One of the main problems (but not only) with the new Obamacare will be the mandated services forced on all buyers. There is no choice in plans but instead all sorts of things most people do not want will be forced upon us - just part of the lobbying system and part of the way the system is being set up. If one must always have immediate coverage, then you need the forced mandates and the forced coverage package. If you don't have both, then people can game the system. But the forced package is way too much.
I would prefer a basic package with guaranteed issue and forced mandate with extra services not being guaranteed issue and allowing insurers to underwrite as they want. The mandate penalty also needs to be large enough to keep folks from gaming the system. If not, an alternative would be to have forced issue but only when plan goes in initially. For all others, create a 6 month wait.
Even a 30 day wait could be disastrous for individual people. Many know my dad died last August from metastatic melanoma spreading to the brain, lungs, and edge of tissue near the heart. He was diagnosed on April 3 with metastatic disease (from a primary cancer on the nose 4-5 years before). He had several hundred thousands of dollar in ICU care in April/May along with a brain operation in early April (5-6 days after diagnosis). Total billed cost (paid by Medicare) was $500,000ish. I have no idea what was paid but most of this cost came within the 30 days. Same would go for heart attacks, etc. By the way, there probably should have been rationing in my dad's case. Quality of life went way up for 3 months (regained faculties in late April, May, June and July), but life extension was never part of the bargain. I am glad the federal government covered this but it absolutely should not have.
I personally prefer a system built around catastrophic coverage ($1,500-5,000 deductibles) for basic care (not including mental care, substance abuse, reproductive services, etc.).
Jon
Jon
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