To be clear I am not a supporter of the new Obamacare law. I am watching with a combination of chagrin, anger, humor and disgust as I watch the media gurus, politicos and politicians discuss this matter. They are all guilty of confusing the issue of costs in this program, because they use premiums paid by consumers as the actual cost of the program. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The premiums are never going take care of the costs of this program, especially when so many of the participants are getting tax subsidies. This tax subsidy is basically an arrangement where taxpaying citizens are paying someone else’s premiums. Recently, our commander in chief made a commitment that was meant to honor a campaign promise. The reality is that by honoring that commitment this late in the game after plans and contracts have been secured, he has only made this matter more complex. And probably more costly.
Finally I would have been more impressed had President Obama stated that our elected officials would be forced to use the same medical program as the people who elected them all into office. This simple item will not significantly change the math of Obamacare, but seems only fair. And after all, isn't that one of the mantras of the current political environment?
Craig McKenna
American Fork