NH health insurance

[tis]

Originally Posted by AB_Monterey

In 1994, New Hampshire had the second-lowest health insurance costs in the nation. Then came Jeanne Shaheen who catered to BCBS by sponsoring SB 711, and her community rating, which forced insurers to base their rates largely on geography, not risk. At least 21 insurers immediately stopped offering coverage in the state. New Hampshire’s insurance costs rocketed from the second-lowest in the nation to the second-highest.

And here we are.

That is just about when health insurance started going crazy. Was that also when everything was required whether you wanted it or not? It seems to me the two came about the same time.

[AB_Monterey]

http://heartland.org/sites/all/modul...pdfs/17917.pdf

[Billy Bob]

Time to start thinking about the advantages of Obamacare.

For all the complaining Romneycare has worked out just fine in Massachusetts and made health care more competitive. Take a look at all the real facts not rumors and you will come around to seeing that the plan will help a lot of every day people

[rsmlp]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

Time to start thinking about the advantages of Obamacare.

For all the complaining Romneycare has worked out just fine in Massachusetts and made health care more competitive. Take a look at all the real facts not rumors and you will come around to seeing that the plan will help a lot of every day people

and hurt far more than it helps I'm afraid.

[jrc]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

...
For all the complaining Romneycare has worked out just fine in Massachusetts and made health care more competitive....

Sure it has, in January the state had the highest costs and we (a Mass company) just got our new rates. Up 12% for the same coverage.

http://www.masslive.com/politics/ind...ing_to_ad.html

I'm sure this is good for the Mass economy...

[patman]

Originally Posted by jrc

Sure it has, in January the state had the highest costs and we (a Mass company) just got our new rates. Up 12% for the same coverage.

...and looking at the S&P healthcare index...it's up nearly 37% since the beginning of this year. Your rate increase has nothing to do with costs or being "forced" to cover more people, it has nothing to do with politics, it's got everything to do with plain old corporate greed.

http://us.spindices.com/indices/equi...th-care-sector

[jrc]

I really don't want to get into a political argument on this site, but corporate greed is the same in every state. You can't use that to explain why one state has the highest rates.

[rsmlp]

Originally Posted by patman

...and looking at the S&P healthcare index...it's up nearly 37% since the beginning of this year. Your rate increase has nothing to do with costs or being "forced" to cover more people, it has nothing to do with politics, it's got everything to do with plain old corporate greed.

http://us.spindices.com/indices/equi...th-care-sector

moreover, even if you're right, it still doesn't address the problem; much higher health care costs for all but the few who either didn't have health insurance (and STILL won't because if you believe that these people will now buy insurance you're seriously deluded), those with preexisting conditions or those who qualify for subsidies which is pretty much the poor. so if you believe my premise that the vast majority of those who didn't have health insurance before Ocare still won't, then we're helping a very small minority of the population and getting raked over the coals to do so.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by patman

...and looking at the S&P healthcare index...it's up nearly 37% since the beginning of this year. Your rate increase has nothing to do with costs or being "forced" to cover more people, it has nothing to do with politics, it's got everything to do with plain old corporate greed.

http://us.spindices.com/indices/equi...th-care-sector

Have you noticed what the overall stock-market is doing? Plus 30% give or take. The S&P healthcare index is up sharply because of the overall rise in the stock market in combination with the fact that it provides an attractive dividend yield and investors are willing to pay more for dividend yielding stocks in a zero percent interest rate world. I would also note that corporate earnings are up just 3% this year. Thus, the majority of the gain in the S&P 500 and the healthcare index is being driven by multiple expansion not profit expansion.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

Time to start thinking about the advantages of Obamacare.

For all the complaining Romneycare has worked out just fine in Massachusetts and made health care more competitive. Take a look at all the real facts not rumors and you will come around to seeing that the plan will help a lot of every day people

Agreed, the difference is that NH has only one bidder, there is no competition and the prices are the highest (so far) in the country, exactly because of a lack of competition. Anthem has a free ride, and can charge whatever they please, and decide what hospitals and doctors you can select from.

[rsmlp]

Originally Posted by SteveA

Agreed, the difference is that NH has only one bidder, there is no competition and the prices are the highest (so far) in the country, exactly because of a lack of competition. Anthem has a free ride, and can charge whatever they please, and decide what hospitals and doctors you can select from.

you are obviously missing the point here. WHY is anthem the only provider in NH? because liberal regulations made it unattractive for others to compete here! if you're blaming capitalism for high health care costs you are completely misguided. capitaism has driven the cost of technology down forcibly. the problem is the LACK of capitalism (competition).

[longislander]

You are correct, rslmp, liberalism, in the form of Obamacare, has caused the health care fiasco.

I'm on Medicare A & B, being 66 years of age (and very healthy) and also have Cigna as part of my pension from a previous employer ... at least for now.

I'm not familiar with the particulars of your situation, but since you are looking for insurance, I'm presuming you're an "independent" insurance seeker.

Not only is Anthem the only show in NH, but 10 of NH 's 26 hospitals are excluded!!

http://www.concordmonitor.com/news/w...ketplace-plans


We've just begun to hear the horror stories ... more will pop-up in 2014 ... loss of health insurance by those now covered by employers ... deductibles ... premiums ... God helps us ... Obamacare will not!

Was there only Anthem before Obamacare? Were there only 16 hospitals in the system ... excluding some of the best in the state!

Where was the clamor for insurance reform that Obamacare fixed? Why wasn't the issue the cost of medical care ... not insurance ... get ready for single payer system.

"Technically, it is not illegal to forgo insurance coverage. The Supreme Court affirmed the "penalty" portion of the ACA as a type of tax and within the authority of the Federal government to assess. So as a consumer, you have the choice of obtaining insurance or paying the penalty "tax". For younger folks, it could be much less expensive to pay the penalty than to sign up for expensive coverage they may not need.
Of course, having no insurance if fine as long as you don't come down with a serious illness. "

... and what if the young refuse to pay the "tax" ... is that not illegal ... and is it not because of Obamacare! Maybe the government will decide "breathing" needs to be taxed ... tea in the Harbor, anyone!

Sure ... I know ... the IRS will chase the illegals, probably only some select segment of society, that the IRS chooses to pursue ... and that will make everything so nice and equal.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by rsmlp

you are obviously missing the point here. WHY is anthem the only provider in NH? because liberal regulations made it unattractive for others to compete here! if you're blaming capitalism for high health care costs you are completely misguided. capitaism has driven the cost of technology down forcibly. the problem is the LACK of capitalism (competition).

Humm.. seems like the issue isn't as cut and dry as a lack of capitalism.. which I'm a big fan of.

Before ACA, Anthem already had 90% of New Hampshire.. all the other good capitalists.. ran and hid.

This from that wildly liberal Washington Post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...new-hampshire/

Look, New Hampshire and West Virginia both have 1 bidder, Rhode Island has only 2. It not Capitailism or Liberalism.. or any other ism it's Math.. With Anthem already owning the NH market, why would a company come to the NH market for 10% of the pie?

[JDeere]

NH went to guarantee issue. I am very conservative but that seems fair to me. Once that happened the insurers pulled out. Why? Well...how do you spread the risk over such a small state? No idea. The questions is why can't we buy health from anywhere but our home state? Ask Mr. Obama.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by JDeere

NH went to guarantee issue. I am very conservative but that seems fair to me. Once that happened the insurers pulled out. Why? Well...how do you spread the risk over such a small state? No idea. The questions is why can't we buy health from anywhere but our home state? Ask Mr. Obama.

I'm moderately Liberal, and I agree 100%. I have written the same to both Senators, and both Members of Congress with that exact question, and all I get is the "chirping sound". No replies.

With wonderful Hospitals in Boston, a mere 40 miles from our border,why should 100% of the folks that sign up for the ACA be shut out of those facilities?

Now the liberal part of me pushed for, and still believes that Medicare for ALL, a true National Healthcare program was the best idea that never got off the ground.

If you are on the Anthem BCBS plan.. you can not get treatment, that will be paid for, outside of New Hampshire, in fact even some NH hospitals have been cut out of the NH ACA program completely.

Due to some serious health problems in my family, I really tried to be sure that what I just typed was in fact correct. It is, I spoke to Mass General and they confirmed that is the case. Even MGH facilities and Doctors physically located in New Hampshire can not bill Anthem BCBS ACA plans for ANY services, none, zero.

Did you know that BCBS is a non-profit company?

"According to a report by Carl McDonald of Citi Investment Research and Analysis, last year was the most profitable year in history for the Blues plans, which enjoy significant tax advantages because of their claim to be nonprofit and terrific community citizens. Collectively, the Blues reported more than $5.5 billion in net income in 2010"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendel..._b_856207.html

It's not a political football, to be tossed around.. the reality is the ACA is seriously flawed and needs to be fixed.. not scrapped like my Tea Party friends seem to want to do.

PS.. the current plan was orginally thought up and proposed by the massive left wing wacko organization.. The Heritage Foundation

Really.. seriously take just a quick look at this website.. it is not a spoof.. the actualy proposal from the Heritage Foundation is posted on this site!

The problem is the GOP proposed the plan FIRST!, but because they hate Predident Obama they turned on their own plan!

http://americablog.com/2013/10/origi...l-mandate.html

[windsail]

Vermont is going into a single payer system and the prices are low. Will be one to keep an eye on and see how it goes.

[AB_Monterey]

http://www.gmoutlook.com/news/2013/n...d-single-paye/

[Flylady]

This tread has been very helpful. I am retiring in March 2014, and have started to look at my private insurance options to bridge the gap until medicare in a few more years. I definitely will be more serious about buying a plan in CA. that will cover me for the months I live in NH.......was thinking of changing home states but looks like I have a lot more to figure out.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by SteveA

I'm moderately Liberal, and I agree 100%. I have written the same to both Senators, and both Members of Congress with that exact question, and all I get is the "chirping sound". No replies.

With wonderful Hospitals in Boston, a mere 40 miles from our border,why should 100% of the folks that sign up for the ACA be shut out of those facilities?

Now the liberal part of me pushed for, and still believes that Medicare for ALL, a true National Healthcare program was the best idea that never got off the ground.

If you are on the Anthem BCBS plan.. you can not get treatment, that will be paid for, outside of New Hampshire, in fact even some NH hospitals have been cut out of the NH ACA program completely.

Due to some serious health problems in my family, I really tried to be sure that what I just typed was in fact correct. It is, I spoke to Mass General and they confirmed that is the case. Even MGH facilities and Doctors physically located in New Hampshire can not bill Anthem BCBS ACA plans for ANY services, none, zero.

Did you know that BCBS is a non-profit company?

"According to a report by Carl McDonald of Citi Investment Research and Analysis, last year was the most profitable year in history for the Blues plans, which enjoy significant tax advantages because of their claim to be nonprofit and terrific community citizens. Collectively, the Blues reported more than $5.5 billion in net income in 2010"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendel..._b_856207.html

It's not a political football, to be tossed around.. the reality is the ACA is seriously flawed and needs to be fixed.. not scrapped like my Tea Party friends seem to want to do.

PS.. the current plan was orginally thought up and proposed by the massive left wing wacko organization.. The Heritage Foundation

Really.. seriously take just a quick look at this website.. it is not a spoof.. the actualy proposal from the Heritage Foundation is posted on this site!

The problem is the GOP proposed the plan FIRST!, but because they hate Predident Obama they turned on their own plan!

http://americablog.com/2013/10/origi...l-mandate.html

Steve:

The ACA is a welfare system and the costs need to be paid somehow. We can argue if this is good or bad but the fact is that many more folks are being added to the healthcare rolls and this costs money. Lots of money. Liberals like to think that by taxing rich folks and squeezing the insurance companies only the wealthy will feel the pain. This is not true because of the tremendous costs associated with the ACA and as dreams meet reality we are starting to see that many average citizens are being negatively impacted (higher costs, lack of access, etc.) and in fact I think it is a good thing. Why? Simple. Many if not most Americans want something for nothing. The reality is that if the liberals want a plan like ACA they and everybody else should contribute to make it a possibility and I think this is starting to happened as evidenced by reduced care and access, etc. So ask yourself this Steve as a liberal with sick family members are you willing to sacrifice the best care (ie Boston Hospitals, etc) for your family members in exchange for access for all? I hope so because I think this is what you about to get.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

Steve:

The ACA is a welfare system and the costs need to be paid somehow. We can argue if this is good or bad but the fact is that many more folks are being added to the healthcare rolls and this costs money. Lots of money. Liberals like to think that by taxing rich folks and squeezing the insurance companies only the wealthy will feel the pain. This is not true because of the tremendous costs associated with the ACA and as dreams meet reality we are starting to see that many average citizens are being negatively impacted (higher costs, lack of access, etc.) and in fact I think it is a good thing. Why? Simple. Many if not most Americans want something for nothing. The reality is that if the liberals want a plan like ACA they and everybody else should contribute to make it a possibility and I think this is starting to happened as evidenced by reduced care and access, etc. So ask yourself this Steve as a liberal with sick family members are you willing to sacrifice the best care (ie Boston Hospitals, etc) for your family members in exchange for access for all? I hope so because I think this is what you about to get.

SC,

LOL.. very provocative, but I won't pick up the bait!
As a liberal, (and as stated, I'm not some crazy lefty)

No, I'm not willing to risk my wife's health for any amount of money, frankly the question is a bit of an insult and way out of character for you. That is why I'm fighting the current ACA regs with the State, Senator's Sheehen and Ayote and my House Rep Carol Shea Porter. I am pressing them to support allowing cross border care. If nothing else it is clearly a restraint of fair trade IMHO.

No major program, either Government or Private ends up like they came out of the blocks. Tweaking programs is a common and wise. Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security have all been "tweaked", I want it fixed, not killed.

How much did you and many others have to tweak the speed limit law? I'd bet a fairly good bit. I'd also bet those tweaks made it BETTER.

The choice isn't accept it, the goal of my conversations with the people that supposedly represent me, is to fix the problem, not, like many of the Tea Party folks to just throw it out.

Funny you didn't comment on the fact that the ACA was actually a Heritage Foundation program, almost word for word!

[BroadHopper]

However ACA does not foster competition nor does it control the spiraling cost of care. It is not 'affordable' by any means except to those who cannot afford insurance. Rather it just spreads the cost of insurance to all. But in a very haphazard way. If we really want socialized medicine we should look at what is in place in the Scandinavian countries. Yes they control health care cost but the health system in place is second to none for their constituents.

If ACA is all about spreading the cost of care, it should be about setting basic guidelines among the health insurers and the health industry, not taking over the industry itself and telling everyone what to do. Let the industry takes care of itself, but tell the industry that no one should not be without proper care.

[ITD]

It's Obamacare, and it's a disaster, saying that the republicans wrote it is a lie, the Heritage "plan" people are talking about was a rebuttal to Hillary care and was never widely accepted at the time. Obamacare is a partisan hack job, passed only with democrat votes, using maneuvers that were intended only for moving budgets. Obama lied about being able to keep your doctor, your health plan and saving $2,500 in premiums over what you had 3 years ago. The people losing their plans now are a drop in the bucket compared to the people were scheduled to lose their plans next year when business mandate was to take effect. Obama, illegally I might add, has chosen to ignore HIS signature law and postpone that pain, until after the 2014 elections. The majority doesn't need and doesn't want a government take over of the health care system. If you haven't felt the pain of Obamacare yet, you will. Liberals can put lipstick on a pig, but at the end of the day, it's still a pig.

I'm surprised that this topic is in this forum, and I am surprised that our Webmaster has let it continue.

[rsmlp]

Originally Posted by IDT

I'm surprised that this topic is in this forum, and I am surprised that our Webmaster has let it continue.

I started this thread as a nonpolitical request for information. namely asking if there were any alternatives to Anthem is NH. it has blown into something that while unintended is also unsurprising. the BOTTOM LINE is there is basically no alternative to Anthem and either my family and I go uninsured which for anyone serious is NOT an option, we pay $15,000 premium with $10,000 deductible (complete BS) or buy a home in another more competitive state.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by IDT

I'm surprised that this topic is in this forum, and I am surprised that our Webmaster has let it continue.

Originally Posted by rsmlp

I started this thread as a nonpolitical request for information. namely asking if there were any alternatives to Anthem is NH. it has blown into something that while unintended is also unsurprising. the BOTTOM LINE is there is basically no alternative to Anthem and either my family and I go uninsured which for anyone serious is NOT an option, we pay $15,000 premium with $10,000 deductible (complete BS) or buy a home in another more competitive state.

I have read more than one newspaper article that says that Harvard Pilgrim is planning on entering the marketplace in either 2014 or 2015. However, I have not seen anything more than what, at times, seems to be pure speculation.

[Pineedles]

fll, I hope you at least go into one of the pharmacies and check your blood pressure, the machines are normally free.

[BroadHopper]

If we can get the legislature to repeal Shaheen's famous 1994 bill, we will have competition in this state. CIGNA will and can put a huge dent on BCBS business. However no one wants to cross a state senator! Let alone all the PAC money BCBS will pour against the repeal. BCBS made 2B in profit last year and they can afford it! I thought non-profits are for the benefits of the subscribers??????????

[ITD]

Originally Posted by rsmlp

I started this thread as a nonpolitical request for information. namely asking if there were any alternatives to Anthem is NH. it has blown into something that while unintended is also unsurprising. the BOTTOM LINE is there is basically no alternative to Anthem and either my family and I go uninsured which for anyone serious is NOT an option, we pay $15,000 premium with $10,000 deductible (complete BS) or buy a home in another more competitive state.

I don't blame you nor anyone else including our webmaster for the turn this thread has taken, it just happens sometimes.

I have a family of five here in MA and pay $1,150 a month with 2k/4k deductible through a small business alliance. $15 k for two sounds expensive, I would call an agent or two in NH and get a couple of quotes, if you can still do that after Obamacare. Good luck!!

Edit
Just looked at the price on the website for two born in 1955, you are screwed along with the rest of us..... sorry, elections have consequences.

[winniplayhouse]

Don't know if this helps, but as an FYI our (very small) business here in NH just switched from Anthem to Harvard Pilgrim. Our Anthem premiums were going to go up around 10% from last year. If I remember correctly, Harvard Pilgrim was around 3% lower than what we paid last year.

That said, my husband has been through three surgeries, chemo and radiation (and countless tests, doctors visits, ER visits, hospital stays etc, etc) in the past 8 months and Anthem has been amazing. Did not have a single glitch or headache dealing with them. I'm crossing my fingers that Harvard Pilgrim's service will be as good.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by rsmlp

I started this thread as a nonpolitical request for information. namely asking if there were any alternatives to Anthem is NH. it has blown into something that while unintended is also unsurprising. the BOTTOM LINE is there is basically no alternative to Anthem and either my family and I go uninsured which for anyone serious is NOT an option, we pay $15,000 premium with $10,000 deductible (complete BS) or buy a home in another more competitive state.

Just an fyi for comparisons... For 2013 my company's family plan with a $5,000.00 deductible cost $988.00 per month through Harvard Pilgrim. For 2014 we are anticipating an increase to raise this cost to well exceed $1,100.00 per month... Anthem would have been higher.

While I realize you are looking for "individual" health care, I think you will find the rates are not all that different.

Harvard Pilgrim does in fact plan on supplying individual health plans but I believe it is not until 2015.

Dan

[ronc4424]

I am retired and covered under my wifes employer, Mass General Hospital. We have BCBS. They take $24.64 out of her check weekly. We have full dental,vison, $20.00 for 3 mth supply of maintenance drugs and our copay is $15.00. MGH pays 90% of our healthcare. Do you think I will be upset if we have to go on Obamacare?

[tis]

Originally Posted by ronc4424

I am retired and covered under my wifes employer, Mass General Hospital. We have BCBS. They take $24.64 out of her check weekly. We have full dental,vison, $20.00 for 3 mth supply of maintenance drugs and our copay is $15.00. MGH pays 90% of our healthcare. Do you think I will be upset if we have to go on Obamacare?

You have it made! That is probably one of the Cadillac plans that will be taxed when Obamacare goes into effect. I should say fully into effect.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by tis

You have it made! That is probably one of the Cadillac plans that will be taxed when Obamacare goes into effect. I should say fully into effect.

The 40% excise tax on so-called cadillac health coverage ($10,200 individual, $27,500 family) goes into effect on January 1, 2018, about four years away ........ and President Obama's second term ends on January 20, 2017 ...... so only time will tell how it unfolds with this new 40% excise tax on luxurious, high-powered health plans like the one here at www.meredithnh.org (click on Employee Resource Center)????

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by rsmlp

I started this thread as a nonpolitical request for information. namely asking if there were any alternatives to Anthem is NH. it has blown into something that while unintended is also unsurprising. the BOTTOM LINE is there is basically no alternative to Anthem and either my family and I go uninsured which for anyone serious is NOT an option, we pay $15,000 premium with $10,000 deductible (complete BS) or buy a home in another more competitive state.

Obviously, I have no solution, but maybe it could be worth it to take a look at neighboring Vermont's website www.healthconnect.vermont.gov just to take a look-see?

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that relatively lower-priced Medicare is available to Vermonters aged 62-64, while residents of New Hampshire need to wait until age 65. As a 62-year old here in New Hampshire, Medicare will have to wait for me thanks to the 13-Republican state senators in the 24-seat New Hampshire Senate who voted NO recently, including Meredith's State Senator Jeanie Forrester..........thankyou NOT! www.jeanieforrester.com ..... "The conservative grassroots choice"


"No deal on Medicaid expansion to 50,000 low-income New Hampshire adults"
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/9...caid-expansion


"NH Senate rejects plans to extend Medicaid coverage to an estimated 49,000 poor adults"
http://www.pressherald.com/news/nati...xpansion_.html

[upthesaukee]

First of all, here is the information on SS and Medicare, right from the SSA administration help center:

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/12/~/earliest-age-to-get-social-security-retirement-and-medicare

When I clicked on the Vt page, the only thing I saw for Medicare, as opposed to Medicaid, was the following:

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/12/~/earliest-age-to-get-social-security-retirement-and-medicare

The only thing I have seen lately by the State Senators has to do with expanding Medicaid, not Medicare.

Perhaps you may have confused the two.

[SIKSUKR]

While this thread has gotten a little political, it also has some very important info in it for all Winni forum members which is probably why our WM has allowed it to continue. Thanks and keep those posts coming from you well spoken and informed members.

[BroadHopper]

NH folks, if you have any questions about eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare or ACA, please see your nearest Servicelink office.

http://www.nh.gov/servicelink/

They have been very helpful in many cases. I just arrange a presentation for those with a hearing loss and they really open our eyes at what is available out there!

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by SteveA

SC,

LOL.. very provocative, but I won't pick up the bait!
As a liberal, (and as stated, I'm not some crazy lefty)

No, I'm not willing to risk my wife's health for any amount of money, frankly the question is a bit of an insult and way out of character for you. That is why I'm fighting the current ACA regs with the State, Senator's Sheehen and Ayote and my House Rep Carol Shea Porter. I am pressing them to support allowing cross border care. If nothing else it is clearly a restraint of fair trade IMHO.

No major program, either Government or Private ends up like they came out of the blocks. Tweaking programs is a common and wise. Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security have all been "tweaked", I want it fixed, not killed.

How much did you and many others have to tweak the speed limit law? I'd bet a fairly good bit. I'd also bet those tweaks made it BETTER.

The choice isn't accept it, the goal of my conversations with the people that supposedly represent me, is to fix the problem, not, like many of the Tea Party folks to just throw it out.

Funny you didn't comment on the fact that the ACA was actually a Heritage Foundation program, almost word for word!

Steve:

I didn't realize your wife was ill and I didn't mean to insult you. I am sorry if I did.

My point is bringing lots of uninsured onto the ACA, however noble, will be expensive especially when an inefficient government is running the process. Paying for these new costs will likely require a combination of reduced flexibility and access to healthcare and increased premiums for the young and self-employed. Further, there will be lots of unintended consequences like closing off some of the better hospitals to certain groups. I hope it goes smoothly but I know it won't.