Administration Says Obamacare to Lower Insurance Premiums More Than Forecast

By | July 18, 2013

  • July 18, 2013 at 11:43 am
    Aways Amazed says:
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    And this is wonderful news but they do not offer any information on what the coverage or benefits entail. Is this the stripped down bare bones minimum plan? How much is the “Cadillac” plan going to cost? You know the one all our government officials are all on that we the taxpayers fit the bill for who are exempt from the ones we’ll all be on. How much will the middle of the road plan cost? WHAT DOES IT COVER? Will you be able to keep the doctor you’ve had for the last 20 years or will you have to start out with a new one who doesn’t know you from Adam? And how about offering a comparison for someone who is in there mid 50s who is a cancer survivor? What would be the cost to them?

    • July 18, 2013 at 4:04 pm
      DS says:
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      As a health & life agent in Oregon, I can attest that the rates that have been approved have been much better than anticipated. Even below the trends we have been seeing the last few years. I know this is probably in part due to the fact that Oregon already was rating plans based on the same type of factors (example small groups are guarantee issue, rate based on demographics of the group but no medical underwriting already) and our individual rates are not based on health history either, just age and location. There are probably other states that have been using additional factors for underwriting and rating and they may see different swings in premiums as a result.

      Plans in the Exchange for Oregon: http://www.oregonhealthrates.org/files/plan_summary.pdf

      The plans in the Exchanges (AND the Individual & Family market AND small group plans AND large group plans) will have some out of pocket maximums that were not there before – I have groups and individual policyholders with total out of pocket costs that can go $10-15k per person or more. The cap will be $6,350 next year. That’s a huge benefit. And the rates are just based on factors like age and location – prior health won’t matter. So that cancer patient will be able to get insurance instead of being forced to be in a high risk (and high cost) pool. Gee, that sounds good.

      And since it will be easy to compare plans (at least in the Exchanges where they are all the same) it will be easy to see which plan with which company and which network (aka DOCTOR) you want to enroll on. So yes, it will not be that hard to keep your doctor.

      Seriously if you all try to look for some information you can find it. It’s not like there aren’t a PLETHORA of resources – healthcare.gov, CMS, KFF.org, all the large carriers have websites on reform, etc etc…quit complaining and do some research.

      • July 18, 2013 at 5:48 pm
        Always Amazed says:
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        That’s still a pretty steep deductible and what’s with the 58% 68% we have to pay? What happened to 80/20? This is horrible! This is total BS! OUR out of pocket just skyrocketed! And you guys are happy with this crap?

        • July 18, 2013 at 5:54 pm
          Always Amazed says:
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          Sorry I think I jumped the gun there – our portion would be 22%, 32% and the poor schmuks on Bronze 42%. Still sounds pretty awrful if you ask me. I have an 80/20 now – we are getting screwed no matter how you look at it. AND WHY IS THAT ESTIMATED???

          • July 19, 2013 at 8:45 am
            Libby says:
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            Is your company going to the exchange for coverage? Mine’s not. More likely you will keep your current coverage. But for someone that hasn’t had coverage, this could look pretty good.

          • July 19, 2013 at 10:45 am
            Always Amazed says:
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            As a matter of fact Libby, my boss advised me a few months back that he’s going to be putting me on an exchange plan becuase the premium probably will be way to expensive for him to pay. We are a small office and I am his only employee. My premium right now is $345. God only knows what it will be without an exchange. Why are the percentage estimated? They should be chiseld in stone not estimated. We’re going to be so screwed. I have a 7K deductible now and that’s about what its going to be on these plans too. AND our out-of-pocket is MORE. A trainwreck indeed. REPEAL!

        • July 19, 2013 at 2:06 pm
          DS says:
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          The percentages you are referencing are not your coinsurance %, they are the actuarial values of your plan. Even on an a good 80/20 plan, your actuarial value is probably in the 70-85% range. Actuarial value is the amount of healthcare expenses covered for the average people in the pool for a given plan. http://kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/what-the-actuarial-values-in-the-affordable/

          I agree the Bronze plan is not great – it is pretty much an HSA-qualified High Deductible Health Plan but with a copay on an office visit. Which actually, being on an HDHP myself, would be pretty nice.

          Keep in mind no matter which plan you pick your maximum cost will be that capped Out of Pocket Maximum, it’s just a matter of how you get to that maximum. And it’s a WHOLE LOT BETTER than most of the individual plans my customers have in OR & WA.

          • July 19, 2013 at 2:08 pm
            DS says:
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            And Amazed, if you have a $7k ded now PLUS additional coinsurance max, I think the $6,400 cap on total out of pocket costs no matter what plan you pick (in the small group market or exchange) will save you out of pocket costs if you did get sick. (By the way if you’re enrolled as a family, the typical 3x individual for a family on ded and coinsurance will now be just 2x individual for a family, so that’s a win too)

        • August 14, 2013 at 3:59 pm
          Agent says:
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          So Always, we have a new revelation every week. Now, the out of pocket maximums will be delayed for a year and allowed to rise to new levels. The law said that it would be capped at $6,350 per individual and $12,700 for families. Don’t you know that carriers will bw installing higher out of pocket maximums for what they will be offering? In addition, the IT security still has not been verified on the exchanges and hackers will be licking their chops to steal identities.

      • July 19, 2013 at 12:59 pm
        Agent says:
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        So DS, what is the state of Oregon going to do if the Exchanges are overwhelmed with applicants as is expected? What is plan B?

    • July 19, 2013 at 10:05 am
      Agent says:
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      I think you can forget your 80/20 plans and the out of pocket will get outrageous if there are any serious illnesses. Do you think Sebelius will cut a check to you on your out of pocket expenses? I have had customers select the most plain vanilla plans with high deductibles and the premiums continue to rise. What is affordable under the PPCA? This is all just a redistribution of wealth scheme and a huge job killer since most small businesses of around 50 employees will cut workers to stay under 50 or cut hours to under 30 forcing the employee to seek other part time employment to be able to live.

      • July 19, 2013 at 11:03 am
        Libby says:
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        Agent said: “I have had customers select the most plain vanilla plans with high deductibles and the premiums continue to rise. What is affordable under the PPCA?”

        Since the PPCA hasn’t even gone into effect yet, your statement is incredulous. Have you even researched rates in your state under the exchange? Oh. That’s right. Your state refused to create an exchange.

        • July 19, 2013 at 11:59 am
          Agent says:
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          Libby, are you that stupid to think the PPCA hasn’t had an effect on the Healthcare markets and rates? I promise you they are making plans since they know they will have to pick up several million PreX accounts and have to start paying claims within days of issuance. This has been going on for some time. You are extremely naive to think the markets are not gearing up and raising rates in anticipation of the train wreck. They also know they have to pay 85% of premiums collected on the Medical Loss Rate Formula. That is a pretty skinny margin to pay overhead expenses and stay in business, don’t you think?

          • July 19, 2013 at 1:23 pm
            Libby says:
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            No, Agent, I am not stupid. I think carriers are using this as an excuse to increase rates and lock them in before mandatory rate controls go into place.

    • July 19, 2013 at 11:31 am
      Agent says:
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      Always, I hope you can keep your doctor, but at the rate of retirements in the medical profession, there will be a nationwide shortage of doctors, some say 60,000 shy of what will be needed. Most patients will be seen by PA’s or Nurse Practitioners and people will be going like cattle to the Doc in a Box. Good luck on seeing a specialist any time soon.

      • July 19, 2013 at 11:51 am
        Libby says:
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        Agent – as usual, a fact check of your post proves otherwise:

        “Approximately 20,000 new MDs and DOs combined graduate from U.S. medical schools each year, but this number is increasing as the American Association of Medical Colleges has recently requested that many medical schools increase their class sizes, to address the current and impending shortage of doctors. Also, a number of new medical schools are planned or are already under construction.”

        • July 22, 2013 at 10:51 am
          TxLady says:
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          Fact check?? You took this from Wikianswers? Known not to be a reliable source of information. Many other articles point to a shortage. Scroll down past the first thing you came to and read some of the others.

    • August 1, 2013 at 3:32 pm
      Agent says:
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      So Always, I see where the applicants who apply for Obamacare starting next year will have their personal information inputted and shared by no less than 7 Federal Departments and agencies from the IRS, HHS on down. Does this smack of Big Brother or what? We know how secure the government sites are from Wikileaks and NSA. Do you think there is a possibility of Identity Theft from hackers who seem to be able to get into any site and steal information? This law has never been about Healthcare. It is about control of the population.

  • July 18, 2013 at 1:29 pm
    Captain Planet says:
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    Good questions, Always Amazed. Our industry likes to speak in average increases and decreases too often, leaving the underwriter with a list of talking points when it comes time to discuss an above or below average increase/decrease. I personally have lost my doctor a few times when my company changed insurance plans on me and my doctor was no longer on the new plan. Or, when I changed companies, for example. There are a few certainties. That cancer survivor you’re talking about – he/she won’t be denied coverage based on that pre-existing condition. And, there will be no more lifetime limits. So, he/she will be covered for life and cannot be denied. That’s a huge improvement on what we used to have.

    • July 19, 2013 at 10:51 am
      Always Amazed says:
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      I’m the one who had cancer Captain. Not being denied is not my concern. I have insurance now and I don’t want to be on some water down plan that doesn’t have the same coverage as I have now. But guess what? As I told Libby my boss advised me that my Humana plan is probably going to be way to expensive and that I’d have to pick a government cheesy cheap watered down plan with my out of pocket so expensive that I won’t be able to use it plan if I DO get another round of cancer. Thanks Obama. I’d love to see what benefits YOUR plan covers compared to the crap you’re forcing us to be on.

      • July 19, 2013 at 11:06 am
        Libby says:
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        Always said: “I’d have to pick a government cheesy cheap.” There is no government plan. Plans are offered by the same carriers that offer them now. All with different plans and prices.

        ObamaCare regulates health insurance companies, not your health care. In other words Government offers protections, but is not in control of your health care… You are!

        Have you even researched what plans will be available to you on the exchange and how much they cost? If not, why don’t you do that and come back with some facts instead of conjecture.

        • July 19, 2013 at 11:09 am
          Always Amazed says:
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          Right – but with the government REGULATIONS you just might as well call them GOVERNMENT PLANS and they are hand in hand.

          • July 19, 2013 at 11:18 am
            Always Amazed says:
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            I’ve tried to find out what the exchanges are in IL as far as I can tell it hasn’t been set up yet. If you’d like to give a crack at it finding informtion on what wonderful Gold, Silver and Bronze plans there are I’d appreciate the help.

          • July 19, 2013 at 11:31 am
            Always Amazed says:
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            Libby, I just contacted someone I know who is a health care insurance guy, IL has not EVEN started to set up their exchanges. So, I’m just going off of what OR is doing in there state. And I’m sure their government putting there nose in our health insurnace plan isn’t going to be much different then the crap we’ll have in IL.

          • July 19, 2013 at 11:41 am
            Libby says:
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            Here’s a link to a site that has alot of good information:

            http://obamacarefacts.com/insurance-exchange/health-insurance-exchange-guide.php

            I went on the California exchange and played around to get an idea. Illinois isn’t posted on this site yet.

          • July 19, 2013 at 12:16 pm
            FFA says:
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            Amazed – jump on ICHIP. Should give you a good ball park.

          • July 19, 2013 at 4:37 pm
            Agent says:
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            12,000 pages and rising weekly. They take complicated and multiple it by the number of pages they generate.

        • July 19, 2013 at 11:33 am
          FFA says:
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          Come on Libby – he is in IL. They cant agree as to what toilet paper to stock the Capitol Building with.
          The only thing they can agree on is that they will disagree with any common sense matters.
          Per the news last night – Moodys has lowered our credit rating again.

          • July 19, 2013 at 11:45 am
            Libby says:
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            FFA – I’m shocked with so many Democrats in Illinois that you haven’t created an exchange. What the heck is everyone waiting for???

          • July 19, 2013 at 11:55 am
            Always Amazed says:
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            FAA! Getout!! Our credit rating got lowerd AGAIN. Nice going Quinn. @ Libby, and am I supposed to be delighted that my out of pocket could be as much as 40% up to the deductible that will be over say 7K? Gee, should I be jumping for joy?? Per the OR coverage, I won’t even be able to afford to see a specialist since the fee DOUBLED to $100 from what I’m paying now. And yes, Libby, being a cancer survior most of my doctors are now specialists excpect for my regular PCP and now her fee could go up to $60 from $35. But let’s all pat Obama on the back. I’m working 3 jobs now to keep up with my bills. This is going to be awful for all of us who can’t afford the rediculous out of pocket fees!

          • July 19, 2013 at 12:11 pm
            Libby says:
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            Did you go on the Oregon exchange to get those numbers? I couldn’t find information that specific. Did you look at California or Texas?

          • July 19, 2013 at 12:12 pm
            Always Amazed says:
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            And Libby’s is shocked that the democrats haven’t set up the exchanges yet. You missed the point – this is a deomcratic state. IL has been down graded twice by Moody.

          • July 19, 2013 at 12:23 pm
            FFA says:
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            Amazed – reported by ABC 7 News last night. CPS layoffs being blamed on Springfield. Pension issues.

            Libby – one of my child hood friends a state senator – Republican. Saw him over 4th of July. Says all they are doing is sitting around chit chatting. Absolutely no talks going on as to any issues. I hope Quinn sticks to his guns.

            Democrats only won three (if I remember correctly) counties in last election. Only one that matters is Crook County – Chicago in particular. The Burbs in Cook voted Rep. Chicago voted dumerthencrap. Hell, they voted JR in when it was obvious he was heading to jail. Costing the IL tax payers the cost of a special election.

          • July 19, 2013 at 12:25 pm
            Libby says:
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            I get the point, but we were talking about healthcare premiums on the exchange, not the evil of Democrats.

            I’m looking at the proposed Oregon rates right now. For a 40 year-old, single, non-smoker they range from $169 to $422 for a bronze plan (60/40%) and $276 to $591 for a gold plan (80/20%.) It doesn’t mention deductibles and the premiums don’t include any subsidy you might be eligible for.

            Is this what you were looking at when you said your out-of-pocket would go to 40% and your deductible to $7k??

          • July 19, 2013 at 1:06 pm
            FFA says:
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            Im not talking about the evils of democrats – I am talking about the evils of Springfield. That includes democrats so I guess I am. Your only half right.

          • July 19, 2013 at 3:14 pm
            Agent says:
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            FFA, do you think the reason why Illinois has not set up the exchanges are due to them not receiving the check from Sebelius for the expense. We all know that Illinois is in financial distress and perhaps they just don’t have the funds to hire the geeks to set them up. In any case, it will be interesting to see what they do with all those applicants. Perhaps the Illinois based Blue Cross will just take them all and they can get subsidized by HHS.

          • July 19, 2013 at 3:36 pm
            FFA says:
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            Agent – BCBS is administrator of ICHIP Program. They don’t need an exchange. We don’t OfnBama Care. We have a place for our people to go. Needs some tweaking that’s for sure. But, it is there.

          • July 19, 2013 at 3:40 pm
            Libby says:
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            FFA – I can’t wait until the exchange is up and running in IL and you find out you will actually save money on your health insurance. Finally, I will be vindicated.

          • July 19, 2013 at 4:16 pm
            FFA says:
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            You wont be vindicated until the full impact is felt – Premiums and effect on taxes.

            If this plays out to be affordable by Websters Definition – not OBamas – I will personally fly you to the dells for a week end of water parks! Dead of winter is the best. Indoor out door hot tub. Hair frozen while you sweat. An odd feeling.

          • July 19, 2013 at 4:28 pm
            Libby says:
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            Only if we can snowmobile, too!

          • July 19, 2013 at 9:10 pm
            jw says:
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            FFA – I’m confused. Several people have stated IL doesn’t have an exchange. Now there’s a new IJ article “44 Community Groups to Tout Insurance Marketplace in Illinois”. What?

          • July 22, 2013 at 10:19 am
            FFA says:
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            Well Libby – there is a great trail system in WI. I can ride from my house all the way to lake Superior. Never done it, but its possible. I rode through Lake Geneva. That’s a nice ride.

            Maybe we should all get together and have an I Told You So Party when it all shakes out. Looser buys the week end.

          • July 22, 2013 at 11:22 am
            Libby says:
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            jw – there will be a federal exchange in Illinois since they did not create their own. It hasn’t been instituted yet.

          • July 22, 2013 at 11:24 am
            Libby says:
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            FFA – how many miles from your house to Lake Superior?

          • July 22, 2013 at 1:36 pm
            jw says:
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            Thanks Libby!

          • July 22, 2013 at 7:29 pm
            FFA says:
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            JW, I am not sure what has or happened with the Exchange in IL. Business is spiking, parents are dying, 2 new employees in past 45 days, IRS is crawling up my a#$, got to move my office. Way to much on my plate to worry about what the jack a#$ are / are not doing.

            Seems I get one thing cleared and then another just gives me another kick. Maybe I should take a trip to Colorado???

          • July 23, 2013 at 10:53 am
            FFA says:
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            Libby, by trail, it takes 4 hours with out stopping to get to Lake Geneva.
            One time, we started in Prescilsle in WI – Mi / Wi Border. Trails were beat and crowded. Took us 6 hours up. Found logging road to ride back so we were averaging 60+. Took us under 4 hours to get back.

            that’s what makes Central WI so attractive to the riders. Less Traffic. Shorter drive. The clubs are relentless running the groomers. There is one always running in WI. MI – they shut them off at 05:00 on Friday and don’t turn them back on until Monday Morning. In MI, grooming is a function of the Govt. IL & WI, the DNR hands that off to the clubs. It is the business owners that rely on S Mobile Revenue running the groomers.

          • July 23, 2013 at 1:40 pm
            Libby says:
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            Yeah, in Colorado the clubs usually took care of grooming, too. Have ridden in New England and Colorado/Wyoming. Over 100 miles per day is too much for me at my age. I really enjoy a leisurely 50 miles or good poker run and then beers and steak by the campfire.

          • July 23, 2013 at 2:23 pm
            FFA says:
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            Libby, if the trails are smooth and we can move 50+, 100 miles not a problem. Week end in MI, 50 miles is a hard ride.
            Ive gone 200 miles in Central WI upon occasion. Heavy snowfall in March middle of the week one year. We were the only ones on the trails that day. Ran them machines hard.

  • July 18, 2013 at 1:31 pm
    Find a doctor says:
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    I just visited my doctor who told me his practice would not be seeing any patients on exchange plans. The plans we have seen proposed are less expensive but coverages have been stripped and out of pocket expenses increased. Buyer beware!

    • July 19, 2013 at 2:13 pm
      DS says:
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      Find a doctor, that’s crap – they won’t know if you’re on an Exchange plan – they only know what carrier you are with. And at least here in Oregon, many of the carriers in the Exchange are also the same carriers out of the Exchange.

    • July 19, 2013 at 4:00 pm
      Agent says:
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      FFA, I figured BCBS was the big dog on the street in Illinois since they home office there. Their CEO has been seen at parties with Axelrod and Dead Fish so I guess they are in bed big time with the establishment in the state. I hope they know what they are getting into. I represent them here and they are unmerciful with our customers on rate increases.

  • July 18, 2013 at 1:53 pm
    Sarah says:
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    Check with actuaries who have estimated the rate increases for single plans in Ohio, 80% higher when Obamacare kicks in!

  • July 18, 2013 at 2:02 pm
    AnotherCountryHeardFrom says:
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    I find government accounting to be at least as entertaining as a science fiction novel but a lot more expensive. Always amazed at the projections by the proponents who brag about savings but I always seem to lose ground against my annual income once the dust settles. I NEVER BELIEVE GOVERNMENT PROJECTIONS!!! They lie just like the individual politicians do.

    • July 24, 2013 at 6:04 pm
      Agent says:
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      Another, Hollywood can’t imagine this travesty and put it on film. Only Progressive politicians can make a 2,700 page bill with 12,000 pages of regulations and expect the American people to swallow it like Blackstrap Molasses. For Libby & jw, you may need to know that Blackstrap Molasses is about the most bitter and evil medicine one can take and was widely used back in the day.

  • July 18, 2013 at 2:06 pm
    PM says:
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    I have three questions.
    1. What deductible comes with this low premium silver plan?
    2. What are coverages and exclusions?
    3. If you think BO care is going to improve your insurance coverage and premiums, would you like to buy some ocean front property in Arizona?

    • July 19, 2013 at 8:48 am
      Libby says:
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      Doing business on the exchange will be no different than doing business in the current marketplace. Carriers will all have different plans and it will be up to the consumer to compare and pick the one that makes the most sense for them.

      • July 19, 2013 at 10:53 am
        Always Amazed says:
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        Take off those rose colored glasses, Libby. Reality is going to bite you right in the butt one of these days.

        • July 19, 2013 at 11:08 am
          Libby says:
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          It’s obvious you don’t even know how this is going to work or you would know that my statement is factual. This is typical of Republicans. Don’t do any research, get your information from some email chain, and spread fear and panic amongst everyone because you haven’t taken the time to actually do the work to find out the truth on your own.

          • July 19, 2013 at 11:36 am
            Always Amazed says:
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            IL is a democratic state Libby. Our exchages haven’t even been set up and no one in the industry even knows what’s going on. This comes from a friend of mine who has been in the health insurace industry since 2008. He has no clue what the exchanges will be about. I’ve just done my homework and can up wiht NOTHING. There’s your facts. My opinon was based off what OR is going with their exchages and those plans suck.

          • July 19, 2013 at 11:36 am
            FFA says:
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            The Govt don’t even know how this is going to work. Why would you expect an Average Joe / Jane to know?

          • July 19, 2013 at 11:46 am
            Libby says:
          • July 24, 2013 at 2:22 pm
            Akos says:
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            Libby you are so right. You keep providing facts, after facts, but hatred for BO just impedes people’s ability to accept facts. Thank you Libby.

  • July 18, 2013 at 2:08 pm
    FFA says:
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    Are they defining Lower by Websters definition or are they speaking OBama?

    We have all been around long enough to know that when the Govt sticks their nose in our business, cost always go up!

    Workers Comp reform sent many carriers packing or declining everything under $10K – $20K high Hazard forcing the small business man into the pool for a rate increase.

    • July 18, 2013 at 2:33 pm
      Agent says:
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      Perhaps the President could give Jimmy Hoffa, Jr. a call and reassure him on the union plans. I think good old Jimmy saw the handwriting on the wall because he is going ballistic and fears his union will be going away when all the members leave for the exchanges.

    • July 19, 2013 at 10:49 am
      Agent says:
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      FFA, years ago, Texas had the same WC problems with attorneys involved in a lot of claims, outrageous settlements, no voluntary market so everything was in the Pool. They finally did WC reform, got the attorney’s out of the claim process, created a competitive fund which became Texas Mutual. Now, policyholders of Texas Mutual get dividend returns on their policies and competitive rates. They dominate the state WC market and are very good at what they do. They prosecute fraud and have put a lot of perps in prison. It has worked very well. Unfortunately for you and your customers, the state you are in does not have a good record of reform.

      • July 19, 2013 at 11:10 am
        Libby says:
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        This from a state that has voluntary workers compensation!

        • July 19, 2013 at 11:51 am
          Agent says:
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          You bet Libby and it works well. I have a few clients who never came back to the Workers Compensation system even when rates came down and they opted for Occupational Accident with Employers Liability with duty to defend. These are on small closely held family operations and they have done alright with premiums less, very few claims. Personally, I would like all my commercial accounts in WC, but all we can do is propose and recommend and cannot force them to buy. Unfortunately, the Feds are forcing employers to buy Obamacare or face stiff taxes for not doing so.

          • July 19, 2013 at 11:59 am
            Libby says:
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            Only large employers, Agent. It will not affect you or FFA if you have less than 50 employees.

            What do these business do in Texas, self-insure their claims? What is Occupational Accident coverage?

          • July 19, 2013 at 3:34 pm
            Agent says:
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            Libby, try to understand, please. Don’t get WC or Occ Accident mixed up with Health Insurance. Only very large employers self insure claims and they have to file with the state to do it and prove financial responsibility. Most employers do have WC and Texas Mutual writes the vast majority of it since they do the best job, it is all they do and they pay dividends on their policies. They just returned another $175 million in dividends last week. I know this is a novel concept to a blue stater like you, but you should see the smile on the policyholders face when they get their dividend. I notified one of my better customers that he will be getting $27,000 on his dividend this year. That is in addition to all the other credits/discounts he gets on his policy. They are amazing.

          • July 19, 2013 at 3:43 pm
            Libby says:
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            Agent – I’m not confused. You stated: “Unfortunately, the Feds are forcing employers to buy Obamacare or face stiff taxes for not doing so.” And I said: “Only large employers, Agent. It will not affect you or FFA if you have less than 50 employees.” That had nothing to do with WC.

            And I am quite familiar with a competitive state fund, as we have one in Colorado. Used to be the State Fund and is now Pinnacol. It is very competitively priced and also has more than one dividend program available. They have never NOT paid a dividend in their history.

            Quit trying to make me look stupid. I’m not.

      • July 19, 2013 at 12:32 pm
        FFA says:
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        Court system in IL has made Occ Acc policies not worth the paper they are printed on.

        • July 19, 2013 at 1:15 pm
          Agent says:
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          For you and Libby, FFA. Occ Acc policies were started back when the WC system was very screwed up and employers couldn’t afford the Pool policies with the surcharges etc attached. They originally just had a Medical Benefit and Lost time benefit with a per claim deductible. Later, they added Employers Liability with duty to defend if an employee sued due to alleged negligence by the employer. The carrier does write high limits. The employer can still be sued since they don’t comply with the Workers Comp Law, but it has worked for some of my small clients. I still recommend they carry WC, but the typical policy is about half the premium of WC so they stay with it. It certainly is much better than going bare.

      • July 19, 2013 at 1:09 pm
        FFA says:
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        The only problem in Il comp was the fraud by State Employees and Jury Sympathy – outrageous awards.
        Circles right back to Tort Reform. Way things go in Cook County, a hang nail is worth $10K.

        • July 19, 2013 at 4:50 pm
          Agent says:
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          FFA, your system sounds like Texas 20 years ago when the legislature was full of trial attorney’s who didn’t want Tort Reform of the WC law. These guys were finally beaten in the elections and we got responsible people in there to write a new law and return it to what it was intended. The attorney’s and unscrupulous doctors had a nice racket for many years, but no more. Attorney’s had to go find somebody else to sue. Eventually, we also had Tort Reform for doctors to get rid of nuisance claims and make awards more reasonable for legitimate claims. Malpractice rates have declined as well. I wonder why doctors have moved to Texas in recent years. I don’t hear of many wanting to move to the blue states to practice.

    • July 31, 2013 at 12:02 pm
      Agent says:
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      FFA, the law of unintended consequences strikes again. I saw a report today that the CBO is now estimating that the delay in the Employer Mandate of one year will cost $12 Billion on this already overestimated cost because they won’t be collecting the fines/taxes on employers during this time. However, the Individual Mandate will proceed so the Individual consumers will get hosed on rates and if they don’t buy, the IRS will be knocking on their door.

  • July 18, 2013 at 2:27 pm
    Suze says:
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    Funny… I got this story in my email right next to one from my group health insurance company saying significantly higher prices are coming for HSA Group Accounts thanks to Obama Care’s new Modified Community Rating rules, Medical Loss Ratio requirements, new taxes and additional required coverage levels specific to group major medical plans!! Just keep reading the teleprompter, Barry.

    • July 19, 2013 at 8:50 am
      Libby says:
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      Did you ever think your carrier was using this as an excuse to raise your rates? Just keep reading the propaganda Suze.

  • July 18, 2013 at 2:45 pm
    wvagt says:
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    It’s just like the budget reductions. In DC-speak, if a projected spending increase of 10% is lowered to 8%, that’s a 20% spending cut, and we should all rejoice because politicians have cut spending.

    • July 18, 2013 at 3:02 pm
      jw says:
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      See, figures lie and liars figure.

    • July 19, 2013 at 9:56 am
      Agent says:
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      Yes, we got Sequestration which was the result of cutting the regular increase. No actual reduction in spending.

      • July 19, 2013 at 12:16 pm
        Always Amazed says:
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        Speaking of sequesteration – isn’t Obama and his family on vacation again at Martha’s Vinyard this week? Must be nice to have all that time off from work and spend the taxpayer’s money so thritily.

        • July 19, 2013 at 12:18 pm
          Always Amazed says:
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          That should have been “so thriftily”.

          • July 19, 2013 at 1:10 pm
            FFA says:
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            Michelle was in Chi yesterday raising funds for a group that fights Youth Violence.

          • July 24, 2013 at 3:31 pm
            Dave says:
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            And we see here in Chicago how successful those efforts have been in fighting youth violence. The area where Obama was a “community organizer” where he cut his political teeth, has one of the worst murder rates in the country. It begs the question, what kind of community organizing was he doing? Organizing gangs? Organizing drug dealers?

          • July 25, 2013 at 3:37 pm
            FFA says:
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            Dave, I just seen your comment regarding the Community Organizer.
            I didn’t realize it his “turf” that’s the worst of the worst.

        • July 19, 2013 at 4:53 pm
          Agent says:
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          Perhaps he can get in some golf with what is left of the Kennedy clan.

          • July 19, 2013 at 8:44 pm
            jw says:
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            Are there any Kennedys still standing?

        • July 30, 2013 at 11:04 am
          Agent says:
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          Hey Always, the Obama’s will have a $7.6 million house to stay in for 8 days provided by one of their Chicago bundlers for a price. It has all the amenities. In addition, 75 hotel rooms in the area to accomodate the support staff, Secret Service at an average of $300 per room per night. Add all that with AF1, other support aircraft, vehicles flown in etc. I am sure they will have a grand old time at our expense. Let the people eat cake, right?

        • August 14, 2013 at 12:27 pm
          Agent says:
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          Yes, Always. I saw a short video of one of his golf rounds and he can’t hit it out of his shadow. Looked very much like his baseball throw some years ago at the start of the season. He hasn’t done it recently because the first one was so embarassing. My 8 year old grandson has a better arm.

  • July 18, 2013 at 3:44 pm
    Sargeant Major says:
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    All I had to look at was the source- “The Administration Says”. jw you are correct. It is amazing what someone can do with a pencil and a calculator

    • July 19, 2013 at 9:48 am
      Agent says:
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      So Sargeant, I saw the story this morning that Detroit was taking Chapter 9 Bankruptcy so they will be shielded from $18 Billion+ debt. The article said the city’s legacy costs (benefits) was eating $.65 of every dollar collected. Combine that with the corruption of the politicians and a declining population and tax base, it is no wonder this happened. Several cities in California are in the same boat. Corrupt Progressive politicians getting their hands on the public’s money is the worst case scenario. I hope there is a serious renegotiation with union contracts up there and some fiscal responsibility is started. It was totally unsustainable. I am afraid the country is heading in the same direction with the annual trillion dollar deficits.

      • July 19, 2013 at 10:48 am
        Dave says:
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        Agent, see my comment lower down on this thread about Obama’s new bumper sticker involving Detroit.

      • July 19, 2013 at 11:39 am
        FFA says:
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        Chicago News reported that 63% of Detroit population has left.
        They reported an enormous number of abandoned buildings.
        I thought I had it bad.

        • July 19, 2013 at 11:48 am
          Libby says:
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          Detroit is a cesspool.

          • July 24, 2013 at 3:33 pm
            Dave says:
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            A cesspool which 50 years ago was one of the richest areas of the country until DEmocratic rule over the past 50 years took hold.

    • July 19, 2013 at 4:08 pm
      Agent says:
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      Sargeant, I thought the same thing when I saw the title of the article. Everything that has come down the pike from this Administration has been pretty much a fabrication if not outright lie. All the promises were just hot air designed to brainwash Libby into thinking it was a good idea. The way it was passed should have awakened most Americans. Unfortunately, there are a lot of stupid people in this country. I saw a poll the other day that over 40% of the population still doesn’t know that Obamacare was passed. I guess they are too busy downloading apps on their iphone and are totally out of it.

    • July 19, 2013 at 4:34 pm
      Agent says:
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      So FFA, will this group that fights Youth Violence go door to door asking for the gangs to give up their guns so there will be no more violence and innocent kids getting shot? I think the group that is giving guns and training and doing background checks to responsible single mothers, the elderly and poor will do more good. At least they will be able to defend themselves against these gang bangers. Dead Fish is not going to help them if he has dismantled the SWAT.

      • July 19, 2013 at 4:51 pm
        Libby says:
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        Why do you call him Dead Fish?

        • July 19, 2013 at 8:46 pm
          jw says:
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          Who is Dead Fish?

          • July 22, 2013 at 10:29 am
            FFA says:
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            Libby – Good Question. Agent, please do tell.
            JW – Dead Fish is Rahm Emanual – Mayor of Chicago.
            Only 24 shooting last week end in Chicago – down from 35 last year same time frame.

            The group she was fund raising for funds sports leagues – Summer Basket Ball camp, base ball tournaments – that type of stuff.

            I’m not saying Michelle has been worthless at all as 1st Lady at all, but this could be the most worth while thing she has done as 1st lady.

          • July 22, 2013 at 1:38 pm
            jw says:
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            Thanks FFA! I might’ve figured that out some day. Probably not, though.

          • July 22, 2013 at 2:18 pm
            Libby says:
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            Yeah, I figured that. But WHY do you call him that?

          • July 24, 2013 at 5:55 pm
            Agent says:
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            FFA, One thing Michelle is very good at is spending our money on exhorbitant vacations and travel. She thinks of herself as royalty. 22 assistants to see to her every need, works the Secret Service to death with all that security at every stop. I bet those guys will be breathing a sigh of relief when this family leaves the White House. Then, some of the unlucky ones will have to guard them the rest of their lives including the girls.

          • July 24, 2013 at 6:29 pm
            FFA says:
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            Well agent, I don’t think so. They would be unemployed then.

        • July 22, 2013 at 3:22 pm
          Agent says:
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          For you Libby & jw. Emanuel has had this moniker for about 4 years for his mafia style both with the Administration and as mayor of Chicago. I know CNN or MSNBC will never mention that name, but if you had been following the real news, you would have already been aware of it. He is not a nice guy by the way and is clueless on how to stop the street violence in Chicago. His answer is to make the toughest gun laws in the country even tougher. Kind of a wierd approach since the thugs don’t seem to get the message.

          • July 22, 2013 at 7:17 pm
            FFA says:
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            Maybe Lame Duck would be a better name especially if this school closing does increase violence against kids.

        • July 24, 2013 at 3:36 pm
          Dave says:
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          Watch the Godfather. It’s what thugs send to others to signify the offing of an enemy. Much the same way Chicago politicians like Rahm and Obama work. Rahm once bragged about sending a political opponent a dead fish. This is how the leadership of the Democratic party think Libby. Much like you and wanting to off George Bush.

          • July 24, 2013 at 4:09 pm
            Agent says:
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            Thanks Dave for explaining Dead Fish to jw and Libby. They apparently are blissfully ignorant of national events and the names politicians pick up. By the way, Anthony the Wiener just couldn’t help himself and posted some more porn and got caught. His poor little Muslim wife was standing by her man. This guy is the worst and even the NY Times has come down hard on him. They could run the dogcatcher against him and beat him handily. Someone, please admit him to a mental hospital.

          • July 26, 2013 at 4:42 pm
            Libby says:
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            I thought it was a horse’s head.

          • July 30, 2013 at 5:01 pm
            Agent says:
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            Libby, the mafia has different ways to send messages to their enemies. When they have bumped someone off and dumped them in the river, they say so and so is sleeping with the fishes, hence the dead fish wrapped in a newspaper. When a politician like Emanuel sends a political rival a dead fish, that means he is going to destroy his reputation and get him out of office. Emanuel may be one of the nastiest individuals ever on the public scene and he is doing serious damage to Chicago. If you don’t believe me, ask FFA who lives there and he will fill you in.

    • July 22, 2013 at 3:27 pm
      Agent says:
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      Yes jw, there are Kennedy’s galore since they are Catholic and don’t believe in birth control or abortion as you and Libby do.

      • July 22, 2013 at 4:03 pm
        Libby says:
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        So that must mean you are Catholic, too, Agent.

        • July 22, 2013 at 6:12 pm
          Agent says:
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          Not I, Libby. It might surprise you to know that there are a lot of citizens out there from all religions and beliefs who don’t subscribe to your beliefs. It has always surprised me that Catholics tend to vote Democratic even though many of the things the Dems do are against their beliefs.

          • July 23, 2013 at 9:15 am
            Libby says:
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            Agent – Dems are for freedom of choice. I’m sorry, but I thought that was a fundemental building block of our nation. Unlike evangelical right-wingers, Dems do not go around telling people what they should or should not do. We leave it up to the individual to make that choice for themselves. Sort of like God did when he gave us free will. We don’t say you have to believe as we believe. That’s the epitome of freedom and individual responsiblity. Things you Reps preach but don’t practice well.

          • July 30, 2013 at 5:07 pm
            Agent says:
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            Libby, please explain what freedom of choice Americans had when Obamacare was passed in the dead of night without reading it and they had to pass it so we could see what was in it. What freedom did Hobby Lobby have to choose the benefits they wanted to provide employees? The government is busy stripping away freedoms every day of the week. Our President has been out stumping for jobs and yet will not approve Keystone after several years of review, all states now approving and it would create 40,000 jobs directly and indirectly. Is that helping the economy? Even the unions were for it so they could people to work.

    • August 2, 2013 at 11:12 am
      Agent says:
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      Hey Sargeant, did you hear about the new drug that will be covered under Obamacare? It will be used to treat ED, Excessive Dishonesty. The brand name is Liagra. It is guaranteed to provide longer lasting fabrications, removes remorse and is so effective that you will believe your own BS. There is a warning though. For lies lasting less than 4 hours, contact the main stream media for more spin.

  • July 18, 2013 at 4:09 pm
    Dave says:
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    This is the same administration which said if you don’t pass the stimulus bill unemploymeent will go over 8%. Well the Democratic House, Senate and White House passed the bill and unemployment went well over 10%. Even higher when you consider underemployment. It is pretty obvious that when it comes to economic forecasting that Democrats have no clue. That’s because most went to law school not business school and that most have never run a business including the annointed one who has never had a real job. They had no clue what the employer mandate would do to hiring, retaining employees and keeping them all full-time until the mandate approached and they saw what employers were doing. They have no concept of economic consequences to their actions because they don’t understand economics. So Obama’s statement that “Obamacare to Lower Insurance Premiums More Than Forecast” isn’t worth the telepromptor it is written on.

    • July 19, 2013 at 9:50 am
      Agent says:
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      Dave, I saw an article a while back that the Obama Administration has a total of 8% who has had any business experience. Judging on how they have governed, I think that may be about right.

      • July 22, 2013 at 4:25 pm
        Ron says:
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        Agent,

        Could you cite the article, please? I would be interested to see if they calculated this for other administrations as well. I believe that information is important for context.

        • July 26, 2013 at 4:43 pm
          Libby says:
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          Fat change of that Ron.

        • July 26, 2013 at 5:33 pm
          Realist says:
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          It was a comparison of the last 10-12 Presidents. Reagan had the most…………..go figure….(Good people delegate (appoint) good people, free-loaders delegate (appoint) freeloaders), a Natural Order, kinda like “misery loves company”)
          Libby and Ron, do you know how to use Google with your petroleum based computer which is full of carcinogens?
          If you can figure it out, just google the question.

    • July 31, 2013 at 4:38 pm
      Agent says:
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      Hi Dave, I saw an article this morning on Fox Website that the wonderful Democratic Blue State of Hawaii decided to offer all their homeless persons a one way ticket back to the continental US to alleviate themselves of the burden of supporting them. They have about 17,000 to get rid of in this most expensive cost of living state. I am sure California would love to have them since they let the illegals run wild there. I wish we could offer all the Progressive left in this country a one way ticket to Venezuela or Cuba. That is a fund I would contribute to.

  • July 18, 2013 at 4:32 pm
    Doubting Thomas says:
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    If anyone believes this, I have some great cheap swamp…I mean waterfront… land in Florida for sale that comes with a free pet gator.

  • July 18, 2013 at 4:45 pm
    Realist says:
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    Flash- Obamanation administration say (no plural here) moon made of cheese.
    Famous Scientist cites computer model proving a certain % of moon is cheese, AND it getting warmer every year (at least the last two).

    laughable

  • July 18, 2013 at 5:20 pm
    Brass Balls says:
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    The administration is delusional! Blue Cross & Blue Shield raised my family plan for a spouse and three children from $764 per month to $1,500 per month. It raised our plan’s deductible from $1,000 to $3,500 per person. It raised our out-of-pocket from $4,000 to $10,000 per year. Our plan new premium is $18,000 per year!

    North Carolina Health Reform Act and the Kennedy-Kassebaum Portability Acts were eliminated by Obamacare. Previously, my family could move from one creditable plan to another without being medically underwritten or subject to pre-existing conditions. That option is no longer available.

    The administration has raised my cost by $9,000 per year or created a 200% increase. Three healthy kids and one old dog must carry burden to subsidize FREE health care for others.

    Nothing in life is FREE. Someone has to pay for it.

    • July 19, 2013 at 8:53 am
      Libby says:
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      Blue Cross raised your cost. And there is no exclusion allowed for pre-existing conditions under the new law. So the option doesn’t have to be available.

    • July 19, 2013 at 11:50 am
      FFA says:
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      So BB, what your saying is that rates are lower when you speak Obama not Webster

      My Group plan currently cost $32,820 a year for me spouse and one employee. A $5K ded per person and 100% Co Pay.
      Adding new producer S F will jack that cost by $9648. This brings the current total to $42460. Earlier report says a 30% jump looming bringing the cost to $55208 – 5K ded 100% Co ins.

      Did you catch the news last night that oBamas appointment (2010) to run the Chicago US Marshals office has made a major mess of his $30M budget? DC office had to step in and run things.

      • July 19, 2013 at 11:58 am
        Libby says:
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        FFA – Here is a link for Small Business:

        http://obamacarefacts.com/obamacare-smallbusiness.php

        I would recommend seeing if individual coverage will be cheaper for you and your employees, since the small business exchange has been postponed until 2014.

        • July 19, 2013 at 12:34 pm
          FFA says:
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          Big issue is Pre X. March is my renewal, so I wont worry about it till then.

          • July 19, 2013 at 1:27 pm
            Libby says:
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            Pre X is no problem under Obamacare. If it’s alot cheaper to go individual in the exchange, you can move mid-term. Worth looking at.

          • July 19, 2013 at 2:26 pm
            FFA says:
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            Believe me Libby – this is one topic I will over do my due diligence with.
            I will pink slip someone before I pay for Crap.

  • July 18, 2013 at 7:28 pm
    Objectivist says:
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    Wow, this article is like asking 100 dogs what they think about cats. You’re bound to get the results that favor Obamacare when your sample is composed of the most liberal states in the nation. The District of Columbia, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont are bound to favor such a liberal socialist bill.

  • July 18, 2013 at 9:28 pm
    Old Lawman says:
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    Shrinking premiums, bi-partisanship are all just words. At the end of the day this administrations words have a very short life span. Our health plans have cost us and the company more and get a little less and less coverage each year.What is a crisis is that the November elections are around the corner and that is their major concern.

  • July 18, 2013 at 11:38 pm
    Bill says:
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    The rates are lower for the portly, old guy smoking a cigarette riding around on his rascal scooter in the casino.

    • July 19, 2013 at 11:53 am
      FFA says:
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      So, I guess all I need is a scooter and take on the gambling habit. Or do I just need to ride around the casino and not have to gamble? Then my cost will go down????

      I’m going bald. Is that a discount or Surcharge?

  • July 19, 2013 at 8:30 am
    ComradeAnon says:
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    TIL that many Insurance Journal readers watch Fox.

    • July 19, 2013 at 8:55 am
      Libby says:
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      Just today Comrade?

    • July 19, 2013 at 4:28 pm
      Patti Cake in the East says:
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      And, we should be watching MSNBC? CNN? I want the TRUTH!! Not pure bull crap that those (CHOKE) ‘News organizations’ spew out of their mouths.

      • July 22, 2013 at 1:04 pm
        Agent says:
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        So Patti Cake, I saw a report on the net this morning that wonderful MSNBC is blaming “small government” for the Detroit bankruptcy. These Progressives have an interesting way of looking at things, don’t they?

  • July 19, 2013 at 10:45 am
    Dave says:
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    New Obama bumper sticker:

    GM is alive and bin Laden is Dead
    And now so is Detroit

    More failed left wing policies!

  • July 24, 2013 at 10:24 am
    FFA says:
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    Mr OBama – Are you paying attention to Illinois???
    Per WGN this AM, Quinn has held paychecks for two weeks now.
    Still – nothing. They were not will to work when they were getting paid. Whats the expectation when they are not????

    • July 24, 2013 at 3:52 pm
      Agent says:
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      Hey FFA. Remember when the Wisconsin lawmakers went to other states rather than vote on Walker’s reforms? Were they doing their duty to the citizens of Wisconsin? These people are all a disgrace and should be recalled. I guess they can live on their campaign war chests for a while or their kickback checks from lobbyists or crooks they are in bed with.

      • July 24, 2013 at 6:27 pm
        FFA says:
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        from what I remember, some reps from Indiana did the same thing run away from the problem and see if it solves itself.

        At least our knuckle heads stay in state.

        I agree with recalling them folks. They have a job to do and they just duck out in the middle of the night. Wi folks were hiding at the Clock Tower Inn. Nice & expensive place to hang out at. wish I could get paid with out working.

        • July 26, 2013 at 5:42 pm
          Agent says:
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          So FFA, if we agents were to duck out on our customers without trying to solve a problem, how long would we have them? How long would we have an income? State Governments cannot print money, but they do tax the citizens and then spend unwisely. It is too bad your state is so screwed up. In Texas, if that kind of thing went on, the politicians wouldn’t be around long. Perry has been around long enough to know how to govern. He provides incentives to business to locate here, they create jobs and the state has plenty of resources. That is the only way to recover this economy and knuckleheads as you call them will never get it.

  • July 26, 2013 at 2:29 pm
    FFA says:
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    Per news this AM (WGN) Topinka (St Treasurer) was blasting Quinn for “defunding” the payroll account.
    Instead, they did pay my NFP Down State so they can pay their insurance premiums. I don’t have to send Cancelation into the Dept of Heath and their employees get to keep their jobs that they actually do as opposed to paying the rep & senators that do nothing for anyone.

    I may actually vote for this guy next time around. A Brass Balls move indeed. Way to actually do something for the citizens of this state.

    • July 30, 2013 at 4:45 pm
      Agent says:
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      FFA, Is it true the Sheriff of Cook County is out confiscating guns from citizens with Conceal & Carry permits? The Sun Times had the story. You live up there. Is this part of the new Dead Fish crackdown on legal gun owners while neglecting the thugs on the streets that have the illegal guns? Boy, this should make Chicago a lot safer, don’t you think?



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