Obamacare Reaches Enrollment Milestone But Faces Obstacles Ahead

By | March 31, 2014

  • March 31, 2014 at 1:08 pm
    Libby says:
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    “Polls show most Americans would prefer to see Obamacare changed, not repealed. In a March survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation, most Americans dislike the law, but 59 percent wanted it retained or improved.”

    That seems to be in direct opposition to what Republicans on this site are saying. But I would not expect them to say anything different.

    • March 31, 2014 at 1:42 pm
      FFA says:
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      Isn’t this how compromise works? Both start in different corners and then meet somewhere in the middle? If not, then we end up with this battle we have going on. I would even agree we are too far into this to just junk it all. It needs to be changed to make it more workable.
      Per WGN this AM. the web site was down for maintenance this week end. During the final push??? I have fielded three calls today regarding the web site not working. ‘What are we supposed to do?” I dont know what to tell these people.

      • March 31, 2014 at 1:45 pm
        Libby says:
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        Tell them to come in and sign up through your office. Forget the website unless they need a subsidy.

        • March 31, 2014 at 2:05 pm
          FFA says:
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          I still need to go through the web site. To be eligible for any credit, that has to happen.

          • March 31, 2014 at 2:06 pm
            Libby says:
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            You only have to know their income level and whether they’re single or family. That will tell you whether they qualify (yes or no) but not how much. If they don’t qualify for a subsidy, they might as well purchase from you.

          • March 31, 2014 at 2:15 pm
            FFA says:
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            So far, I am the only one that didnt qualify for a subsidy. I did mine in December.
            There was a few I thought would not, but needed to jump through the hoops to confirm.
            All these Johnny Come Lates are causing issues as we speak.

    • March 31, 2014 at 3:30 pm
      Whodathunkit? says:
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      What would you change? No democrat seems to be able to answer that question. Maybe you can provide them some talking points Libby.

      • March 31, 2014 at 3:36 pm
        Libby says:
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        Personally? I’d change it to universal healthcare and leave everybody out of the mix.

        At the very least, I’d have a public option in addition to the private option. I’d make requirements that carriers have to OFFER maternity and birth control options, but that it’s not mandatory that you buy them. I would require carriers offer a small deductible option, along with catastrophic coverage and large deductible plans. Allow carriers to write across state lines. I guess that’s a start of what I would recommend.

        • March 31, 2014 at 4:51 pm
          Whodathunkit? says:
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          Maternity and birth control option won’t fly with Nancy Pelosi because now you just elimiated 50% of the market (men). Small deductible = larger premium, the premiums are already too high. Cat plans will take the overpayment from the young folks needed to balance the program or the costs will skyrocket.

          You got one good change here, the Republican plan to sell across state lines.

          You really don’t have any changes that the Democrats will put up for a vote, and neither do they. They know the main street media won’t make them spell out their changes, that’s why the continually say it. Don’t mend it, defend it.

          • April 2, 2014 at 9:05 pm
            KY jw says:
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            You asked what Libby would change, not what would get through congress. Don’t slam her for answering your question.

        • March 31, 2014 at 4:59 pm
          Libby says:
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          Typical Republicant. Shoot down all ideas unless you think they came from “your guys.”

          If people don’t want/need maternity coverage, they will pay a lower premium. If people want a lower OOP, they will pay a higher premium. Isn’t that the WAY IT WAS??? All I heard was repeal and go back the way it was. It was working, why change it?

          When I say go back to the way it was, but offer a public option, you shoot me down. There is nothing I can say, unless I change my moniker to “Conservative Gal” that you people will even listen to, let along agree with.

          • April 1, 2014 at 8:14 am
            Whodathunkit? says:
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            Stay on subject Libby and stopping with personal attacks. You’re right, if the premium is too high people won’t pay it, if only those in the maternity age range buy it, is it (un)affordable? The whole program was pushed as a way to provide insurance for every american. Your changes won’t do that.

            They could have provided some reasonable coverage to uninsured americans by using the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on all the unworkable web sites, ads, graft, and give aways that went into the last four fruitless years.

          • April 1, 2014 at 8:47 am
            Libby says:
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            I don’t know if you’re qualified to say whether my ideas would work or not. You asked me for ideas only so you could shoot them down. That’s just another form of personal attack.

            And if you’ll remember correctly, I said if I had my preference, we’d have universal healthcare “by using the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on all the unworkable web sites, ads, graft, and give aways that went into the last four fruitless years.”

          • April 1, 2014 at 11:50 am
            txmouthbreatherboogereater says:
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            Typical Republicant. Shoot down all ideas unless you think they came from “your guys.”

            Libby,

            You misspelled Republicunt wrong

          • April 1, 2014 at 12:20 pm
            FFA says:
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            Libby, Surprise, I agree with the concept. Im not having babies and have no need for B/C. I dont want to pay for it, but I have to.

            However, Obama dont see it that way. He thinks we are a one size fits all society.

            Now that its passed and we all see what is in it (Taxing Employer Contributions) we all now understand how he figures to pay for it. Tax Everyone with a benefit through the employer.

            Now that you have informed our little world, no one speaks in support of it. Game, set match!

            It needs to go.

        • March 31, 2014 at 5:37 pm
          Agent says:
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          So Libby, you prefer to put several hundred thousand company employees out on the street looking for employment. That sounds like a great plan. By the way, considering how the government has fumbled the ball on Healthcare, how do you think they could manage Single Payer? They can’t even get a website to work after paying close to a billion for it. It was down again today. 10-1, don’t work. 3-31, still doesn’t work. Personally, the mandated coverages need to be made optional and not absolutely required under penalty of a tax or fine. Let people pick what they want, not order them to take it or else.

          • April 1, 2014 at 8:48 am
            Libby says:
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            Didn’t I just suggest that in my statement above?

          • April 2, 2014 at 5:06 pm
            Agent says:
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            Booger, you have a filthy mouth and should be banned by IJ for comments unbecoming. There is no place for this in any debate. Please disappear to Venezuela to be with your buddies.

          • April 2, 2014 at 6:30 pm
            txmouthbreatherboogereatertx says:
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            Agent,
            You need to have a better retort than that. Pray that NSA isn’t reading your coded posts and your anti-Obama agenda so that a drone doesn’t destroy your lean-to agency. Think about wearing a helmet as well. Your tinfoil hat won’t protect you.

          • April 4, 2014 at 4:55 pm
            Agent says:
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            Hey Booger, poor Louie tried to give you some helpful advice. It obviously went in one ear and out the other in record time. The sad thing is you don’t even consider your vile comments vile. Are you a secret member of OWS? That is how they talk about this country too, you know.

  • March 31, 2014 at 1:31 pm
    Barry Rabkin says:
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    Just a few questions: 1) How many people who have enrolled did not have health insurance before ACA? 2) How many people who have enrolled are actually paying premiums for their health insurance? And 3) Why couldn’t the government create a healthcare program for the uninsured without taking away healthcare from people who had it and liked their healthcare providers? I realize that taking away and giving to others is the democrat way but still, moving away from the values of individual freedom, liberty, and responsibility (you know, those rascally values our Founding Fathers built the US on) doesn’t seem like the correct course of action.

  • March 31, 2014 at 1:32 pm
    Libby says:
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    Email to President Obama:

    Good afternoon,

    I am a staunch Republican, a self-proclaimed Fox News addict, and I didn’t vote for the President. And I’m here to tell you that Obamacare works. I’m living proof.

    I’m a chemotherapy patient, and was previously paying $428 a month for my health coverage. I was not thrilled when it was cancelled.

    Then I submitted an application at HealthCare.gov. I looked at my options. And I signed up for a plan for $62 a month.

    It’s the best health care I have ever had.

    So right now, here’s what I want to tell anyone who still needs health insurance, or knows someone who does:

    Sign up. Follow the instructions on the website. Apply, and look at your options. You still have time, and take it from me: This is something you want to do.

    I wrote a letter to President Obama this past February to tell him about my experience with the Health Insurance Marketplace. I hoped he’d read it, and he did.

    I may not be a supporter of the President. But now, I get mad when I see Obamacare dragged through the mud on television.

    And even though I regularly tune in to conservative pundits, I’d like to tell them they’re getting it wrong. Obamacare works.

    So one more time: If you still need health insurance, you have just three days to get it. Do what I did. Go to HealthCare.gov, submit an application, and pick a plan that works for you.

    It just might change your life.

    Mark D. Bearden, Ph.D.
    Monroe, North Carolina

    • March 31, 2014 at 1:38 pm
      FFA says:
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      Mark dont no anything about Actuarial data. How many $92.00 premiums with out other claims being presented can the system afford with out going under?

      Per WGN this AM, 8.5 Mill people enrolled including Medicaid. No Break Down on any thing else. They didnt cite the source other then the OBama Administration.

      With more and more stories like Marks, how long can the carriers hold up? No one can answer that questions with out a bunch of assumptions.

      • March 31, 2014 at 1:40 pm
        Libby says:
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        Because the ACA also includes other features to control costs. But you guys aren’t interested in learning about those.

        • March 31, 2014 at 1:43 pm
          FFA says:
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          All I see is my tax bill going up.
          You seem to be the resident expert on this, please do tell? How does this get paid for?

          • March 31, 2014 at 1:48 pm
            Libby says:
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            I’ve been telling, but you people just AREN’T LISTENING. I’ve explained about the panels, about results oriented service v. fee for service, about electronic medical records, about the cap on expenses, about the law of large numbers.

            You don’t want to hear it and just continue to repeat your rhetoric without basis in fact. Has your tax bill increased BECAUSE OF THE ACA???

          • March 31, 2014 at 2:25 pm
            Agent says:
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            Hey FFA. Isn’t this fun? I remember you saying Libby had given up on Obamacare some time ago. I guess she has had a resurgence of positive feelings since she continues to trumpet in her blogs. By the way, yes, the tax bill will continue to escalate. Medicaid is a huge part of this and that is all taxpayer expense. The bailout of companies that will happen when they can’t pay all the PreX claims. Companies are counting on this to keep them in business. All taxpayer expense. Remember one of the larger lies that this will not add one dime to the deficit? We are headed for deficits of biblical proportions and taxes will have to be raised over and over to pay for it. Are you thrilled with that prospect?

          • March 31, 2014 at 2:33 pm
            Libby says:
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            Agent – I’m for revision, not repeal. And yes, there are good parts to the ACA. You have failed to educate yourself on those, so shame on you.

            As far as tax increases, read this and see how many will affect you personally. IF you can understand it.

            http://www.atr.org/comprehensive-list-tax-hikes-obamacare-a5758

          • March 31, 2014 at 3:17 pm
            FFA says:
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            Well, Libby seems to be a short list. None the less, 6 will have an impact on me over time. W2 reporting of med premiums will have an indirect effect on me as most of my Commercial Clients and my Home & Auto clients will feel that pain. This year – HSA, Med Deduction & Med Device Tax as my wife may very well be getting a replacement. If not this year, then sometime down the road.

            As afar as I remember, the “Shop” aspect of this is off the table. Does that include all the tax hikes associated with that too?

            So, yes, I am getting an immediate impact on my tax bill. Come time to retire, the Cap Gain is going to hit me very hard. Gonna 2x the tax when I sell out.

            So, you have offered me more reasons to oppose this thing.

          • March 31, 2014 at 3:48 pm
            Libby says:
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            FFA:

            W2 reporting of med premiums – didn’t see that on the list.

            HSA – does not being able to use your HSA for over the counter drugs really affect you that much?

            Med Deduction – How much out of pocket to you have to deduct since you have health insurance? Did you meet the threshold last year?

            Med Device Tax – unless you’re a manufacturer, this will not affect you directly. And you have yet to prove it will affect you indirectly.

            Cap Gain is going to hit me very hard. Gonna 2x the tax when I sell out – I believe that is only for short-term capital gains, FFA. In addition, there are many things you can do to lower your capital gains when selling a business.

            Try again.

          • March 31, 2014 at 4:09 pm
            FFA says:
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            “W2 reporting of med premiums – didn’t see that on the list.”

            As the business owner, I was taxed on the premiums. I believe from my scattered memory, it was under Codification header.

            “HSA – does not being able to use your HSA for over the counter drugs really affect you that much?”
            I spent over $30,000 on med premiums & OOP ($10996.00 oop)for just my wife. She has already smoked the Ded on our plan. That was done by Jan 15. I still have about $4K sitting on my desk to pay also.

            “Med Deduction – How much out of pocket to you have to -”
            A Lot. I have probably already paid close to $2000 for 2014 and we are not done with first quarter. I feel agents pain. If you not on regular meds, consider your self lucky.

            Med device Manuf – Dont the tax just get passed down to the end user or is the Manufacture just eating it?

            I am looking for answers, not an argument.

          • March 31, 2014 at 4:22 pm
            Libby says:
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            FFA-

            Just trying to straighten out the facts, not argue. You obviously didn’t read the fine print.

          • March 31, 2014 at 4:32 pm
            FFA says:
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            Thats what I am after Libby. I already know the Med Deduction is going to hurt me. I know I am paying tax on my premiums as they are regular income. The tax on the hospital is gonna get passed down to me in one form or the other. Higher Bills equals higher premiums. The Manufacturer tax is going to be passed on to consumers.

          • March 31, 2014 at 4:41 pm
            Libby says:
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            How come you have such high OOP expenses when you have insurance? Not arguing. Just asking.

          • March 31, 2014 at 4:45 pm
            FFA says:
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            Last year mt Ded was $5000.00. Year before it was $10,000. With the sharp decrease in Med Commiss & Workers Comp reform, past bills got pushed aside in favor of the mortgage payment. Made some serious headway on outstanding debt last year.

            And, as the owner of the biz, my premiums get added onto my income.

          • March 31, 2014 at 5:03 pm
            Libby says:
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            “As the owner of the biz, my premiums get added onto my income.” Do you mean to say, they are not tax deductible? Because I thought you cancelled your group plan.

            And not to nit-pick, but if you have medical bills from prior years, the reduction in medical expense deduction wouldn’t make a difference. You’d have to pay over 7.5% of your wage to even begin deducting. At $100k, that’s the first $7,500 of all OOP NOT deductible. You wouldn’t have gone over that with a $5k deductible.

          • March 31, 2014 at 5:12 pm
            FFA says:
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            In prior years including 2013, the health insurance premiums that the owner pays gets added on to the owners income. So, if I made $50,000 and my premiums were $20,000, I am taxed on $70,000.

            Only portion of my prior group that was deductible was the portion of which I paid towards my employees.

            Look on your W2. There is a box for Health Insurance Premiums paid on your behalf. Its (the additional income) is heading your way to.

            Med Bills are deductible in year paid – not incurred.

            Yes, I blew away the $5K ded.

          • April 3, 2014 at 8:18 am
            KY jw says:
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            I don’t like the HSA maximum. Between braces and allergies and accident prone family members (including me!), I’ll run out of flex spend money by July. Bah, humbug.

          • April 3, 2014 at 8:23 am
            KY jw says:
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            “FFA says: I already know the Med Deduction is going to hurt me.” Which is why someone created the flex spending accounts.

            The money is taken pre-tax out of your paycheck and then you are reimbursed when you spend money. Now that there is a VERY LOW maximum, it’s not much help. Better than nothing, but still….

          • April 3, 2014 at 5:28 pm
            FFA says:
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            JW, it just dont matter for me the owner. What ever the Biz contributed to my health insurance, it got added onto my income.

            As a result, my wife gets a W2 and I get a 1099. I had the premium added onto my 1099 and then took a Self Employed Health Ins deduction. Thats how I minimized it. It is of no benefit to me to take a W2. I did that on my wife so it would force me to pay her income tax during the year. I deducted her at Single – Zero to put max into hers.

            For this year, I need to rethink the whole thing.

    • April 1, 2014 at 8:38 am
      txmouthbreatherboogereatertx says:
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      Wow this is shocking……..An educated republican….Then again, he’s a Southern Phychologist

      • April 1, 2014 at 6:00 pm
        Agent says:
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        How educated are you booger? You can’t even spell. Must be that Common Core education you received which is guaranteed to dumb down the population even more than it is already.

        • April 2, 2014 at 8:56 am
          Libby says:
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          At least he doesn’t claim to have an economics degree.

          • April 2, 2014 at 12:02 pm
            Agent says:
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            Hey Libby, my Economics degree has served me well. It is too bad you don’t have one. Don’t I remember that you said in the past that Economics was not your strong suit? However, you continue to rant that you know more than all the Conservatives on this forum.

          • April 2, 2014 at 12:18 pm
            txmouthbreatherboogereatertx says:
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            I think he means Home Economics Degree. He’s good at patching up holes in the knees of his pants.

          • April 2, 2014 at 12:44 pm
            Libby says:
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            I’m earning my economics degree the same way you did, on-line.

        • April 2, 2014 at 9:18 am
          txmouthbreatherboogereatertx says:
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          Agent, I don’t have a PhD nor would there be a reason for me to have one. I am an MBA, (not obtained for Oral Roberts or Liberty) and I’m under the impression that you consider continuing education as your post high school education. (remember those classes you took at half time of the Katy vs. Waco game.) The only other options I can think of, are a failed attempt at seminary school or that you are one of the few survivors of the Branch Davidian Compound. Were you hiding in that buried bus? I can also guarantee that in my 2 years of working in the P&C industry, I am light years ahead of you when you were only 2 years in. Your kind is the reason why the industry needs new blood in order to be taken seriously. So get back to work Agent. You have to pick up your rattlesnakes and a jar of strychnine on your way to the public access tv studio so you can preach the Good Word. I think they are having a sale on glue at Hobby Lobby. Sniff up.

          • April 3, 2014 at 10:07 am
            Destro says:
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            So much class…

          • April 3, 2014 at 1:27 pm
            louie says:
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            Wow…2 years of experience, eh? With all the wisdom, class and insight I’ve noticed in all of your posts, I would have pegged you for having at least 3! You’ve obviously paid your dues, since you got your MBA, eh? Granted, I know nothing about you personally and you could very well be person of integrity instead of the keyboard commando you post as, but you certainly don’t come off that way. There’s such a thing as civility and respect, whether you agree with someone or not.

            Here’s some free advice: Grow up. If yours is an example of the “new blood” our industry needs to be taken seriously, then we truly are doomed.

          • April 3, 2014 at 2:55 pm
            txmouthbreatherboogereatertx says:
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            Louie,
            Thank you for your insight and your kind comments. My comments do not reflect my experience in the industry, nor do I feel that I am entitled or have paid my dues because I have an MBA. I do respond to copy and paste comments from others as well as attacks on other people who do not agree with other posters. I do respond to tea-hadist comments that may only be a sample of industry mind set, but seem to be the standard. You are correct in that you know nothing about me, and that I am man of integrity and not just a keyboard commando. Regardless, it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t come off that way, or that I lack civility, tact, or respect.

            Because you have offered free advice, I will return the favor. Don’t get sucked into the vacuum that these Neo-Cons have created, it’s bad for the mind, body, and soul. Lead, don’t follow. Learn then teach, don’t preach.

          • April 3, 2014 at 3:23 pm
            louie says:
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            my “preaching” has nothing to do with any kind of Neo-Con vacuum. I appreciate anyone who can make a valid point without having to result to personal attacks.

            I cite Libby as an example: while I may not always agree with her, she is obciously well-informed about her side of the story. She’ll attack if provoked, but generally speaks her piece and backs it up. One has to admire her passion, regardless of whether they agree with her.

            I am sure you are a good person, TX, and I do wish you all the best in life. Just remember that not everyone who disagrees with Obama is a NeoCon and not everyone who loves him is a Liberal. There are wackos on both sides of the aisle.

  • March 31, 2014 at 2:03 pm
    FFA says:
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    All I remember is a series of taxes being passed along.
    Honestly, all I know about my tax bill is that it is way up compared to years past. Seems I have jumped tax brackets. I dont understand how and or why as I always seems to be broke.

    I do know you have passed along that type of info, but it was not important to me. Implementation is what was important to me as I move my way through the system. Have been hammered with calls last week and today so far. One is a mess due to the web site being less them Amazon easy. Some have been medicaid questions/enrollments. Put 4 into the system last week. All with Pre X’s. Not one that will support the premium. Takes me to about 30 all with Cronic Issues.

    • March 31, 2014 at 2:13 pm
      Libby says:
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      If it’s not important to you, then don’t comment about it. Otherwise educate yourself before complaining. You have an accountant, don’t you? Ask him why your taxes are going up.

      And what do you care if all 30 have chronic issues? It’s still commission dollars in your pocket. Let the carriers worry about pricing and sustaining the program. Did you underwrite and worry about price adequacy before the ACA? They will make money, don’t worry.

      • March 31, 2014 at 2:30 pm
        FFA says:
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        Your right. I dont care about it. Soon as I get something figured out, they are likely to change it anyways.

        No point in asking the tax man WHY? If I owe it, I owe it. Not likely to change any time soon. I paid more in taxes then many make in a year. Only thing I ask my tax man now is how do I get that bill lowered. Looking for strategies on how to reduce that bill.

    • March 31, 2014 at 3:06 pm
      Agent says:
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      Libby, did you post the wrong article by mistake? How does this listing off the largest tax increase in American history bolster your opinion? FFA and I are concerned with the huge tax increases associated with this and you present graphic evidence on why this is so bad. The only one they left out as far as I can determine is the Medical Device tax. Oh, that’s right, you don’t pay any of these taxes so you are free to say whatever you want.

      • March 31, 2014 at 3:16 pm
        Libby says:
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        Agent – this is America and yes, I am free to say whatever I want. Other than potentially the medicare tax, which of those will affect you personally?

        • March 31, 2014 at 5:44 pm
          Agent says:
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          Libby, I know you don’t think the Medical Device tax impacts people, but I do know a number of people that have had knee replacement, hip replacement, even shoulder joint replacement. What do you think the cost of these replacements will now cost if the Medical Device tax is added in? I will give you a hint, more cost for the consumer since it is added in to the cost of surgery. One of my golf buddies had double knee replacement. I wonder how expensive that was after all the costs were put in.

          • April 1, 2014 at 11:06 am
            FFA says:
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            Any tax gets rolled down to the end user. Any one can live in denial. Soon enough, it gonna kick everyone right where the sun dont shine – Under your roof.

          • April 1, 2014 at 11:55 am
            Libby says:
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            If that happens, I guess I’ll have to tighten my belt in some other area. Life goes on.

          • April 1, 2014 at 12:42 pm
            FFA says:
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            Its not a matter of if. Its a matter of when.

          • April 1, 2014 at 12:53 pm
            Libby says:
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            Life goes on.

          • April 1, 2014 at 1:06 pm
            FFA says:
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            Yes. Life must go on. The Game of Throns continues.

          • April 1, 2014 at 1:49 pm
            Libby says:
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            If my biggest problem is money, I haven’t any problems at all.

          • April 2, 2014 at 8:08 am
            Destro says:
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            Libby, you would have fit in the USSR like hand in glove.

          • April 2, 2014 at 8:56 am
            Libby says:
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            Shut up Destro. You broke your promise to never post again.

  • March 31, 2014 at 3:35 pm
    David Myers says:
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    Personally I doubt any numbers put out by this administration that has continually lied about the Affordable Care Act. Health Care companies will rue the day when they are eventually run out of business when this whole mess goes to single payor.

    This is a bad law from many perspectives and needs to be repealed.

    • March 31, 2014 at 4:05 pm
      Agent says:
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      David, we aren’t going to get repeal, but if we are talking about revisions, they can start by deleting about 2,600 pages of this monstrous law, get rid of all the mandates, extra taxes, create some Pools for the PreX crowd that will continue to drive rates through the roof. That is only a start, but it would be an improvement.

    • April 2, 2014 at 4:59 pm
      Agent says:
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      Hey Destro, she should immigrate to Iran. They treat women real well over there I hear.

      • April 3, 2014 at 8:40 am
        Libby says:
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        You should immigrate to some place that accepts backwards, bigoted, narrow-minded morons. Oh, that’s right! You already live in Texas. Stay there.

        • April 3, 2014 at 10:09 am
          Destro says:
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          So are you saying that women are treated well in Iran?

        • April 4, 2014 at 4:43 pm
          Agent says:
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          Libby, you don’t have to worry about me moving to any Blue State or any other place. Texas is a bastion of Conservatism, we know how to create jobs and we hate everything liberal. By the way, southern women are a whole lot nicer than the Blue States liberal women.

          • April 4, 2014 at 8:30 pm
            KY jw says:
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            Only because Southern women are taught from birth how to insult you without raising their voices.

  • March 31, 2014 at 5:41 pm
    FFA says:
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    Libby, off your article, this is the one that is going to hit everyone hard. You, Cap, Ron, DCMS, Bob, OBob, your family, friends, agent, sarge, always, JW, me – everyone in the country.

    Employer Reporting of Insurance on W-2(Min$/Jan 2011): Preamble to taxing health benefits on individual tax returns.

    Its already costing every business owner. way to be nice to the people that write pay checks. Screws the people we write the pay checks to.

    So, if your employer pays $20,000 of your health related benefit, your tax bill will increase by $5000 if your in the 25% bracket. That is another $5000 coming out of your pocket because of OBama Care.

    Re-Read the Codification portion of your article. Too much in there to point out whats wrong with that portion. I can see it now – no more charitable deductions. People with Home Offices – screwed…

    • March 31, 2014 at 5:47 pm
      Agent says:
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      FFA, the deduction for large medical expenses was increased from $7,500 to $10,000 due to this law. I know first hand because of my wife’s surgeries how this is going to affect me. Her next operation will be the culmination of the higher taxes associated with this law.

      • April 1, 2014 at 10:45 am
        FFA says:
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        The supporters of the ACA are getting to be few and farther in between. As everyone sees the impact of a poorly written law based on lies and deceit, the poor will get poorer and we will still have millions of people with out health insurance.

        Obama is nothing but a bumbling duface ego maniac. He is just gonna tax the crap out of everyone. Look at your W2 for the Health box. Next thing he is gonna attack. He beat the crap out of business owners. Now its time to move on to the employees.

        • April 2, 2014 at 4:56 pm
          Agent says:
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          FFA, I think the 26% approval says it all about how the people think after 4 disastrous years. After the hundreds of thousands of horror stories come to fruition, the Democrats will be toast in November.

    • April 3, 2014 at 8:53 am
      KY jw says:
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      I went back and re-read that article. These tax hikes are rude! I never understood the “Cadillac” tax. Obviously, the administration wants to eliminate employer sponsored health insurance if they plan on taxing the employee for this benefit. And, what’s with the additional tax to charitable health providers? Several others make no sense, either.

      I don’t understand why these articles are so hard to find. If the Repubs want to undermine or defeat the positive points (whatever those may be) of the ACA, they need to LOUDLY advertise these tax hikes. Prior to Libby giving us that link, I only knew about the Cadillac plan tax and the reduction in HSA contributions. Did anyone realize we would be paying taxes on the value of our health insurance? Seriously, why hasn’t this been made known?

      • April 3, 2014 at 11:18 am
        Libby says:
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        It was known. This article was from 2011.

        • April 3, 2014 at 12:22 pm
          KY jw says:
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          But why wasn’t it a centerpiece of Republican strategy? All they seemed to harp on was the Cadillac tax. I only knew about the HSA limitations because I have one. I just think it might have made a difference. All the people who have health insurance through work – wasn’t that around 80% – might have been more likely to go conservative or republican if they knew their benefits are about to be taxed.

          • April 3, 2014 at 1:35 pm
            Libby says:
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            The bill was introduced on October 29, 2009 and passed on November 7, 2009. Everyone had ample time to read it, despite what Republicans say.

          • April 3, 2014 at 1:56 pm
            Libby says:
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            Sorry. That was the House bill. The Senate bill was debated the entire year of 2009.

      • April 4, 2014 at 5:00 pm
        Agent says:
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        Ky, why do you think the unions have been jumping up and down about the Cadillac Tax? Their negotiated plans were all Cadillac from the word go. There are so many taxes in this law it would make anyone choke except for Booger, Planet & Libby who don’t have to pay them.

        • April 4, 2014 at 8:31 pm
          KY jw says:
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          I don’t have to pay them, but I find the taxes especially obnoxious.

  • April 1, 2014 at 10:04 am
    knotins says:
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    Dear poor foolish ACA supporters.

    I am a cancer patient fighting for my life. Before ACA was innacted I had a comprehensive family plan for $357 a month with a $5000 deductible and 80/20 coinsurance. This plan sent me to the providers of my choice within their PPO network including the leading cancer hospital MD Anderson in Houston Texas. My care was fantastic!

    Now, thanks to the ACA my health insurance that I am being forced to buy since my prior plan was purchased post ACA law in 2010 is $1021 a month for less benefits.

    It is not my distinct pleasure to be funding Mike Beardon PHD for his subsidy. You can tell Mike Beardon that his greatly premium is being paid by another cancer patient and that I am not pleased.

    Oh and dont forget the other three people just like Mike Beardon that I am now paying premiums for.

    Gotta go kids, my daily radiation treatment is waiting, hey Mike, do you mind forking over your savings to pay my $5000.00 deductible and 30% coinsurance, you know, tit for tat ?

    • April 2, 2014 at 2:25 pm
      company gal says:
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      I am so sorry to hear of your health issues. As a melanoma survivor, I totally get it. I know that you may not agree, but I don’t think your prior carrier would have been particularly motivated to keep you under that better policy if they werent required to do so by statute. You likely could have been cancelled at the first renewal, without ACA issues. Further, My friend Lee who had lung cancer surpassed the prior “lifetime maximum” while fighting for his life. Pre ACA, they would have cut him off. Post ACA, he kept receiving treatment. He was pretty impressed with this. It wasn’t by the amount of an annual deductible..

      So, really, I can’t say enough how sorry I am that you are fighting this and its costing you so much. I just don’t know that it’s fair to compare now with what you had, ’cause I just don’t know many carriers that were keeping families or individuals when the catestrophic illnesses hit. It is my experience that those with more complicated cases break through the old lifetime maximum and are very grateful that the carriers keep them covered.

      Take care and all the best to you

      • April 2, 2014 at 3:34 pm
        knotins says:
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        Company Gal

        No offense but you obviously dont understand health insurance laws and contracts. My prior health insurance company could not cancel me for claims, rate me adversly or otherwise. I would have stayed in the same preferred tier for the life of my policy and the only way to get rid of me would require the insurance company to cancel all policies.

        So in your case you havent been educated on health insurance. Your comments misses the mark.

        • April 3, 2014 at 12:25 pm
          KY jw says:
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          How come your prior insurance couldn’t rate your policy based on actuarial risk?

          • April 3, 2014 at 3:28 pm
            FFA says:
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            Jw, Not Allowed after policy was issued. Once its issued, thats it.

          • April 4, 2014 at 9:02 am
            KY jw says:
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            So, health is nothing like P&C then. (because P&C is re-rated at each renewal) Another reason I’ll stay in P&C.

  • April 1, 2014 at 12:48 pm
    FFA says:
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    Well if this aint a kick in the pants….
    Just got a call from one of the enrolees’. She had her baby C-Section. She even has the Pre Approval letter. She got a Bill from the Hospital stating $20,000 due. EOB states Services not covered under the plan.

    So, they tell you that maternity is included, but its not really??
    Now I have to get on the phone with BCBS…
    Stay tuned as we uncover more BS.

    • April 2, 2014 at 2:26 pm
      company gal says:
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      What happened? I keep checking back as this would be a nightmare if she had a pre-authorization and now theyre saying not covered..

      • April 2, 2014 at 2:48 pm
        FFA says:
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        C/G – I am working through it. Seems – best guess – coding error on the part of the hospital. Took the Cust Ser Rep a minute to file the appeal for review. Will have more info in 30 days.

  • April 2, 2014 at 12:08 pm
    Agent says:
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    Hey FFA, If you like your plan, you can keep it, PERIOD! If you like your doctor/hospital, you can keep them, PERIOD!

  • April 2, 2014 at 9:23 pm
    Sargeant Major says:
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    Does anyone find it odd that this group of nitwits could not produce any numbers on ACA and then all of the sudden- bang, we has signed up 7.1 million people. 100k more than the target. What a miracle. What a joke.
    If anyone believes this, I have a bridge to sell.

    • April 3, 2014 at 5:31 pm
      FFA says:
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      I find the whole thing odd. Changing the law as it was written?? Now the subsidy issue. Seems Pelosi was right when she said we have to pass it to know whats in it. The folks that wrote it didnt even know whats in it. The Pen & Phone Comment/ reality????

    • April 7, 2014 at 11:05 am
      Agent says:
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      You could sell that bridge to Libby, Ron, Boogereater, 102, Shirley. They could all go together and get a subsidy from Obama so they can buy it.

  • April 2, 2014 at 9:37 pm
    Sargeant Major says:
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    If you really look at the numbers, they do not add up and the fed will be bailing out insurers and renewal premiums are going up, again.
    Take 7.1 million people “enrolled” subtract those who never really signed up (The people who went online and put something in the basket but never checked out). Then subtract the people who have not paid. Then subtract the 6.5 million who lost their insurance and……….. Looks like they are in the hole and this is a bust. Not to mention the mix is most likely adverse so premiums will be higher so forget that promise that your premium will save you $2,500.00 per year. Or that you will be able to keep you doctor or your policy or your hospital or your deductible or, or, or, or. So those who believed these idiots are going to keep getting wake up calls.

    • April 4, 2014 at 4:35 pm
      Agent says:
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      Great to see you back Sargeant. You have a lot of common sense, unlike many on this blog who continue to think this is the best thing since sliced bread.

      On another note, how can the “Detroit Tigers” afford to pay Cabrera $292 million over 10 years? Did they get an Obama subsidy? I thought this guy was in his mid thirties. I know he has had a very good career and a great year last year, but will he be worth it long term? The Rangers are sorry they got rid of Kinsler since the replacement Profar got hurt and will be out 10-12 weeks. I hope Kinsler has a great year now. He will probably bat .500 when they play against each other.

  • April 4, 2014 at 2:05 pm
    Captain Planet says:
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    What I don’t understand is why do Conservatives want to go back to the Socialist healthcare system we had before? The system that allowed people to seek medical attention and not pay for it, placing that responsibility upon the shoulders of all of us tax payers and policy holders? Whey are they so against this free market solution in which people have to pay their own way or pay a penalty? Seems to me a very conservative way to approach this, which is why I feel it falls short. Where’s the public option? The conservatives got their option, how is this law Liberal at all? It was more socialist the way we had it. Does that make you a Consocialist, all of you Righties out there who stand in opposition?

    • April 4, 2014 at 2:15 pm
      Libby says:
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      Good point, mi Cop-ee-ton.

    • April 4, 2014 at 2:56 pm
      FFA says:
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      Have you seen he list of new taxes Libby Posted? Are you happy that your health premiums that your employer pays are going to be taxed?
      Libby may be able to eat the increase, but how many other people can?
      Free Market? They have to buy something or be taxed? How is that Free Market?
      “The system that allowed people to seek medical attention and not pay for it, placing that responsibility upon the shoulders of all of us tax payers and policy holders?” – Whats medicaide? Isnt that the same thing including the Public Option?
      The Conservatives dont want Govt Intrusion into private business. How did the Conservatives get “Their way”?
      A 26% approval rating? Isnt this a majority rule society? How is 74% – Old School Math, Not Obama Math – the majority?

      I respectfully disagree with everything on your post. appears that 74% of the people didnt get “their way”.

      PS – Go Bulls!!!!! They need to trade d Rose before he gets back on the court. We all know he is just going to get hurt again.

      • April 4, 2014 at 3:10 pm
        FFA says:
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        Not to mention people that dont live in states with their own exchange are not eligible for subsidy.

        So, who gained what? The tax payers getting sock with a bill for a web site that dont work?

        Far as I can tell, this helped out the Pre X Crowd but not really as states already had a pool for them set up.

        • April 4, 2014 at 3:32 pm
          Libby says:
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          FFA – do you get your facts from Agent? Big mistake. There are other articles on this very site that say the majority of people do not like the ACA in its current form, but DO NOT want it repealed.

          No, this is not a “majority rule” society. It is a Republic, with three branches of government.

          False – people that don’t live in states with their own exchange are not eligible for subsidies. This has yet to be decided. See article regarding the number 1321.

          So I respectfully disagree with what you have said, because it is not factual in nature.

          • April 4, 2014 at 3:54 pm
            FFA says:
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            Libby, if its the law of the land in its current form, then the law is being broken by giving the subsidy. Previous article state that in 9 different places -no state exchange, no subsidy. That is the way the law is written.

            And Cap, The mod has always ruled Chicago…

          • April 4, 2014 at 4:02 pm
            FFA says:
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            Libby, Then why have elections???

          • April 4, 2014 at 4:35 pm
            Libby says:
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            My point exactly. Our vote does not count.

          • April 4, 2014 at 4:40 pm
            Libby says:
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            FFA – Here’s a quote from that article:

            “In Richmond, Virginia, U.S. District Judge James Spencer, an appointee of Republican President Ronald Reagan, found no support in the legislative history of the Obamacare law for the idea Congress intended to condition federal funds on state participation. His Feb. 18 dismissal of the case is on appeal.”

            The case was dismissed. It may be open to appeal, but that hasn’t happened yet.

            I rest my case.

          • April 4, 2014 at 5:23 pm
            FFA says:
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            Libby, I did read the article. that ruling is a contradiction to the way it is written.

            How can a judge just ignore that? Seems he needs to be impeached himself. He is not upholding the law of the land.

          • April 4, 2014 at 8:39 pm
            KY jw says:
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            I’ll throw this out there:

            Judges have the option to rule based on what they think the lawmakers actually intended as well as the plain language of the law. I’ve seen it many times become case law from insurance suits. I don’t know why or how this became the norm, I just know it happens. In fact, if you read an opinion, the judge is interpreting the law as they “see” it.

          • April 7, 2014 at 6:13 pm
            Agent says:
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            Good you recognize we have a Constitutional Republic Libby. Most of your hero’s seem to think we live in a Democracy and because they are in power currently, they can do whatever they want. Does the term phone and pen ring any bells?

      • April 4, 2014 at 3:37 pm
        Captain Planet says:
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        Not enough time to go through all of your post (rush quote), but no, we are not a majority rule nation. We don’t allow mob rule here, actually. Major reason we have the Judicial Branch.

        Go Bulls indeed. Noah is the man. If we can get something good for D Rose, I’m all for it. I don’t want to just take a future second round and cash, though. There has to be a team that’s willing to roll the dice on his future. He did increase his vertical after his ACL rehab, after all. Maybe he’ll increase it again. That would be one of my selling points if I were on the phones.

        • April 4, 2014 at 3:57 pm
          FFA says:
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          Agreed about Noah. MVP.
          Hope your having fun at Wrigley today. News reports they may be selling Minority Shares…. Get them now while they are losers…. Once Boy Wonder turns them into a Wild Card team (at best), value going to go up…
          Got to be cold over there….

          texas Rangers already looking at our young ens…

          • April 4, 2014 at 5:03 pm
            Agent says:
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            FFA, Texas needs arms. Half their staff is on the DL already. They had to throw a substitute out there on opening day and he got bombed. Perhaps they will have to give up some promising minor leaguers to someone for some quality pitching.

  • April 4, 2014 at 5:07 pm
    FFA says:
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    I think we already took all your prospect… Smarjda will be available soon. Travis wood still under rookie contract…



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