Healthplanfinder enrollment tops 175,000 – mostly in Medicaid (WA State)

The Seattle Times ^ | Dec 3, 2013 | Amy Snow Landa

[steve86]

More than 175,000 Washington residents have signed up for health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s online insurance marketplace, according to the latest enrollment figures released Tuesday by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

The vast majority of enrollees qualified for the state’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, which is expanding eligibility in 2014 to include adults with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which is about $16,000 for an individual.

A total of 176,468 residents enrolled in coverage through Healthplanfinder in October and November, the first two months of open enrollment for coverage in 2014.

That figure includes 18,131 residents who bought private health-insurance policies, known as “qualified health plans.” More than 91,000 are newly eligible for Medicaid because of expanded eligibility that takes effect Jan. 1, 2014. More than 66,000 enrollees qualify for Medicaid under the current guidelines and will receive immediate coverage.

[ltc8k6]

The Fed is paying 100% of the medicaid expansion for the first three years, then it drops off to 95% and then 90%.

But the Fed is already broke, and in later years, the state takes on a larger and larger burden.

The money just doesn’t seem to be there.

[New Perspective]

Sure, some of them, to include me. After losing the old plan, we actually had a silver plan picked out on the state exchange, had researched it and other candidates for a month, but were prevented from purchasing it because our income is too low. The only other possibility would be to purchase an off-exchange plan at full price which I couldn’t possibly manage.

You are not alone. I videotaped a health care meeting at our local library with 2 navigators. There were about 20 people there, 3 left in the first 20 minutes because they are in the same boat as you. Not allowed, get it, NOT ALLOWED to buy the insurance because they do not make enough money, but make too much to be on medicaid. Others there are NOT ALLOWED to buy insurance in the private market place because she has an expensive plan at her work that she can not afford.

I actually stated to tear up realizing what has just happened to our country, it *()$&#$ GONE. No more are we allowed to make money for our own life, we have to ask permission just to live. I am really at the end of my rope with our government and it's ilk.

[Mr. K]

Does anyone here know if I could put my house in my children’s name now?

they are almost 18 and yes I trust them completlety

[goldstategop]

Well certain assets are NOT counted against government benefits - your house, your car, your personal possessions and a minimum amount of income in the bank.

Unless you’re very well off, there’s nothing for the government to claw back when you’re 55 and over.

[nascarnation]

I’d solicit some advice from a trusted attorney in your state.
There is a wealth of misinformation on this subject and the implications are profound.

If you’re in Indiana, PM me and I’ll give you a good connection.

[Mr. K]

I plan to die penniless- leave NOTHING for the feds to latch onto

[Mike Darancette]

The 66,000 were qualified under the old rules but were not on Medicaid yet so they are new. What you are suggesting is that the feds only do the whole amount for those making between the old earnings limit and 138% of the poverty level. I don’t think a state would go for that.

[Night Hides Not]

10% after three “free” years is going to overwhelm state budgets?

To be left on the doorstep of the next President.

[Night Hides Not]

I plan to die penniless- leave NOTHING for the feds to latch onto

I'm way ahead of you...I'm already penniless! LOL

I was greatly assisted in my plan by my wife and 3 kids.

Actually, we're on a good path, but it's a struggle staying on it.

[wfu_deacons]

It is my understanding, the people enrolled under the old rules are financed under the old rules. This is why the article states they were put on Medicaid immediately and did not have to wait to 2014 like the persons on expanded Medicaid. This is called the “woodwork” effect”, people now becoming aware they were eligible for an entitlement. There are 1.2 million in Washington state on Medicaid, so I expect their budget increased by 5.5% (66k/1.2M).

[wfu_deacons]

Here is a link for the woodwork effect and its potential to break budgets:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2012/07/13/why-states-have-a-huge-fiscal-incentive-to-opt-out-of-obamacares-medicaid-expansion/

[Mike Darancette]

Point taken.

[Tea Party Terrorist]

Personally, from what I have gathered, whatever the Gov’t touches, turns into a turd.

[lurk]

150,000 takers v. 18,000 makers.

What could possibly go wrong?

[Rodamala]

I just went to go check the number of petition signers at the Dontfundit.com website. There is a new redirect to a new petition...

http://www.defundandrepeal.com/

[Prince of Space]

I’ll be dying penniless too....only it won’t be by choice, unfortunately.