What to Expect from Obamacare in 2014
As 2014 approaches, the implementation of Obamacare has shown itself to be filled with challenges and confusion. The October launch was marked by significant technological failures and security risks, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the new healthcare system. Here’s a closer examination of what lies ahead as this legislation takes shape.
A Technological Nightmare
From the outset, the launch was marred by inadequate technology and poor planning. According to Luke Chung, an IT expert, the software lacks the necessary quality and reliability expected for a system of this scale. The administration invested over $698 million and three and a half years to develop these systems, yet they still were not prepared for the rollout, resulting in countless hours of frustration for Americans attempting to enroll.
It’s alarming to think about the implications of such mismanagement on the administration’s control over healthcare decisions that affect lives. With 20 percent of the economy being influenced by Obamacare, understanding what to expect in the coming months is crucial.
Top Ten Expectations for 2014
- Expansion of Medicaid, increasing taxpayer burden.
Medicaid, originally aimed at assisting those most in need, has expanded significantly and now covers one in five Americans. Obamacare is set to add 20 million more Medicaid beneficiaries, increasing state budgets by an average of 13 percent in 2014. - Higher premiums leading to “sticker shock.”
Many Americans, particularly younger individuals, are seeing premium hikes from 50 percent to 150 percent, prompting employers to cut hours to avoid providing costly insurance plans. - Employers reducing health insurance benefits.
With new mandates regarding coverage requirements, many employers are either passing costs onto employees or reducing overall benefits, resulting in increased financial pressure on workers. - Higher out-of-pocket costs for remaining employer-based health plans.
As businesses face increased costs for compliant health plans, employees can expect to pay more in co-pays and deductibles. - Reduction in the availability of health insurance policy options.
Many existing plans may be eliminated due to expanded coverage requirements, contradicting President Obama’s promise that individuals could keep their plans. - Loss of continuity with trusted healthcare providers.
A significant number of patients are finding themselves unable to keep their doctors, which can negatively affect healthcare outcomes, particularly for those with ongoing health issues. - Negative impacts on Medicare beneficiaries.
Medicare patients may face increased premiums, fewer available policy options, and longer wait times for care as specialists opt out of Medicare due to reimbursement cuts. - Increased governmental oversight of medical records.
Compliance with electronic recordkeeping will require sharing patient information with federal databases, raising concerns about privacy and data security. - Special exemptions for political allies.
The administration has granted numerous waivers to politically connected individuals and organizations, raising questions about fairness in the application of healthcare laws. - The Individual Mandate takes effect.
Beginning January 1, 2014, individuals who do not obtain Obamacare-compliant insurance will face penalties, emphasizing the law’s enforced nature.
Conclusion: A Step Backward for Healthcare
Ultimately, Obamacare appears to shift financial burdens onto taxpayers, increasing dependence and creating a healthcare system that may lead to longer wait times, higher costs, and reduced quality of care. Its heavy-handed approach stifles market efficiency while pushing the U.S. further from the reforms needed to create a patient-centered system.
To move forward, what is needed are reforms that empower consumers and promote effective healthcare solutions. Successful models in various states demonstrate the potential for improvement without resorting to government control. It’s vital to steer clear from the trajectory set by Obamacare and work towards a system that truly benefits patients.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Lee Vliet, M.D.
for Economic Prism
[Editor’s Note: Dr. Vliet is an independent physician who has studied the impacts of government-run healthcare systems on care quality. Discover insights from her experiences and understand the impending changes that may affect your health care. Visit her website for more information.]
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