Why can't we just let people opt out of employer plans without taxing

[RB TexLa]

those who choose to stay in the employer plan if the plan is deemed "too good."

I'm self employed and have build up my HSA and already raised my deductible, and will again. People who are healthy should be able to opt out and take advantage of HSAs but those who stay shouldn't have anything taxed.

[undeterred]

1. This will go the way of Bush attempts to reform Social Security

The country will say a collective "No thanks, Junior"

[aquart]

2. "People who are healthy"

Good to know you've been able to fend for yourself. That's pretty much the "I've got mine, screw the rest of you" Republican philosophy. The PROBLEM is the insurance companies are cherrypicking the healthy and refusing the people who actually desperately need insurance and no tax will change that. And employers are taking insurability into consideration in hiring.

But nice of you to insist that the further ruination of what little healthcare system we have shouldn't be taxed.

[RB TexLa]

5. So I should buy higher cost insurance?

You think everyone should buy insurance with a $1000 or $500 annual deductible? Just to ask if someone drives a 10 year old vehicle and doesn't carry collision insurance are they saying "screw you," by not paying for coverage they don't feel they need or can do without?

[stray cat]

3. Why should the health insurance of workers be taxed anyway

while estates and dividends are not taxed at all? Bush values wealth not work or workers.

[RB TexLa]

4. I don't think they should

Hopefully the plan is DOA, I just think people who want to opt out for an HSA and lower cost high deductible insurance should be able to do so. I don't see why I should be able to get the tax breaks for using this and a w-2 worker can't.

[justgamma]

6. I don't understand the HSA.

I have a family deductable of $2000.00. Luckily, we usually don't meet that. We have no co-pay so I pay everything out of pocket. If we had a HSA, we would put money in it every month? I know some plans if you don't use it you lose it. And this is good? Why not just pay the expenses as you go?
Are HSA's tax deductible? I just don't get it.

[RB TexLa]

7. Info

http://www.treas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa/faq_eligibility.shtml


The "use it or lose it" is a FSA.