Can we as a DU community do something for the DU'ers who can't afford the now mandated insurance?

[newtothegame]

Something besides just wish them good luck? Any ideas?

[The Straight Story]

1. Are you helping them now if they cannot afford premiums? (nt)

[xultar]

4. You KNOW U Right. TRUE DAT!!!!

[newtothegame]

12. Yes, I work at a hospital and my biweekly employee giving goes into our Charity Care fund.

Do what you can to help.

[The Straight Story]

18. Good - now you won't have to as the hcr bill will help them and you can help others instead

:)

[LynneSin]

2. OMG you're kidding me aren't you

Outside of the provisions in healthcare reform that will help those with mandates?

:eyes:

[democrat_patriot]

3. What are you doing for them now?

I thought it $750 a YEAR to not have insurance.

If they can't afford that - they are more than likely on medicaid.

[Donnachaidh]

9. that's not true -- what a broadbrush statement!

Thanks for playing :eyes:

[newtothegame]

14. Yes, I work at a hospital and my biweekly employee giving goes into our Charity Care fund.

Do what you can to help them please.

[kestrel91316]

19. Penalties and mandates don't exist for FOUR YEARS. Straw man nonsense.

[booley]

50. NO! No no no no NO!

I am one of the people who cant' afford 750$ a year.

But I make too much to get medicaid.

Cons have been very successful at creating gaps in social services that people fall through. It's how they "prove" government doesn't work.

Expect making it harder to qualify for subsidies on this to be the first thing they do when they get a chance.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

5. I shall play them a joyful tune on my fiddle.

:nopity:

[dionysus]

64. ROFL

:spray:

[ixion]

6. I think we should start a church, of sorts

so people can join and opt out.

[Ian David]

7. You mean the ones who would rather pay the $95 fine?

I suppose if one person stopped smoking, they could pay the fine for all the others.

[emulatorloo]

8. If you truly can't afford insurance, the govt will help you get insurance

ON EDIT grammar

[LynneSin]

33. isn't that medicaid/medicare

:D

[terrell9584]

81. Thats not correct at all

I ran my income through one of those calculators. Only in the house version did I get a subsidy and even then I was expected to pay over 90% of the bill for the mandate.


I have student loan payments. I have rent. I have utilities. And I am getting ready to take graduate classes so I can better my life so that I can get a job with good insurance.


I can't afford to get private insurance under this mandate, I don't get much in subsidies and I'm making under $30,000. So this whole argument about how the government will "help those who can't afford it" just doesn't wash

[Ozymanithrax]

10. Why are you assumeing they can't afford the premiums.

Medicaid will cover people up to 133% of the poverty line. This will help the poorest among us.

There is an assumption that the mandate will suddenly force millions into buying health care or paying a tax fine. That does not happen unti 2014. But even then, I'm not sure how to set up a DU Health Care Coop, which would be the only realistic thing we could do, though it would be an intersting exercise.

[TransitJohn]

20. Maybe if they poke out an eye or cut off an arm Medicaid will help them.

I get real, real sick of people spouting this over and over on DU. There's a complete lack of understanding that there are 50 different Medicaid programs in the country.

[Ozymanithrax]

36. There also seems to be a real misunderstanding that the bill

expands coverage...
overtime will increase the amount paid by Medicaid ( one of the biggest complaints)
and that Medicaid expansion is only one of the things to help people get health care.
I used Medicaid for a time when I live under the poverty line, many years ago. The bill makes it better. I've seen the way it works in California, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Florida. Each of those states have places that don't accept it. They also have places that do.

Now that we have passed this bill, we should do two things...
(1) Continue agitating to get improvements. (I'd like a public option (pure capitalist choice) or Medicare buy in (somewhat capitalist choice)). I'm willing to work to make it better.
(2) We should also watch and see what it does now that it is launched rather than make assumptions upon what has been done in the past.

[TransitJohn]

38. Medicaid only covers the poor when they are disabled in many states.

So great you had a good experience. The poor childless man in Wyoming can get fucked I guess. Yay team! Great win!

[Ozymanithrax]

43. Anyone who is disabled inaccroadance with Social Security are covered...

income is irrelevant.

This bill changes the way reimbursement works.

Check out your state for regulations, and check ouit the the changes that will be requied by the new rules.

[TransitJohn]

47. Exactly, if you are disabled, you are covered. If just poor and male, not so much.

Was that post supposed to be a refutation?

[Ozymanithrax]

51. Check it out...

Your Medicare Coverage

[TransitJohn]

55. Dude, I'm not in my 60s.

What exactly are you trying to do with this line of reasoning?

[Raineyb]

21. And do you know what that means in straight numbers?

You throw around that 133% of the poverty line but you have no idea how small a number that is do you?

[Ozymanithrax]

41. Federal Poverty level

2009 Federal Poverty Level
Poverty level, as explained int he link above, is based on income and size of family.

133% of poverty lever for a single person Gross monthly income ($14,404)
133% of poverty lever for a family of four (2 adults 2 chidlren white picket fence free ($29,327)

Each year the level changes, but it is always increased from what I have seen.

The bill also increases the pay level of Medicaid over several years. I think it will eventually pay the same levesl as Medicare.

[Raineyb]

53. So you do realize that a single person making minimum wage is NOT eligible for Medicaid.

And these are the people who would be paid less if the law allowed. 133% of poverty level SCREWS a good many people at the bottom of the economic ladder. I wouldn't call that something to celebrate.

[Ozymanithrax]

56. It depends on your state...and it can suck to be single...

But for the years I managed a family of five on 19,500 dollars a year, it really sucked also.

Medicaid is only one part of the bill. It makes them much better.

[TransitJohn]

58. And again, Medicaid is only available for the DISABLED.

And around and around we go.

[REP]

74. No; MediCARE is for retired or disabled

I'm disabled and on Medicare - and childfree.

MedicAID is those who are under certain income guidelines.

[TransitJohn]

79. Wrong. Disabled AND under certain income guidelines AND working. Simply poor? Good luck.

Who Is Eligible for EqualityCare?

Eligibility is generally based on family income and family structure and sometimes resources and/or healthcare needs. Federal regulations define more than fifty groups of individuals that may qualify for Medicaid coverage. If you fit into any of the groups below, you may qualify for EqualityCare coverage.



Families and Children's Programs



Children

Children ages 0-18
Newborns born to Medicaid eligible mothers
Children with an eligible caretaker realtive
Children in foster care (through Department of Family Services) and children in subsidized adoptions
Pregnant Women

Pregnant women
Presumptively eligible pregnant women (allows coverage of outpatient services from the date of application through the last day of the following month)
Family Care Adult

Adults who are caretaker relatives of an eligible dependent child who is under age 19 living in the home and who meet certain other guidelines


Aged, Blind or Disabled Programs



SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSI Related

SSI – A individual eligible for SSI automatically receives EqualityCare
SSI Related – An individual no longer receiving SSI payments may be eligible for EqualityCare using SSI criteria
Institution - Individuals in any of the following types of institutions may be eligible, if they meet other guidelines

Nursing Home
Hospital Inpatient
Hospice
Wyoming Life Resource Center
Wyoming State Hospital – age 65 and older
Home and Community Based Waiver - Individuals may qualify for the following programs if they need assistance to stay in the community and meet other guidelines

Long Term Care Waiver
Assisted Living Facilities Waiver
Acquired Brain Injury Waiver
Children’s Mental Health Waiver
Developmental Disabilities Waiver


Additional categories of eligibility include:



Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program

Women who have been diagnosed with breast and/or cervical cancer, are uninsured and meet other guidelines
Individuals diagnosed withTuberculosis who meet other guidelines
Employed Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals who have a disability (based on Social Security guidelines), are working and meet other guidelines
Medicare Savings Programs

Individuals with limited income who are entitled to or receiving Medicare
Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) program can help pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-payments.
Specified Low Income Beneficiaries (SLMB) program can help pay Medicare Part B premiums.
Non Citizens with Medical Emergencies

Individuals who are non citizens and meet all eligibility requirements under an EqualityCare group, except for citizenship, identity and social security number, may be eligible for Emergency Services


Financial Guidelines

Financial eligibility is based upon the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) standard. Not all programs use the same FPL percentage when determining eligibility

http://wdh.state.wy.us/healthcarefin/medicaideligibility/WYECWhoiseligible.html

Where in there is any assistance for someone who is simply poor, but childfree?

[REP]

83. There is in California; not sure what Fed MedicAID guidelines are; AGREE 1000% there should be more

State aid guidelines vary but I know I AGREE with you that they are INSUFFICIENT for those who are in poverty and childfree. Missouri did a good job keeping me alive (and childfree) when I was poor and had cancer, but that was through the teaching hospital; I received no other aid. A social worker agreed with me that it was ridiculuous that if I became pregnant while that poor, the aid would start piling up, but there was no system to help stay responsible (ie, not have a kid I couldn't afford to care for properly, with or without aid).

[FrenchieCat]

11. See how they are faring in 2014 when the fine kicks in at $94 for that first year.

Since the fine is based on a sliding scale below a certain wage level,
we'll have to see what the poor Duers you are talking about are earning
in that year.

[LynneSin]

32. +1

:D

[liberalmuse]

13. I wish I could pull stuff like that out of my ass.

But facts get in the way.

[bridgit]

15. DU has done plenty by reminding me that I don't have the time for the quality breakdown...

I so richly deserve :bounce:

[Motown_Johnny]

16. First, this does not take effect for 4 years,

Second, the idea is to make this affordable through government subsidies


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34609984/ns/health-health_care/?GT1=43001

^snip^

The subsidies would be on a sliding scale. For example, a family of four earning 150 percent of the poverty level, or $33,075 a year, would have to pay 4 percent of its income, or $1,323, on premiums. A family with income of 400 percent of the poverty level would have to pay 9.5 percent, or $8,379.




Third, quit with the drama. The sky hasn't fallen

[kestrel91316]

17. The mandate is 4 years away. I am hoping my financial situation will

improve by then so the mandate won't prove problematic. Until then, I'm not gonna worry about it, though I WILL work to change it to SINGLE PAYER, lol.

[harun]

22. If they have low or no income they won't have to pay or pay very little.

[TransitJohn]

30. Why do you say that?

The law now requires them to purchase insurance. There's no exemption for being poor.

[harun]

39. It is capped to 8% of their gross income, do the math. No income, no pay.

[terrell9584]

82. In other words a car payment

[Fire1]

23. Alot of circumstances can change drastically in four years. n/t

[WilliamPitt]

24. Wow.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

25. Jeez... this is really low and silly

[Mari333]

26. push for a public option and/ or single payer

[treestar]

27. And just how is that to be proven?

When people cite personal stats on the internet, they are always unproven, and the attempt is to personalize it to make emotional blackmail against arguing against the point attempted to be made.

Not falling for it any longer.

[Cal Carpenter]

28. Here's a link that could save them some money:

Maybe if all those people stopped wasting money on feeding their families they could afford their 'affordable' health care premiums, copays and deductibles.


Go here to find the food bank serving your community - they'll link you up with emergency pantries and soup kitchens:

http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx

[Cleobulus]

29. I don't need help with premiums, I need help getting medical care.

Two different issues, I can't "afford" the mandated insurance because of deducts and copays, not because of the subsidized premiums.

[LWolf]

42. +1

[pitohui]

31. right now, and it starts today, we could stop promoting hysteria

give it a try, you might like it

[LynneSin]

35. Oh gosh no - that would NEVER EVER happen here at DU

Better to push the rightwing republican talking points to justify not supporting Health Care reform

:sarcasm:

[joe black]

48. Insurance reform

Not health care reform, please get it right.

[Ozymanithrax]

45. And we should quit promoting Republican talking points, also..

Almost all this information is available using the Google, well except in China.

[rox63]

34. The mandate doesn't start until 2014

Let's just all see how things go, ok? :eyes:

[DevonRex]

37. You might want to check out the timing. Just a thought. nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

40. Two things

READ the damn bill, penalties do not start for four years.

Those who CANNOT afford it will get SUBSIDIES.

You can do better right?

Yes, yes you can. Find a local charity hospital and GIVE some money and time to them.

[LWolf]

44. "Those who cannot afford it" according to whom?

I can't afford the insurance I already pay for. It doesn't get me care, which actually costs money AFTER paying the premium. So I get no care.

I doubt very much whether there are subsidies for the many people like myself who can afford premiums but still can't afford care.

I doubt very much whether deductibles and copays are going away.

And for some of us, our premiums are likely to increase; either that, or the services allowed on the policy will decrease, leaving us with more out-of-pocket expenses.

[nadinbrzezinski]

49. The bill will also MAKE IT EASIER for you

to find a policy that is not that predatory.

By the way I also pay copays and deductibles.

But yes, the program INCLUDES subsidies. If you should quality, income based you know, then you'd get them

[Raineyb]

54. And if he has a preexisting condition he can ONLY get a high-risk policy which

IS predatory.

[nadinbrzezinski]

68. I have a pre existing that means I could NOT get

any insurance if I wanted to change mine before.

And your point?

So you'd rather have it where people with my health care condition have their claims denied willy nilly or policies canceled?

This is truly the big picture here,

[LWolf]

62. I don't qualify.

Which means I'm still paying out for a policy, but I get no care because there's nothing left to pay the copays and deductibles.

No change for me, and still no care.

[nadinbrzezinski]

71. Yes there is, this will make it EASIER for you to change

insurers...

[LWolf]

77. I get my insurance from my employer, who makes the choice. nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

78. Then talk to employer, it will also make it easier for

saith employer to change plans too.

[LWolf]

80. My union does that.

I don't know that health care plans will be at the top of the next round of contract negotiations. We already took a massive pay cut, cut a bunch of jobs, and cut the number of days worked last spring. As I type, the negotiations are addressing salary cuts, days worked, and working conditions, attempting to restore some of what we gave up last year, or at least not lose any more in the coming year. It's already been projected by some that the bill will undermine efforts of unions, who have traded wages for better benefits in the past.

[nadinbrzezinski]

90. Well that is why you are a dues paying member

and trust me I know how you might feel about you Union... since we are going through a similar thing here.

That brings me into the problems of the Union movement, how it has been deligitimized and how we have allowed it.

By the way, if you ever have time, download from GOOGLE BOOKS the writings of Gompers... what he wrote in the 1880s (much more florid language mind you) I can write today.

[Lorien]

59. I hear you:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7984931

But they refuse to hear us. :-(

[LWolf]

63. It's an inconvenient fact.

:(

[nadinbrzezinski]

67. And that is the kind of practice that this legislation also adresses

but you also refuse to listen.

[Tailormyst]

61. Well yes and no......

They are tax credits, which is a little different then how I would think of a subsidy. In my case I would get a subsidy, but since it is a tax credit, I will just be paying the fine instead. I have student loans that I can't afford to pay right since becoming single now so they take my income tax ( yes I know, my own fault, I suck, yadda yadda). Instead they can just take the fine off the refund that goes to pay the loan. Not whining, not complaining, just saying things will be no different for me. I am grateful that my ex is a teamster so my boys have great coverage, so I don't have to worry about them.

I am happy for those whom this bill will help.

[TorchTheWitch]

88. I can't afford it and I get no subsidy

The government's idea of "afford" and what real people living in the real world can ACTUALLY afford are two wildly different numbers.

[kenny blankenship]

46. Fight to replace insurance/pharma shills at the top of our party

That is the best thing you can do if you're sincere.

[Bolo Boffin]

52. Hey, if they need any help hauling Granny to the dump...

The mandate doesn't go into effect until the exchanges are up, so chill the fuck out.

[Lorien]

57. The new meme here seems to be "I've got mine, fuck you"

I've been called a fool for only being able to afford "shitty" insurance. What's next? Will I be called "irresponsible" if I develop cancer or the heart disease that runs in my family? (Even though I have an extremely healthy diet and life style). Compassion is now out of fashion at DU now that we've adopted the Gingrich insurance reform bill.

[Dappleganger]

60. We've been carrying catastrophic insurance only

since December when we had no idea if COBRA subsidies would be carried through. When you have a family of 6 you have to plan ahead.

We're just hoping and praying that the big C doesn't reappear for me and that everyone else stays healthy.

[Lorien]

76. I hear you. That's all I've had for 17 years

but many here would st tell you "just get a better job!" :eyes:

[Dappleganger]

84. We're hoping that happens

dh is interviewing today at the place where he's done contract work for the past 9 months. Hopefully things will turn around very soon for everyone. We'd gladly accept the smaller salary if we just had the benefits.

[Stinky The Clown]

65. Yup. Some are quite loud about it.

[Lorien]

75. There's no zealot like a convert, eh?

We went from "Single payer now!" to "No Mandates without a public option!" to "Mandates are OK WITH a public option." to "We'll get the public option someday maybe, the mandates are sensible." to "I've got mine, so fuck you, losers!" all in just a year. I never thought it would come to this.

[conscious evolution]

66. Too late

The time for helping was when this was still being debated.Instead half of the members here cheered on the screwing over of poor people.

[theophilus]

69. You bet. Check back in 2014 and we'll talk. n/t

[county worker]

70. Read the bill, it isn't what you think.

[Lorien]

72. The very fact that you have zero votes for this OP proves how sickeningly Dems

have lurched to the right. The "New Democrats" are the "Old Republicans", and all because they so very much want to believe in the party. Compassion? That is SOOOOO last century! If your insurance won't pay your claims then get better insurance! If you can't afford better insurance then get a better job, dammit! If you get cancer well, you should have taken better care of yourself! Win one for the Gipper! If you aren't with us, you're with the terrorists! You don't complain about car insurance, do you? :eyes:

The DLC did it. They destroyed Liberalism within the Democratic Party.

[Dogtown]

73. Your post defines "passive/aggressive".

[kiranon]

87. Agree. n/t

[Toasterlad]

85. Haven't You Heard? This Bill Covers Everyone For Everything!

What reason could anyone possibly have to need anything more?

[mdmc]

86. there are no DU'ers that cant afford mandated insurance

We can't afford medical treatment. We don't care about insurance, we want access to affordable medical treatment..

[zbiker]

89. if you think thats true i would

gladly trade places for a few years. with the local economie here in the dumps we are struggling to keep our local businesses alive long enough to make it thru till better times, i had hopes of building it up and hiring local folks to not only provide jobs but to free me up to go on purchasing trips. if i need to start trying to save now to pay for the extra taxes just for myself let alone for any health insurance issues for my future employees I'm looking at a slow death by a thousand cuts.
it's unfortunate that no one thought to help the economie first, then when we were flush, move on to health care reform
i figure i have till 2013, then ill just haft to go on the gov dole, close my doors and hope for the best :(