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Originally Posted by classicman
Redux, thanks for the input. I still don't see anything that addresses the cost issues for any of this. All it says is "eligible" "affordable" or refers to some ambiguous "out of pocket limits." I still don't see what the premiums are going to be for people with pre-existing conditions relative to those without.
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I dont think it is ambiguous at all.
The bill prohibits rate discrimination based on pre-existing conditions or gender (to the benefit of women who have historically faced rate discrimination). The only allowable rate differentials under the bill are age and smoking.
SO if you are on a group plan at work, the bill would require the insurance company to immediately (or within 90 days) cover a child with a pre-existing condition at the same cost as the healthy child of a co-worker. In 2014, group plans would be required to cover adults with pre-existing conditions at the same rate as healthy co-workers.
If you are talking about an uninsured adult with a pre-existing condition, the temporary pool sets rate limits indexed to the IRS rates for health saving accounts. I dont know the rates off of the top of my head, but I would guess a maximum out of pocket cost of $3-4,000 for an individual.
But dont take my word for it or dont buy into Merc's "smoke and mirrors" complaints....call or e-mail your Senator and have his/her policy person respond to your questions and concerns.