NH health insurance

BroadHopper · 12-07-2013, 11:52 AM

When I was working for a major electronics company, employees can choose from a number of insurance companies. The company will only contribute x amount of money to you health benefit. Any premium above that amount will be taken out of your pay. Anything below will be added to your pay.

They were, Harvard Pilgrim, Matthew Thornton, Anthem, Cigna, Liberty Mutual to name the major players, there were others that I can't recall. All insure in NH at the time. If you have a healthy family, CIGNA is the cheapest. If you have major health issues, Liberty Mutual may be expensive but you are covered. The rest have pros and cons so you need to compare, but most of the 5,000 employees were either CIGNA or Liberty Mutual. Because of that Anthem (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) actually wanted to 'drop out' of the plan. I guess they don't play very well with others.

I was hoping the ACA will work in the same principle but it does not. I was also hoping ACA will put a cap on premiums or invite competition. This clearly shows what lobbyists do and the damage that PAC money can do the taxpayers.

Jeanzb1 · 12-07-2013, 12:05 PM

A friend of mine here in NH has had Anthem all along, and then Obamacare notified her they were canceled. Now they have to go on the "exchange" where the premium is MUCH MUCH higher. What a farce.

DickR · 12-08-2013, 07:43 PM

I've thought that, if the government wanted to do the most good, they should simply level the "playing field" by requiring the health insurance companies to spread their coverage costs for any individual over their entire base, and not "cherry pick" by giving low rates to large companies at the expense of the small companies, self-employed, and unemployed who lack marketing clout. After all, the whole purpose of insurance of to spread incurred costs over the greatest base possible. The chance that any insured person will incur a covered cost really has nothing to do with the size of the company employing him.

Chaselady · 12-08-2013, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanzb1

A friend of mine here in NH has had Anthem all along, and then Obamacare notified her they were canceled. Now they have to go on the "exchange" where the premium is MUCH MUCH higher. What a farce.

I retired to NH 2 years ago. I have to pay for private BCBS as I retired early. I pay $1000 per month. I compared my plan to NH anthem and they were almost the same price, but they had outrageous co-pays and a deductible that would empty anyone's bank account. I have practically no deductible. I had major surgery last year and never saw a bill. This was before Obamacare.

tummyman · 12-08-2013, 10:32 PM

Remember, you have the absolute power to do something. It comes next November at the ballot box. If you keep voting for the current gang in DC, you will continue to reap the "benefits" of their policy. It is up to you. Don't forget these issues and forget what the incumbents try to sell you. Make your own decisions based on the facts, not the rhetoric.

AB_Monterey · 12-08-2013, 11:07 PM

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.

SteveA · 12-09-2013, 07:23 AM

Bill Cosby had a very funny bit many years ago called Hoof and Mouth. Anyone older than 45 or so will remember it. The punch line to the story was that the way to cure Hoof and Mouth an therefore not be shot dead was to simply "wipe the foam off your mouth".

The perfect way to understand politicians votes is to look at who they take money from. Both sides have a giant "FOR SALE" signs hung around their necks. If you think that ANY of them vote in OUR best interests you are simply kidding yourself.

Remember "Follow the Money" from the movie "All the Presidents Men" based on Woodwards book Deep Throat? Just follow the money.

Just take a look at this website if want to know who your own favorite political hack really works for. You can very easily search any Politician for any Federal office, House or Senate.

Throw in the "Citizens United" decision that lets any industry, including the Insurance Industry, spend as much as they want with no limits, and you have a very clear picture of who each of the current and past "Political Leaders" really work(ed) for.

Until, we the people, demand public funding of elections this will not change.

Write to your particular Politician! Great Idea! But, if and when they actually open the letter, if a check dosen't fall out of the envelope, you will still get a nicly typed "I understand your concern" letter back, but in that letter they will simply "wipe the foam off their mouth" and add you to their potential Donor list.

http://www.opensecrets.org/industrie...F09&cycle=2014

Diver Vince · 12-09-2013, 07:50 AM

Unfortunately we indeed have the best government that money can buy!

tis · 12-09-2013, 08:57 AM

Quote:

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 · 12-09-2013, 10:02 AM

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

Billy Bob · 12-09-2013, 11:04 AM

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 · 12-09-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-09-2013, 02:43 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-09-2013, 04:36 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-09-2013, 04:48 PM

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 · 12-09-2013, 05:03 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-09-2013, 07:44 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-09-2013, 05:14 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-09-2013, 05:27 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-09-2013, 06:18 PM

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 · 12-09-2013, 08:37 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-09-2013, 08:51 PM

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 · 12-09-2013, 10:00 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-09-2013, 10:24 PM

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 · 12-09-2013, 11:18 PM

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

Flylady · 12-10-2013, 12:46 AM

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 · 12-10-2013, 07:39 AM

Quote:

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 · 12-10-2013, 12:14 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-10-2013, 12:27 PM

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 · 12-10-2013, 01:06 PM

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.

secondcurve · 12-10-2013, 07:29 PM

Quote:

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.

12-07-2013, 11:52 AM	#1
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,585 Thanks: 3,227 Thanked 1,107 Times in 797 Posts	Cafeteria Plan When I was working for a major electronics company, employees can choose from a number of insurance companies. The company will only contribute x amount of money to you health benefit. Any premium above that amount will be taken out of your pay. Anything below will be added to your pay. They were, Harvard Pilgrim, Matthew Thornton, Anthem, Cigna, Liberty Mutual to name the major players, there were others that I can't recall. All insure in NH at the time. If you have a healthy family, CIGNA is the cheapest. If you have major health issues, Liberty Mutual may be expensive but you are covered. The rest have pros and cons so you need to compare, but most of the 5,000 employees were either CIGNA or Liberty Mutual. Because of that Anthem (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) actually wanted to 'drop out' of the plan. I guess they don't play very well with others. I was hoping the ACA will work in the same principle but it does not. I was also hoping ACA will put a cap on premiums or invite competition. This clearly shows what lobbyists do and the damage that PAC money can do the taxpayers. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

12-08-2013, 10:32 PM	#5
tummyman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 842 Thanks: 259 Thanked 687 Times in 244 Posts	Remember, you have the absolute power to do something. It comes next November at the ballot box. If you keep voting for the current gang in DC, you will continue to reap the "benefits" of their policy. It is up to you. Don't forget these issues and forget what the incumbents try to sell you. Make your own decisions based on the facts, not the rhetoric. Last edited by tummyman; 12-08-2013 at 10:33 PM. Reason: Typing error

12-09-2013, 07:23 AM	#7
SteveA Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 2,311 Thanks: 1,070 Thanked 2,054 Times in 497 Posts	Hoof and Mouth Bill Cosby had a very funny bit many years ago called Hoof and Mouth. Anyone older than 45 or so will remember it. The punch line to the story was that the way to cure Hoof and Mouth an therefore not be shot dead was to simply "wipe the foam off your mouth". The perfect way to understand politicians votes is to look at who they take money from. Both sides have a giant "FOR SALE" signs hung around their necks. If you think that ANY of them vote in OUR best interests you are simply kidding yourself. Remember "Follow the Money" from the movie "All the Presidents Men" based on Woodwards book Deep Throat? Just follow the money. Just take a look at this website if want to know who your own favorite political hack really works for. You can very easily search any Politician for any Federal office, House or Senate. Throw in the "Citizens United" decision that lets any industry, including the Insurance Industry, spend as much as they want with no limits, and you have a very clear picture of who each of the current and past "Political Leaders" really work(ed) for. Until, we the people, demand public funding of elections this will not change. Write to your particular Politician! Great Idea! But, if and when they actually open the letter, if a check dosen't fall out of the envelope, you will still get a nicly typed "I understand your concern" letter back, but in that letter they will simply "wipe the foam off their mouth" and add you to their potential Donor list. http://www.opensecrets.org/industrie...F09&cycle=2014 __________________ "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown Last edited by SteveA; 12-09-2013 at 08:21 AM. Reason: spelling

12-09-2013, 10:02 AM	#10
AB_Monterey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 293 Thanks: 86 Thanked 78 Times in 49 Posts	Follow the money indeed.... http://heartland.org/sites/all/modul...pdfs/17917.pdf

12-09-2013, 08:51 PM	#22
JDeere Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 295 Thanks: 74 Thanked 52 Times in 25 Posts	The real reason... 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.

12-07-2013, 12:05 PM	#2
Jeanzb1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 555 Thanks: 630 Thanked 176 Times in 95 Posts	A friend of mine here in NH has had Anthem all along, and then Obamacare notified her they were canceled. Now they have to go on the "exchange" where the premium is MUCH MUCH higher. What a farce.

12-08-2013, 07:43 PM	#3
DickR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 752 Thanks: 4 Thanked 259 Times in 171 Posts	I've thought that, if the government wanted to do the most good, they should simply level the "playing field" by requiring the health insurance companies to spread their coverage costs for any individual over their entire base, and not "cherry pick" by giving low rates to large companies at the expense of the small companies, self-employed, and unemployed who lack marketing clout. After all, the whole purpose of insurance of to spread incurred costs over the greatest base possible. The chance that any insured person will incur a covered cost really has nothing to do with the size of the company employing him.

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12-08-2013, 11:07 PM	#6
AB_Monterey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 293 Thanks: 86 Thanked 78 Times in 49 Posts	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.

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12-09-2013, 07:50 AM	#8
Diver Vince Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Bonaire Dutch Caribbean and Gilford NH Posts: 103 Thanks: 31 Thanked 27 Times in 17 Posts	Unfortunately we indeed have the best government that money can buy!

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12-09-2013, 11:04 AM	#11
Billy Bob Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tiera Verdi Fl & Moultonborough Posts: 319 Thanks: 128 Thanked 167 Times in 101 Posts	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

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12-09-2013, 04:48 PM	#15
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	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.

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12-09-2013, 06:18 PM	#20
longislander Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 546 Thanks: 49 Thanked 100 Times in 75 Posts	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.

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12-09-2013, 10:24 PM	#24
windsail Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 46 Thanks: 114 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Vernont 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.

12-09-2013, 11:18 PM	#25
AB_Monterey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 293 Thanks: 86 Thanked 78 Times in 49 Posts	$2B in new taxes still qualify as low? http://www.gmoutlook.com/news/2013/n...d-single-paye/

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12-10-2013, 12:46 AM	#26
Flylady Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: So. California & Lakes Region Posts: 256 Thanks: 225 Thanked 106 Times in 61 Posts	Living in 2 states 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.

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12-10-2013, 12:27 PM	#29
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,585 Thanks: 3,227 Thanked 1,107 Times in 797 Posts	I agree SteveA 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. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

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12-10-2013, 01:06 PM	#30
ITD Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 2,931 Thanks: 478 Thanked 693 Times in 388 Posts	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.

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