More Healthcare Talk

I was reading a report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on the costs of the healthcare legislation on citizens. For those not on employment based coverage earning over $90,000 (for a family of 4), the cost of insurance premiums would be $14,200. This family would not be eligible for subsidies that everyone keeps talking about. This amount represents 16% of that family's income. If they family chooses not to buy insurance, they will be fined a couple thousand dollars. In comes bigger government, out goes personal freedom.

For those on employment based coverage, 19% of us will have an excise tax of 40% of the premium exceeding a determined premium $ amount. This tax will affect almost 1 in 5 with employment based coverage. I have heard about this tax, but it referred to those few with "Cadillac" policies, so I assumed that it would probably apply to 2-5% of policies, because who has these amazing policies, right? But no, 19% of people with employment based coverage will fall under this new tax.

Where does the part come in about reigning in healthcare costs? It doesn't. This bill has nothing to do with healthcare reform and reigning in healthcare costs. It has to do expanding government. I would love to see a bill that helps reign in healthcare costs, but this is not the bill. This is a government expansion bill.