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This morning's revelation
Worrying about changes in health care coverage is making me sick.
I've been looking at the various options available to my employer for the last three months. The SHOP option has been delayed by a year but my employer cannot continue to foot the bill for the coverage we have now. What pushed us over the edge was the $266/month increase introduced this month. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan lists the charge as "Federal & State Taxes & Fees Current Charges." When I called to inquire exactly what this means, I was told that the calculations are so complex BCBS told our rep that it would take an entire page to explain and even then it wouldn't be clear, which is why BCBS lists it as a single line-item charge. The reason for the increase in fees and taxes? To spread out the cost of providing health care coverage and to make companies responsible for an increased share.
Don't get me wrong, I'm actually in favor of national health care and I'm delighted that many on my flist now have health insurance and are able to see doctors and have improved access to prescription medicines.
What I don't like is that my family and my co-workers are among those who will have diminished coverage and much higher out-of-pocket costs.
Confidential poll to follow.
I've been looking at the various options available to my employer for the last three months. The SHOP option has been delayed by a year but my employer cannot continue to foot the bill for the coverage we have now. What pushed us over the edge was the $266/month increase introduced this month. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan lists the charge as "Federal & State Taxes & Fees Current Charges." When I called to inquire exactly what this means, I was told that the calculations are so complex BCBS told our rep that it would take an entire page to explain and even then it wouldn't be clear, which is why BCBS lists it as a single line-item charge. The reason for the increase in fees and taxes? To spread out the cost of providing health care coverage and to make companies responsible for an increased share.
Don't get me wrong, I'm actually in favor of national health care and I'm delighted that many on my flist now have health insurance and are able to see doctors and have improved access to prescription medicines.
What I don't like is that my family and my co-workers are among those who will have diminished coverage and much higher out-of-pocket costs.
Confidential poll to follow.
