Barbara's Beat: Government shutdown hasn't stopped the debt clock from ticking; ObamaCare enrollment, costs
Sam's Club

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Government shutdown hasn't stopped the debt clock from ticking; ObamaCare enrollment, costs


 
This US Debt Clock should get your attention. Although, it is more impressive when it's live, and moving faster than you can watch it. 

Our government has shut down. It won't affect our military, social security and disability checks. And, I'm happy to say military retirement checks were paid on time. The mail will continue to run - I'm glad because I get a lot. But, there will be many people out of work. 

Then, there's the more difficult fight two weeks ahead on Oct. 17, when we hit the debt ceiling. That's when our leaders must make difficult decisions about spending and cuts. What will happen then?

  

Our country is not doing well. We are the leaders of the free world. Have our leaders done all they can to work together for a solution? 

By the numbers above you can see how many people in the US are  living in poverty. You can see the amount of Food Stamp recipients and the number of unemployed.

People in this country need help. Is ObamaCare the right kind of help? As of today it is law. Although, the president written a new law into the law that recused himself and Congress from the new law. 



According to this USA Debt Clock our debt, including the National Heathcare Unfunded Liability - ObamaCare, the numbers are rising fast. 

Today is the first day of open enrollment for ObamaCare. It ends on March 31. Then if you're not enrolled you must wait until the next open enrollment.

If you don’t have healthcare coverage in 2014, you’ll have to pay a penalty of $95 per adult, $47.50 per child, not to mention the fee increases every year. You make the payment when you file your 2014 taxes, which are due in April 2015. If you don't pay, it will be withheld from you're refund if you get one.

Even if you enroll today, healthcare coverage won't begin until January 2014. 

You can read about ObamaCare or The Affordable Healthcare Act here:


The category you choose affects how much your monthly premium costs and what portion of the bill you will pay for things like hospital visits or prescriptions. It also affects your total out-of-pocket costs — the total amount you’ll spend for the year if you need lots of care. 

Categories of ObamaCare insurance plans

When you compare the insurance plans, they're put into 4 categories based on how you and the plan share the costs of care:

  • Bronze - pay a lower premium, pay higher costs for care ($5,000 deductible)
  • Silver - ($3,000 deductible)
  • Gold - pay a higher premium, pay lower costs for care
  • Platinum - pay the highest premiums and lowest out-of-pocket costs. The plan will pay more of the costs if you need a lot of medical care.
Do you expect a lot of doctor visits or need regular prescriptions?
  • If you do, you may want a Gold or Platinum plan.
  • If you don't, you may prefer a Bronze or Silver plan. But keep in mind that if you get in a serious accident or have an unexpected health problem, Bronze and Silver plans will require you to pay more of the costs.

The amount you can save on ObamaCare depends on your family size and how much money your family earns. It isn't free. If your income falls within the following ranges you may qualify to save money on your premiums in 2014. The lower your income, the more you'll save. These amounts are based on 2013 numbers and are likely to be higher in 2014.


  • $11,490 to $45,960 for individuals
  • $15,510 to $62,040 for a family of 2
  • $19,530 to $78,120 for a family of 3
  • $23,550 to $94,200 for a family of 4
  • $27,570 to $110,280 for a family of 5
  • $31,590 to $126,360 for a family of 6
  • $35,610 to $142,440 for a family of 7
  • $39,630 to $158,520 for a family of 8


How will the government shutdown affect you? Will it hurt you?

Are you signing up for ObamaCare? Will it help you?

Let us know. Good luck everyone. You're in our prayers.

2 comments:

Nannangel79 said...

All of this is so overwhelming for me. I am worried about ObamaCare! They cut my sick son's medicaid off today. No reason, no explanation. They cut mine off last month but I am dealing with my fibromyalgia naturally. I am worried about the children in our country. How will this affect them?

Nannangel79 said...

All of this is so overwhelming for me. I am worried about ObamaCare! They cut my sick son's medicaid off today. No reason, no explanation. They cut mine off last month but I am dealing with my fibromyalgia naturally. I am worried about the children in our country. How will this affect them?