The New York Times reports today that some 7 million Americans will be able to receive free or almost-free non-Medicaid health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Health plans will be available for zero or next-to-zero cost after federal subsidies for those who fall just above the income threhold for Medicaid enrollment, the Times says in its front-page article.
The analysis behind the article was done by consulting firm McKinsey and Company. McKinsey said up to 6 million uninsured would qualify, along with another million currently holding individual, private insurance policies. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had no immediate comment on the analysis.
The zero or low-cost policies, however, will generally be Bronze plans that cover just 60 percent of out-of-pocket expenses. All plans, including Bronze, do include standard benefits like prescription drugs, maternity care and mental health treatment, but beyond that patients would be required to pay 40 percent of all costs.
Ninety percent of those who will have the option of buying the no-cost plans make less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $28,725 for an individual, and $58,875 for a family of four, the Times article calculates. People earning below those thresholds are eligible for the most generous assistance, but only if they choose a Silver plan (70 percent coverage), which might spike their monthly premiums.
How is this affordable? Maybe to someone that is making a million+ a year, but to those of us already working 2 or 3 jobs & are 50+, single & have no dependents left at home & have many health issues it is VERY unaffordable!!! Where are we suppose to get the extra cash for the monthly high premiums and for the huge deductibles? It is actually obsurd~ I have to find a job that still offers insurance or forget it for all the 50+ age group out there. Soon most businesses will not even offer it to the employees, sad country we live in these days. The OLDER YOU GET THE MORE YOU WORK AND THE LESS YOU HAVE!!!~