10 Reasons Why Obamacare Is Going to Ruin Your Medical Care… and Your Life
By Elizabeth Lee Vliet, M.D.
The Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, is a complex framework of new regulations, mandates, and penalties that many fear will adversely affect healthcare quality. As its provisions unfold, three crucial terms will become essential to understand:
Health insurance exchanges: These platforms are designed to offer a selection of insurance policies that comply with the law’s expanded coverage requirements. States may set up their exchanges, though many hesitate due to budget concerns, opting instead for federal support. The goal was to have them operational by October 1, 2013, although meeting this deadline is uncertain.
The individual mandate: This stipulation obliges individuals to obtain health insurance that aligns with new federal standards. Those who fail to comply will incur financial penalties, while those with low income can access taxpayer-funded subsidies to assist in purchasing insurance.
The employer mandate: This requirement compels businesses with over 50 employees to provide health insurance that meets specific criteria. Non-compliance results in significant financial penalties, which can accumulate to millions annually for larger companies. Notably, this component has been postponed for one year.
Selective Enforcement
Why has there been a delay in the employer mandate but not the individual one? The answer lies in the broader agenda to transition the U.S. towards a single-payer healthcare system.
President Obama has hinted at this aspiration:
Barack Obama, 2003: “I happen to be a proponent of a single-payer healthcare system for America, but as all of you know, we may not get there immediately.”
Barack Obama, 2007: “But I don’t think we will be able to eliminate employer-based coverage immediately. There is potentially going to be some transition time.”
These statements align with the intentions highlighted by other notable figures, such as Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), who acknowledged the potential for public options to undermine private insurers.
Today’s proponents of single-payer have shifted language to avoid public backlash, referring instead to “Medicaid expansion,” a tactic aimed at obscuring the government-funded nature of these initiatives.
As Yale Professor Jacob S. Hacker pointed out in 2008, “This is not a Trojan Horse for single-payer; it is laid bare for all to see.” The intent behind Obamacare is less about enhancing competition or patient choice and more about steering individuals away from private insurance entirely.
Stepping Stone to Single-Payer
Given the stated intentions of those behind Obamacare, the postponement of the employer mandate appears to be a strategic move to accelerate a transition from employer-sponsored insurance to a single-payer model.
By mandating individuals to purchase compliant healthcare without imposing the same obligation on employers, the result is that millions of workers will seek insurance through government exchanges, often fueled by financial penalties.
This maneuver could potentially double the number of individuals relying on such exchanges. Additionally, in scenarios where affordable employer-sponsored insurance exists, dependents may not qualify for subsidies, creating further confusion.
The cost implications for taxpayers are staggering, with projections indicating an estimated $60 billion expense due to increased subsidy demands and lost revenue from employer penalties.
Without proper eligibility verification, concerns mount that undocumented individuals might gain access to taxpayer-funded services, generating longer wait times and overwhelming public healthcare systems.
Studies predict that private insurance premiums could escalate between 20 to 60 percent, raising questions about the future viability of the private insurance market. Such drastic increases may push consumers towards government-run healthcare, an outcome many advocates seem to desire.
How Obamacare Affects You and Your Medical Care
The employer mandate delay is just one aspect of the numerous adverse effects of Obamacare. As an independent physician, I regularly discuss these challenges with my patients to prepare them for the implications ahead.
Here are the ten critical points I convey:
- Your private insurance premiums will continue to rise each year.
- You will face a loss of choices and flexibility in health insurance policies.
- As reimbursements dwindle, fewer physicians are likely to accept Medicare or Medicaid.
- Increased reliance on Medicare and Medicaid leads to longer wait times for appointments and limited specialist availability. Planning ahead is advisable.
- Studies show that Medicaid recipients often experience longer wait times and poorer outcomes than uninsured individuals, increasing the risk of subpar medical care for those affected.
- As more individuals depend on taxpayer-funded plans, the financial burden on taxpayers will grow, likely leading to higher taxes.
- Without stringent eligibility checks, undocumented individuals could access healthcare services, further straining public resources.
- Financial pressures could necessitate rationing of care, as the Independent Payment Advisory Board will make final decisions on the availability of medical services.
- If Medicare denies coverage, patients can’t pay out of pocket for the treatments; they must either find independent providers or seek care abroad.
- Your medical privacy may be compromised, as participation in government health insurance would mean your health records are stored in a centralized database.
In conclusion, Americans face an erosion of their medical freedoms under the current healthcare system. By 2015, an overwhelming number of workers may find themselves reliant on government-managed health exchanges, limiting their ability to revert to private providers. The projected outcome is a gradual dissolution of the private insurance sector, a goal that seems all too deliberate.
It’s imperative for individuals to take a proactive approach to their health. Maintaining your well-being will help shield you from the deteriorating healthcare landscape. Consider exploring treatment options outside the U.S. as part of your plan.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Lee Vliet, M.D.
for Economic Prism
[Editor’s Note: Dr. Vliet is an independent physician. Observing a shift towards government healthcare in 2009, she began researching its impact on quality and availability. Her findings led her to openly criticize government healthcare initiatives, including Obamacare. Visit her medical website at http://www.herplace.com.
Dr. Vliet will discuss the implications of Obamacare for medical freedom and privacy—along with actionable suggestions—at the upcoming Casey Research Summit, taking place from October 4-6 in Tucson, Arizona. The event features a distinguished faculty, including Dr. Ron Paul and numerous economic experts. This is a conference not to be missed. Register now to secure your spot and benefit from our early-bird discount.]
