How many people actually believe that the federal government makes anything affordable? The Affordable Health Care Act, the 2,409-page HR 3590, isn't affordable.
With the final regulation (REG 148500-12) -- Shared Responsibility Payment for Not Maintaining Minimum Essential Coverage, issued on Jan. 30, the IRS says of all the plans available (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze) in 2016: "The annual national average Bronze plan premium for a family of five (two adults, three children) is $20,000." The cheapest plan, Bronze, will cost $20,000.
On March 10, 2010, then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was quite sincere when she said, "We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it." Well, it passed and we are finding out.
Republicans can accept portability of insurance and covering pre-existing conditions but it doesn't take more than 2,000 to accomplish it. Letter writer Kevin J. Gagen can twist this into any contortion favorable to his political advantage all he wants, but it won't fly.
If people truly want affordable health care, have it run like everything else in the free market. Have doctor and hospital records available to consumers. Have their charges for services up front so consumers can compare and create competition within the health care market. Consumers compare, with quality and cost in mind, when they fix their car or shop for groceries, competition drives the cost down. With 21st century technology, health care shouldn't be any different.
Russell C. Fette
Collinsville
