Obamacare to cost everybody more than they are paying now

Is Obamacare affordable? A new report from CNN Money suggests that it's going to depend on who you are. In addition, people who find health care affordable now, will continue to find it affordable under Obamacare. However, the poor will likely continue to find medical care out of reach.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The entire purpose of Obamacare is to ensure that the poorest Americans can afford health care coverage. Despite this lofty goal, the plan has been criticized as a stealth tax on the wealthy, and for not making healthcare affordable for the poorest of Americans.

Despite the fact the plan provides insurance exchanges which are tightly regulated by state governments and federal law, estimates reveal that the poor could pay thousands of dollars out of pocket even with the cheapest Obamacare plan.

As each state participating in the Obamacare insurance exchanges rolls out their pricing, it becomes evident that everyone is going to pay something. The greatest choice an individual has to make is whether they prefer to pay more out-of-pocket expenses, or higher premiums. Young people who visit the doctor rarely, may prefer to pay lower premiums. Whereas people with medical conditions may want lower out-of-pocket expenses and will therefore accept a plan with higher premiums.

It appears likely that the middle class will benefit the most from Obama care, although it will still hit their bottom line.

The poor however, will continue to either languish without care, or may face bankrupting costs despite the law's best intentions.

According to CNN Money, some Obamacare plans will feature "$2000 deductibles, $45 primary care visit co-pays, and $250 emergency-room tabs." These are the expected charges for someone in a silver level plan in California. Month to month, they will pay $321 in average monthly premium costs.

However, not everyone can afford a $321 a month bill. For many people that is the size of a new car payment, or their share of rent.

While Obama care does provide some cost assistance for people who make the least money, they are still going to have to pay several hundred dollars each year, at a minimum, for their healthcare. Nobody gets it for free. Anyone who does not buy a qualifying Obamacare plan will be required to pay a tax to the IRS as a penalty.

No matter what happens, all Americans will begin paying on January 1, 2014. This will mean less income for individuals to spend on other things, which means that money will not be circulating in the economy. Instead, it will go into the pockets of health insurers and the government, where it will be spent, or held, in a manner agreeable to each.

Whether Americans become healthier as a result, remains to be seen.

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