Thread Drift

[Catrin]

I don't think you are bad mothing the ACA, Smiling Cat. You are self employed, so it makes it all more difficult. This is kind of what I am talking about; if we funded the national health care plan (through taxes and other appropriations), self-employed people would be able to have the same kind of medical care I have. It should not be employer dependent. But, I am seriously doubting that will happen in my lifetime.

I agree with you on all counts! Personally, I would LOVE to "only" have $50 co-pays, but we have what we have and I'm thankful to have it. Many local employers are moving/have moved strictly toward the CDHP insurance plans as a way of managing cost. As expensive as it is, and while it makes it difficult (or perhaps not possible) to take care of emergency medical costs, I can't complain about the level of preventative care my employer makes available to us at no cost - well - to those who have gone the CDHP direction rather than the HMO. Remember what I said about how they made it so attractive to make the move? I recognize they are doing the very best they can in our current broken system. Hopefully there will come a time when it won't be employer dependant but, like you, I don't see it happening in my working life.

Smiling Cat, you aren't bad-mouthing at all - it is a difficult situation. As frustrated as I get with the current system I know there are those who are worse off than I am. So I focus on trying to stay as mobile as possible, and I think carefully about when it is appropriate to see my doctor...or not. I try to use alternative methods as much as I reasonably can. Thankfully with the rise of non-hospital based imaging centers I was able to schedule my MRI next week at a price 1/3 of what a hospital would charge. Still expensive, but it won't cover 1/2 or more of my 2016 deductible...