Remember when President Obama told us that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) would not increase our taxes? Guess what? He lied.

Having a hard time getting along? Can't afford insurance? I know a lot of people in this category, don't you? Look at this.

Starting in 2014, an adult without insurance will pay a 1 percent tax on his adjusted gross income or $95, whichever is higher. Two adults in the household will pay 1 percent or $190, whichever is higher, and three or more adults in the household will pay 1 percent or $285.

In 2015, an adult without insurance will pay a 2 percent tax on his adjusted gross income or $325, which ever is higher. Two adults in the household will pay 2 percent or $650, whichever is higher, and three or more adults will pay 2 percent or $957.

In 2016, an adult without insurance will pay a 2.5 percent tax on his adjusted gross income or $695, whichever is higher. Two adults in the household will pay 2.5 percent or $1,390, and three or more adults will pay 2.5 percent or $2,085. (Page 1957)

In addition, numerous taxes are levied on health insurance companies, medical providers, medical device manufacturers, etc. These costs will not be absorbed by them. They'll be passed down to you.

These are not my numbers. They are the numbers provided by the Congressional Budget Office and used by Congress.

It appears that a whole lot of people just got sucker-punched.

Carl V. Bales

Belleville