What HCR and an extra $0.30 per week bought me...

[Darkhawk32]

First off, let me start by explaining that this week my employer went over our open enrollment procedure and what the increased costs were and such along with what new services and policies within Anthem were being enacted because of the Democrats' Health Care Reform Bill.

Anthem announced that our policy premiums had gone up 14.9% this year. Shocking amount, yes. But then my HR lady went on to explain that only 2% of that 14.9% came from the new HCR legislation.

For me, that turns into $0.31 per week. Big deal.

But this is what it bought me (although some won't apply to me because I'm a male).

I have two young girls and this is what it bought them (if they were on my policy but I'm sure it applies to all policies).

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Expanded newborn screening coverage
Expanded screening for depression
Expanded obesity screening and counseling
Expanded behavioral counseling to promote a healthy diet
Expanded screening for sexually transmitted infections
Expanded Hepatitis B coverage
Expanded Influenza coverage
Expanded meningococcal polysaccharide coverage
No pre-existing conditions!

There's a ton more but it would be too long to continue...

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But this is what it bought me (although some won't apply to me because I'm a male).

Expanded diabetes screening coverage
Expanded breast exam, breast cancer screening and mammography coverage
Expanded screening for sexually transmitted infections
Expanded screening for HIV
Expanded colorectal cancer screening including fecal occult blood test, barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscorpy coverage
Expanded coverage of screening and intervention services for obestity, genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer (that is NEW), behavioral counseling to promote a healthy diet, breastfeeding (that is NEW), aspirin use for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (that is NEW), tobacco use and diseases caused by tobacco use (that is NEW and this also include no co-pay on anti-smoking medications) and alcohol use.
Expanded coverage of Hepatitis B and Influenza vaccines.

My goodness, that is a lot right there. But that only scratches the surface as to the good the new HCR bill did. My HR lady rattled off dozens upon dozens of items but I can't remember all of it off hand.

All of this cost me $0.30 per week more. I'll gladly pay this. No sweat.

Although the HCR bill wasn't perfect (far from it), but I believe this speaks for itself.

It is a shame that Democratic politicians ran from this bill in their election campaigns.

[babylonsister]

1. Thank you so much for sharing this! Great info, and I'm happy

for you and your family!

[dkf]

2. How can you assess the cost when it hasn't been in effect yet?

Won't it take til next year to find out?

[Darkhawk32]

3. How can I, personally? Or how can the insurance company? n/t

[dkf]

5. I'm just saying you can't say it will only cost you $0.30 a week.

And as time goes on and these services are used more widely the costs will probably grow.

I think we need to wait at least a year to understand if there is an increased cost in insurance.

[Darkhawk32]

7. My total premium went up 15% and Anthem themselves said that .....

only 2% of the 15% was the result of the HCR bill. That means, using math, only $0.30 is from the HCR bill and the rest is corporate greed.

[maryf]

4. costing me

twice what I was paying last year for my insurance. Those who wrote the bill decided they should raise the profits a bit...

glad it's working for you, really.

[Darkhawk32]

6. Please realize...

that I despise insurance companies with the heat of a million burning suns and hope to someday celebrate the passing of a new single-payer, universal health-care bill.

[maryf]

8. Thanks

no explanation needed, and I copy your wishes! :)