn't part of it anymore, the world voted us off the island.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:20 | 6607530 overmedicatedun...
overmedicatedundersexed's picture

justice Roberts we all owe you big time.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:31 | 6607589 doctor10
doctor10's picture

You get to pay the ObamaCare Tax just because you live. Wait until the pass the Carbon Tax-you'll be taxed just because you're breathing.

 

these ass clowns just plain hate people.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 16:11 | 6607801 ChargingHandle
ChargingHandle's picture

Did you expect anything different? There is a reason why pharmaceuticals and insurance companies donated millions of dollars to Obama's campaign. Scratch scratch next.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 23:05 | 6609465 FAIRMARKET1
FAIRMARKET1's picture

Pay the MAN bitchezzzzz, blue cross getting PAID. You know your jealous.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:22 | 6607265 _ConanTheLibert...
_ConanTheLibertarian_'s picture

Makes sense

/s

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:24 | 6607279 redd_green
redd_green's picture

Obamacare  IS LobbyistCare.    They wrote the damn thing.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:27 | 6607290 KnuckleDragger-X
KnuckleDragger-X's picture

Yep, health insurers and Pharma lobbyists helped write Obamacare......

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:59 | 6607417 Caleb Abell
Caleb Abell's picture

They didn't exactly help ... unless, by "help," you mean they let congress read it after they voted for it.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:11 | 6607486 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

more like read it to Congresscritters. You presume the critters can read and comprehend.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:33 | 6607324 NoDebt
NoDebt's picture

A-freaking-men.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:52 | 6607710 froze25
froze25's picture

If I remember correctly it was United Health that was the primary contributor to the ACA.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:02 | 6607440 vq1
vq1's picture

Obamacare is helping to get more Americans insured. Why would you be against this!?

 

and we get more customers, yay!

-your friendly congress "health advisor"

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:25 | 6607283 Zero-Hegemon
Zero-Hegemon's picture

So if everyone in the US picked up a new bad habit would rates go down?

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:28 | 6607298 TongueStun
TongueStun's picture

The government IS promoting homosexuality and TransJennerism......

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:56 | 6607732 froze25
froze25's picture

They want men with out "balls" only men with "balls" stand up and say NO!.  There is a war on Masculinity, that war spans all races.  That is why young boys are drugged in school at younger and younger ages.  That is why women are being trained to be ultra superficial and are taught by the TV that men are dumb and they are smart and men deserve no respect.  Men are taught that being a dumb ignorant shit that is lazy is the proper way to act.  You know the Tuff Guy that can't read a contract or tie his shoes and takes steroids but can't be bothered to do dirty work.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:29 | 6607308 undertow1141
undertow1141's picture

A bad time for Americans to quit smoking it seems.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:43 | 6607366 Questan1913
Questan1913's picture

America!  STOP SMOKING....and watch your medical insurance rates Plummet!!!

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:58 | 6607739 cheech_wizard
cheech_wizard's picture

and then grow fat...

Standard Disclaimer: The correlation is there... 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:36 | 6607337 MrSteve
MrSteve's picture

Your rates will go down if you join a group plan. Individual family insurance rates are lawyers taking your money. Get in some kind of group plan, a club or an association or trade group. There are religious groups forming co-ops where they self-insure under religous exemption provisions in the "law". Do some homework to beat the thieves at their own game.

Don't go on welfare to get a subsidy, they'll own you forever.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:21 | 6607538 Countrybunkererd
Countrybunkererd's picture

Become Amish, they help eachother.  They will even build you a new home if yours burns down.  Oh wait, you WILL have to work if you do that...that is rayciss. 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:10 | 6607478 vq1
vq1's picture

just remember to please only indulge in government-approved bad habits.

Just ask your doctor and they will point you to the appropriate pharmaceutical manufacturer. 

 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:28 | 6607296 U4 eee aaa
U4 eee aaa's picture

Good thing the CPI is only up .000006% or I'd be worried

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:39 | 6607349 XitSam
XitSam's picture

Interesting comment.  Because in the past, economists have said that when prices go up, consumers switch to another procuct.  For example, if beef prices rise, people will switch to chicken. Except this is a product I am required by law to buy.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:15 | 6607498 darteaus
darteaus's picture

When you need a sex change, you pay for a sex change - no substitue will do!

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:27 | 6607566 buzzkillb
buzzkillb's picture

Cheaper to rob a bank, and have the prison pay for the sex change. And if they don't want to, you get out early to rob again. Odds are high you are either getting a sex change or coming out with some extra loot.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:17 | 6607511 Abaco
Abaco's picture

You are required by statute - not by law.  The law does not give the feds authority to regulate health care.  A mott point, I grant you, given the feds willingness to kill you for compliance.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:23 | 6607546 Countrybunkererd
Countrybunkererd's picture

"feds willingness to kill you BY compliance" - fixed it for you.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:39 | 6607351 upWising
upWising's picture

There. Is. No. Inflation.

Believe.

Now you MAY be confusing prices going up and everything costing more, with Inflation.

YOU are confused.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:26 | 6607560 Countrybunkererd
Countrybunkererd's picture

I believe that i am going to crap 5 ounce gold bars... i think i have better odds than that no inflation thing (or the fed actually beating this beast it made- same difference really)

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:27 | 6607565 Countrybunkererd
Countrybunkererd's picture

I BELIEVE!  I BELIEVE!  nope... no gold that time...

 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:28 | 6607300 ToSoft4Truth
ToSoft4Truth's picture

The systems as it stands, you will live until your assets are gone.  Only after will you get the chance to die. 

Assisted suicide would put an end to all of this.

The customer could then ‘opt-out’ of high pricing. 

Premiums are $1,400 a month – “I don’t think so, Bye.” 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:32 | 6607316 Jethro
Jethro's picture

you get bonus points if you take a liberal politician with you.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:36 | 6607335 upWising
upWising's picture

Or you could choose your favorite patch of scenic woods (handicap accessible, of course), and a promise of a Obamacare ride there.  Add in several postage paid postcards, to be mailed by others to one's relatives informing them that you have crawled into those woods to die.

Tidy.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:28 | 6607301 the6thBook
the6thBook's picture

Obamacare... Democrats created and voted for this.  Democare is more appropriate.

 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:29 | 6607310 RopeADope
RopeADope's picture

I know several people who work in the health insurance industry. Ever since critical thinking skills were thrown out the window they do the following to determine rates.

Pay everything that is submitted without question. Figure out what they spent and raise rates to cover the shortfall.

The insurance company lowers its overhead by only employing cognitively disabled people.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:30 | 6607583 Countrybunkererd
Countrybunkererd's picture

Salaries of key individuals in billing and such are... well above $5,000 a week.  FYI and enjoyment.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:48 | 6607686 CaptOveur
CaptOveur's picture

You're forgetting that every claim denied puts them on the losing end of a 7 figure lawsuit.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 18:29 | 6608442 FreedomGuy
FreedomGuy's picture

No, they are relatively immune from lawsuits. The reason is they are free to pay or not pay. You are free to still get the service at your own costs.

So, what they do is escape liabililty by claiming they do not pay for medicine. At the same time they will contract with everyone, physicians, hospitals and pharmaceuticals and tell them their payments DO affect what people do, which is true. Then they extract a large discount. Look at your hospital, lab, and sometimes office visit bill and what the actual insurance payment is. They are hugely different. 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:31 | 6607314 ZDRuX
ZDRuX's picture

Companies are not actually allowed to direct the blame in rise of premiums on Obamacare. This is probably a way to stay out of the courts for this company.

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:32 | 6607317 upWising
upWising's picture

They Hate Us For Our Freedom.

A Health Care System That Is The Envy Of The World.

The Greatest Country The World Has Ever Known.

 

Did I forget anything?

 

 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:36 | 6607336 Seasmoke
Seasmoke's picture

We are exceptional. 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:45 | 6607371 Caleb Abell
Caleb Abell's picture

Perhaps a better word would be "special."

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 14:54 | 6607413 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

I think it's pronounced "FULL RETARD!"

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 15:12 | 6607491 vq1
vq1's picture

We will protect you from ISIS, Russia, China and North Korea! (so you can continue to die from preventable disease)

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 17:04 | 6608073 thecondor
thecondor's picture

Ya, Fuck Obama and the Wife he rode in on.  Fuck the insurance companies, Fuck CONgress and Fuck anyone who voted for this shit faced president. 

Tue, 09/29/2015 - 17:19 | 6608135 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

2-0 in World Wars

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