Might Get Lucky Yet ...

[dgoldenz]

Good post, if it's a commodity with three plan designs all the same across the carriers and a mandate to buy online through an exchange (through federal law), no need for an agent.

Isn't that basically how the Medicare supplement market already works? There is no way there will only be 3 plan designs forever. They will need to expand the options to keep costs halfway reasonable and they will get watered down over time just like health plans have been for years now.

 

[leevena]

Isn't that basically how the Medicare supplement market already works? There is no way there will only be 3 plan designs forever. They will need to expand the options to keep costs halfway reasonable and they will get watered down over time just like health plans have been for years now.

Yes, the medicare supp market is a good comparison. I must respectfully disagree with the 3 plans comment (since I am new it will be "respectfully", later on as I become more comfortable it will become a "arogant Jersey" disagreement" LOL).

Remember, the key driver for health care reform is not to control costs...it's to control the industry. Obama and most Dems want single payer (Medicare for all), but first need to take steps. First step is universal coverage, which is starting now. Your correct, this will not control costs, and will lead to a series of problems/dissastifaction. Second step is people becoming fed up with the problems this scenario will bring and begin to complain. The third step is the govt stepping up and saying...since the health care system is broken, we will take it over completely.

 

[Full Throttle]

Isn't that basically how the Medicare supplement market already works? There is no way there will only be 3 plan designs forever. They will need to expand the options to keep costs halfway reasonable and they will get watered down over time just like health plans have been for years now.

Three things or a combination will happen:

1. Plans get watered down (only works to a certain degree, what's the cost difference between a $10,000 and $15,000 deductible plan?).

2. Plans do not get watered down and prices go up substantially (won't work).

3. Restricted access to care.

Now I won't blame all three on Obama Care, since all three were headed in a problem direction to begin with and needed to be reformed. However, Obama Care did nothing to reform those issues and in fact, put the accelerator to the floor. There may (likely?) be a hidden agenda a Leevena pointed out.

 

[Dave020]

I have had four 'special' calls since yesterday to buy a health plan. They are 'special' because all four started out on Healthcare.gov

With this competition out of the way, and govt pressure to have a simple menu of plans (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and the Exchanges, health benefits just became a commodity. Commodities do not need sales people because it is a transactional sale.

I think the Duke Brothers might disagree with that............



Also, the exchanges require FIVE different plan designs, not three. Gold, Silver, Bronze, Platinum and Catastrophic.

 

[dgoldenz]

Also, the exchanges require FIVE different plan designs, not three. Gold, Silver, Bronze, Platinum and Catastrophic.

They should re-name #1-4 on that list:

1. Rip-off
2. Rip-off
3. Rip-off
4. Rip-off

Of course, Catastrophic is the only one restricted by age. Surprise...

 

[Dave020]

Aw. c'mon 'D'. It's all gonna work out, we'll all ride on rainbows eating ice cream with perfectly white teeth and not a care in the world--all so happy together. You just have to understand the final goal, brother.............

 

[dgoldenz]

Aw. c'mon 'D'. It's all gonna work out, we'll all ride on rainbows eating ice cream with perfectly white teeth and not a care in the world--all so happy together. You just have to understand the final goal, brother.............

YouTube - THE TURTLES - Happy Together (1967)

I didn't realize that dental insurance was now a free benefit under Obamacare. You must have mis-read the bill! That will be next on the chopping block I suppose...

 

[ins.dave]

Yes, the medicare supp market is a good comparison. I must respectfully disagree with the 3 plans comment (since I am new it will be "respectfully", later on as I become more comfortable it will become a "arogant Jersey" disagreement" LOL).

Remember, the key driver for health care reform is not to control costs...it's to control the industry. Obama and most Dems want single payer (Medicare for all), but first need to take steps. First step is universal coverage, which is starting now. Your correct, this will not control costs, and will lead to a series of problems/dissastifaction. Second step is people becoming fed up with the problems this scenario will bring and begin to complain. The third step is the govt stepping up and saying...since the health care system is broken, we will take it over completely.

I'll say one thing sis ... great to hear someone else who knows the m.o.
Made me gag to read where some of these car salesmen could only scheme about how they could "get themselves a job at the exchange ..."

 

[stuy119]

I wonder if insurance agents will be able to apply for State or Federal jobs working for the exchange, complete with all the benefits and health insurance package, including pension?

 

[ins.dave]

You're joking right?
Those coveted gigs go to his little campaigners.
That's how socialism works you see; screw the masses; and then break off some for your cronies.