Because Congress gets to play with this there is really no way to fully reassure anyone that protections against gouging will work.

on the amount that must be spent on claims.

Basic economics tells us that mandatory purchases will encourage huge premium increases. What are we going to do about it? Buy insurance from an out-of-state competitor?

Which supposedly are there to give people the same buying power as say IBM or Microsoft or any other HUGE corporation would have.. Why should IBM be allowed to purchase insurance so much cheaper than ordinary citizens? Now they won't... So either everybody's rates will go down or the Big Boys rates will increase.. Which do you think it will be?

than those with insurance (I mean, of course, even before the insurance payment is calculated)?

Right now, the big insurers negotiate lower prices with health care providers than are available to smaller groups or individuals.

It already does for other federally funded healthcare, such as VA priority 5 and priority 8, where ability to pay depends upon various assets including retirement accounts and home equity.

Wherever there is a pile of money, be it in a retirement account or a person's home, the insurance companies will demand that government require people to liquidate those assets and hand the cash over to the for-profit insurers. And government, not really wanting the responsibility for healthcare of scores of millions will create the laws that make that wealth transfer possible.

and ensured that there is no escape from them.

Of course they will come for all our assets. You are exactly right about what will follow.

Shame on America for not standing up. Shame on everyone who is fucking stupid enough to cheer on this deliberate abdication of our health system to the thieves and profiteers.

Of course it was upheld. One more giant step for neoAmerica. This is a dark, dark day.

n/t

That would be the most logical outcome, wouldn't it?

Premiums were already skyrocketing; but under Obamacare they will be much more limited.

that are too high. It has already been happening.

and I know it isn't in California, either.

Hey guys can someone please sum up what we have as far as Obamacare?

I was hoping for a national healthcare type of thing, something where a sickness would not make you lose your life savings or house. Some type of socialized healthcare in which you don't have to worry about getting sick and not being able to pay for treatment.

However, I was told that what we currently have with Obamacare is different, and is making everyone pay or else they will be penalized. Right now I don't have the extra funds to pay for healthcare, I am still unemployed.

So what is the truth? What just happened today? Will it make it easier for me or harder?

But Medicaid will be expanded and low income people will have a large subsidy, so this should help people like you then.

No longer will premiums be higher for those with preexisting conditions.

I believe the limit was 8% but I don't have a link. If you don't want it, you can pay the much smaller "tax." But I remember hearing yesterday that the ACA didn't actually have any enforcement provisions if people don't pay it.

Unjust and immoral legislation like the rest of us.

If you're unemployed, you'll be carried.

that this will get people fired up to get rid of it through the ballot box?

I'd play it that way if I was the RNC. It sorta worked in 2010.

Which should help build support for it, since large majorities of people support its individual provisions.

I think we're in a much stronger position than if the Rethugs could continue to say that Obama had wasted three years in trying to pass an unconstitutional bill.

seeing how young adults have benefited from this already.

A lot has happened since 2010 and those put in power form the 2010 election have done nothing!

I also think Romney will move away from Obamacare as a centerpiece of his campaign as that happens. Just a gut feeling.

about what it means and how it will affect people.

Now they will want to call it the ACA. I think I am picking up what you are putting down.

... which it was in it's original format when implemented in MA by then-governor Romney.

Who can take credit for the next 4 years of fascist policies?

but he would be a laughing-stock.

more bs about fascist government mandates, the insurance companies are now in control and lock your minds because some fundamental mentalist are coming for you. that has already happened and has been this country motto since 1776 where the 1 % made sure they where in power by limiting voting rights. so what suck it up, life is hard, very hard. now elect leaders that can cut this rough diamond and over time chip away until the precious gem is revealed.