The Obama administration has laid emphasis on the healthcare system, one of the most important pillars that puts together the pieces of a well constructed society. More than 10 million people now have the benefit of owning a health insurance, set to take the burden of serious health investments off their shoulders. With such amount of people holding the advantage of private health insurance in their hands, the nation could finally be within reach of coverage for a strengthened social system.
Perspectives are seldom fact based, because reality kicks in with different coordinates than what should be a logical or natural progress, sometimes. In the Obamacare case, what is set to be a progressive initiative to raise awareness and affordability for base society needs, now meets some drawbacks that questions its future.
A report from the Department of Health and Human Services reveals that insurers are proposing very high costs for packages this year, posing serious concerns about affordability. Yes, the system works and allows for subscribers that can benefit from a well-organized and efficient healthcare system, but if that comes with an impossible price, it all becomes a high stake that’s out of reach.
Moreover, the national organization of health is weighing and debating the matter of legality for subsidized premium insurance programs addressed to consumers in more than 30 states.
The number of subscribers is a very relevant one in terms of reach and success, but it only represents the consumers who enrolled in a plan and followed by paying first month’s premiums only. Numbers go on a downward slope as some people get jobs that offer coverage as a private benefit, while others decide to drop their insurance.
More importantly, the subsidies don’t exactly flow as they should, as recent reports from states in US confirm that in Ohio for instance, only 85% of the people who enrolled for Obamacare are getting the average of $255 to pay their premiums. Bureaucracy makes it hard for subsidies to flow and gain 100% coverage among consumers.
With raised eyebrows and a skeptical perspective over the future, Obamacare seems to be shaded by difficulties in aligning a law system that requires costs with the financial potential and needs of American citizens. This translates in slower and lower enrollment than it was projected.
Although 9 out of 10 people benefit from health insurance, numbers represent only an ephemeral water mark, as the Supreme Court prepares to invalidate subsidies for people in states using HealthCare.gov.
Numbers speak a different language than connected realities, as they face continuous changes that impact the future of what should be the most successful social care reform in US. From now on, we will face an up or a disappointing down, with no in-betweens that can lay even more confusion on a law and on a program that constantly faces challenges. Cut of subsidies will shade an initiative that started in an optimistic pace but stumbled along the way, as it usually happens when money is involved.
Image Source: watchdog.org
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