Robert Samuelson, an economist-author, just published an article in the Washington Post regarding healthcare reform. According to him, “Obamacare” “is a colossal error of judgement” because it not only angered millions of Americans, but weakened economic recovery as well.
While waiting to hear the Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a great deal of confusion surrounds what will be enforceable, and what will go by the wayside. Because of this, almost one third of employers polled stated that they may opt for fines rather than pay for insurance coverage for the employees of their companies.
The exemption for companies under 30 employees is working to discourage further hiring and stunting company growth, ccording to Samuelson who cites economist Diana Furchtgott-Roth of the Manhattan Institute. Actuaries from the government itself, forecasts healthcare costs rising to 19.6% of the GDP in 2021, up from 17.9% in 2010.
If the Supreme Court strikes down the individual mandate, insurance companies will balk against the requirement to cover pre-existing conditions.
This aspect of the reform WAS the most attractive part of the new program. What will the excuse be to those that need health coverage the most?
