In comparison, this year, as a retired, married 60 year old with one dependent college-aged daughter with income of about $160K, I pay $1400/mo ($17K/yr)for a Bronze level PPO through COBRA my former employer. My deductible is $5200 in-network and another $5200 out-of-network.
Once my COBRA expires early next year, the same coverage will cost me $2,600 per month ($31K/yr) ... that's more than your yearly income for just my Health Insurance Premium!
This year, we are on track to spend a total of $45K in premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and uncovered expenses ... and, believe it or not, we're reasonably healty! Next year, if all else remains the same, we'll pay nearly $60K ... twice your annual income!
And best of all, since I live in California ... a very high income tax state ... if the proposed tax reforms bill pass as they stand, I'll wind up paying somewhere between $7.5K and $10K more in Federal Income Taxes! All told, this year, I'll pay over half my income on Healthcare and Taxes alone. Next year, it'll be over 60%.
There is nothing affordable, equitable, fair, or even reasonable about this situation. Next time someone tells me I'm not paying my fair share, I'm likely to explode!
*sigh*
Please. I am very much aware that I am heavily subsidized. Yes, it's a Bronze plan with everything out of pocket.
Keep in mind there is no other option for me. None.
I am forced by law to buy this coverage. Non-Obamacare is completely out of range on my income, and I make too much for Medi-Cal, which is also heavily subsidized. I am self-employed so I have no employer-sponsored plan either.
And with the taxes I pay, I am paying for my subsidies also, although not nearly what others are.
I didn't choose this and, frankly, the government should get the F out of the medical insurance business so market forces will bring it down to affordable levels.
