Im in Texas ..

[Monk Of Reason]

You do realize that Medicare Part B is not free don't you?
So to answer your question.
Well, let see I payed FICA taxes which included Medicare taxes starting about 1958 or 59 until I retired in 1997 (was 55) I went on Medicare in 2007 and at the present time I pay $104.90 a month for Medicare part B. So, yeah I guess you could say that I have been paying for health care.
Oh by the way, Medicare Part B only pays 80% of the "allowed" expenses and you pay what ever is not payed by Medicare. That is why there are Medicare Gap insurance policies like AARP offers. Plans start at about $100 a month a go up to around $236.00. So it appears that the least total payment would be around $205.00 a month.

After doing some research I haven't found out why you aren't eligible for a tax credit but apparnetly Medicare part B is expanded under ACA to save you quite a bit of money.
How the Affordable Care Act Helps Seniors

You don't qualify for tax credits but there are a plethura of other options availible to you. This is for you personally to look into and isn't really part of the debate. I hope it helps.

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs

 

[Dirty Penguin]

After doing some research I haven't found out why you aren't eligible for a tax credit but apparnetly Medicare part B is expanded under ACA to save you quite a bit of money.
How the Affordable Care Act Helps Seniors

You don't qualify for tax credits but there are a plethura of other options availible to you. This is for you personally to look into and isn't really part of the debate. I hope it helps.

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs

You do realize that Medicare Part B is not free don't you?
So to answer your question.
Well, let see I payed FICA taxes which included Medicare taxes starting about 1958 or 59 until I retired in 1997 (was 55) I went on Medicare in 2007 and at the present time I pay $104.90 a month for Medicare part B. So, yeah I guess you could say that I have been paying for health care.
Oh by the way, Medicare Part B only pays 80% of the "allowed" expenses and you pay what ever is not payed by Medicare. That is why there are Medicare Gap insurance policies like AARP offers. Plans start at about $100 a month a go up to around $236.00. So it appears that the least total payment would be around $205.00 a month.

Exactly......and isn't Medicare a subsidized plan anyway.....I wished my insurance was $100 per month My insurance is three or four times that with them covering 80%.....

 

[Falvlun]

No I will not because my income is Social Security and I am on Medicare Part B. Yet it appears that only those that sign up for ACA get the tax credit. Again I ask you is this fair?

You don't "sign up for the ACA". The ACA is a law that covers various aspects of the health care industry, by regulating health care insurance, establishing insurance exchanges, and tweaking some aspects of Medicare.

But, assuming that you meant "sign up for insurance through healthcare exchanges", I really don't see what's not fair. People get tax credits for doing various things: For instance, if you own a home, you get a tax credit. I do not own a home, therefore, I don't get that tax credit. Is this fair? I don't see why not.

 

[tytlyf]

Now, I have a question. My income is just above $18000 a year minus $1258.80 for my health care premium. I have also been paying into my health care plan since around 1961. Yet I do not get a "tax credit" does this seem right?

This is an estimate on the Idaho website. If I were you, I'd at least enroll in the Healthcare program and from there you can view your different options.

 

[esmith]

This is an estimate on the Idaho website. If I were you, I'd at least enroll in the Healthcare program and from there you can view your different options.

I realize that you may have posted the above prior to me saying that I am on Social Security and Medicare which says I am 65 or over and not eligible to enroll in the ACA. All I was asking is it fair that people with an income within my bracket can get their health care premiums reduced by tax credits whereas those on Medicare Part B can not.

 

[esmith]

You don't "sign up for the ACA". The ACA is a law that covers various aspects of the health care industry, by regulating health care insurance, establishing insurance exchanges, and tweaking some aspects of Medicare.
But, assuming that you meant "sign up for insurance through healthcare exchanges", I really don't see what's not fair. People get tax credits for doing various things: For instance, if you own a home, you get a tax credit. I do not own a home, therefore, I don't get that tax credit. Is this fair? I don't see why not.

Semantics aside, do you know the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction? It appears not. Let's use your example for owing a home. If and only if you itemize your deductions can you use the interest you pay on your home loan as a "tax deduction". Now for the difference between tax deduction and tax credit.
a tax deduction is an amount that you subtract from your income to arrive at the taxable income.
a tax credit is a deduction that is subtracted(you owe gov) from or added(gov owes you) to your tax liability.
Now we own a home but we can not deduct our home mortgage (we could but we do not have enough itemized deductions and take the standard deductions). So you point is invalid.

Now back to the question I asked if it seems fair that those within the same income bracket as us get a taxpayer (which we are) funded adjustment to their insurance premium and seniors on Medicare Part B do not. Now you could look at it this way. When I was paying FICA taxes I was paying for those on Medicare then and those that are working now are paying part of our (those on Medicare) health care cost. But that is invalid because I as a taxpayer help pay for those not on Medicare their insurance premium. So, while I was working I helped pay for those on Medicare, then when I went on Medicare those that are working now are helping to pay for my Medicare. But along comes the ACA and now I have to help pay for those that get a tax credit to help pay their health insurance.

Them we have:

Exactly......and isn't Medicare a subsidized plan anyway.....I wished my insurance was $100 per month My insurance is three or four times that with them covering 80%.....

So, isn't the ACA a subsidized plan? Sure seems that way to me. Isn't the government (read taxpayers) subsidizing insurance premiums under the ACA. Now as far as

I wished my insurance was $100 per month

Look at tytlyf's post that shows two people with an income of $30,000 are paying (after the taxpayer's assistance) $150.00 for the silver plan an $0.00 for the bronze plan. Now in 5 years(when they turn 65) they will each have to pay $104.90(as of now, will probably go up). So, are those of you still saying that the system is fair to seniors?

 

[Falvlun]

Semantics aside, do you know the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction? It appears not. Let's use your example for owing a home. If and only if you itemize your deductions can you use the interest you pay on your home loan as a "tax deduction". Now for the difference between tax deduction and tax credit.
a tax deduction is an amount that you subtract from your income to arrive at the taxable income.
a tax credit is a deduction that is subtracted(you owe gov) from or added(gov owes you) to your tax liability.

Thank you for that information. I was not aware of the difference.

Now we own a home but we can not deduct our home mortgage (we could but we do not have enough itemized deductions and take the standard deductions). So you point is invalid.

However, I fail to see how the difference makes a difference.

The point is that there are always going to be tax credits or deductions or benefits that you can't or don't qualify for that other people will. Do you find all such to be "unfair"?

Now back to the question I asked if it seems fair that those within the same income bracket as us get a taxpayer (which we are) funded adjustment to their insurance premium and seniors on Medicare Part B do not. Now you could look at it this way. When I was paying FICA taxes I was paying for those on Medicare then and those that are working now are paying part of our (those on Medicare) health care cost. But that is invalid because I as a taxpayer help pay for those not on Medicare their insurance premium. So, while I was working I helped pay for those on Medicare, then when I went on Medicare those that are working now are helping to pay for my Medicare. But along comes the ACA and now I have to help pay for those that get a tax credit to help pay their health insurance.

It is pretty strange that complaining that you can't get a tax credit for health insurance when you are already getting federally subsidized health care.

The reason you can't get a tax credit is because you are already getting government money to provide for your health care. It sounds like you essentially want to double-dip.

 

[esmith]

It is pretty strange that complaining that you can't get a tax credit for health insurance when you are already getting federally subsidized health care.

The reason you can't get a tax credit is because you are already getting government money to provide for your health care. It sounds like you essentially want to double-dip.

Is not the ACA a subsidized system? Does the government subsidize individuals for their heath care premiums (under certain income conditions)?

Did I as an individual contribute to Medicare during my working years? Are seniors (65+) paying for their health care. Oh by the way it doesn't matter what your income is the minimum everyone pays at the present time is $104.90.

Look at tytlyf's data. What are the two 60 year old couples paying for their health care? What would the each be paying for their health care if they were 65+ and on Medicare Part B.....$104.90 each or a total of $205.80. Which system would they be better off, economically, with Medicare Part B or the ACA insurance program?

 

[Falvlun]

Is not the ACA a subsidized system? Does the government subsidize individuals for their heath care premiums (under certain income conditions)?

Unless there is a technical definition of "subsidized" that I am unaware of, yes, it seems like it's a subsidized system.

Did I as an individual contribute to Medicare during my working years? Are seniors (65+) paying for their health care. Oh by the way it doesn't matter what your income is the minimum everyone pays at the present time is $104.90.

You contributed, but I don't know if you can claim to have completely paid for it. Some people might, some people might not.

Look at tytlyf's data. What are the two 60 year old couples paying for their health care? What would the each be paying for their health care if they were 65+ and on Medicare Part B.....$104.90 each or a total of $205.80. Which system would they be better off, economically, with Medicare Part B or the ACA insurance program?

I think that this question is likely more complex than simple dollar amounts. For instance, Medicare is probably a superior health insurance plan than the bronze ones offered. The other issue is that seniors are highly likely to have to utilize these plans. So, even if premiums are lower, the out-of-pocket expenses will likely end up being higher (and more unpredictable) with a bronze plan, making it less of an economic choice for seniors.

The point of Medicare is to ensure that seniors have adequate access to healthcare, regardless of financial ability. I think allowing poorer seniors to opt out for a cheaper plan would undermine that mission.

These are just some of the initial thoughts I have.

 

[DallasApple]

You don't "sign up for the ACA". The ACA is a law that covers various aspects of the health care industry, by regulating health care insurance, establishing insurance exchanges, and tweaking some aspects of Medicare.

But, assuming that you meant "sign up for insurance through healthcare exchanges", I really don't see what's not fair. People get tax credits for doing various things: For instance, if you own a home, you get a tax credit. I do not own a home, therefore, I don't get that tax credit. Is this fair? I don't see why not.

Thank you .

 

[DallasApple]

It is pretty strange that complaining that you can't get a tax credit for health insurance when you are already getting federally subsidized health care.

Those already on medicare are disqualified. You already got the best deal. You can ask an exemption voucher and buy insurance if you insist.

 

[tytlyf]

Think of the Health Care exchange for your state as a website you can go and compare plans/prices etc. Same thing if you go online to BestBuy or whatever and search for a certain product and sort by price/etc.
The plans are all private healthcare companies that everyone is familiar with. They just are forced to re-brand their plans to make them ACA compliant.
I was one of those people that received a notice that my BCBS plan was terminating on Jan1. And that the new plan would cost double.
You could estimate that the current plan isn't ACA compliant and would require a higher premium.

 

[esmith]

Think of the Health Care exchange for your state as a website you can go and compare plans/prices etc. Same thing if you go online to BestBuy or whatever and search for a certain product and sort by price/etc.
The plans are all private healthcare companies that everyone is familiar with. They just are forced to re-brand their plans to make them ACA compliant.
I was one of those people that received a notice that my BCBS plan was terminating on Jan1. And that the new plan would cost double.
You could estimate that the current plan isn't ACA compliant and would require a higher premium.

So, with your health care premiums doubling, what is your opinion of the ACA now?

 

[esmith]

The reason you can't get a tax credit is because you are already getting government money to provide for your health care. It sounds like you essentially want to double-dip.

Those already on medicare are disqualified. You already got the best deal. You can ask an exemption voucher and buy insurance if you insist.

Yes, I know that I am not eligible for plans under that ACA. And there is now way I would even consider the ACA plans as a viable plan. Since I have 2 government subsidized plans that are taking fairly good care of us.

When I started my invalid argument I was, how should I say, disturbed about a article. So, I just continued on. However, enough is enough.

 

[tytlyf]

So, with your health care premiums doubling, what is your opinion of the ACA now?

My opinion hasn't changed and I knew that the current plan would most likely increase in price. I'd bet the insurance companies have more to do with the price gouge.
I know the ACA will provide coverage at a lower cost.

Did you happen to catch Hannity recently interviewing people who have ACA nightmares? He got fact checked after the fact. The results don't look good for Hannity and the lies.

I happened to turn on the Hannity show on Fox News last Friday evening. “Average Americans are feeling the pain of Obamacare and the healthcare overhaul train wreck,” Hannity announced, “and six of them are here tonight to tell us their stories.” Three married couples were neatly arranged in his studio, the wives seated and the men standing behind them, like game show contestants.
As Hannity called on each of them, the guests recounted their “Obamacare” horror stories: canceled policies, premium hikes, restrictions on the freedom to see a doctor of their choice, financial burdens upon their small businesses and so on.
“These are the stories that the media refuses to cover,” Hannity interjected.

Sean Hannity Gets Fact-Checked Hard On Obamacare Claims
Inside the Fox News lie machine: I fact-checked Sean Hannity on Obamacare - Salon.com

 

[esmith]

My opinion hasn't changed and I knew that the current plan would most likely increase in price. I'd bet the insurance companies have more to do with the price gouge.
I know the ACA will provide coverage at a lower cost.

Did you happen to catch Hannity recently interviewing people who have ACA nightmares? He got fact checked after the fact. The results don't look good for Hannity and the lies.

Nope, I do not watch Hannity. Surprised?

Now, you say that you do not mind paying considerably more for health insurance mandated by the ACA over your previous policy. Now I know you said you think your tax credit will pay for the majority of the plan so that will not be a problem. So, you don't feel it is wrong for those that don't get a tax credit to pay for your insurance? You did say you had a health insurance plan prior to the ACA didn't you?

Just out of curiosity what additional coverage are you receiving, did your deductible go down or up, did your yearly out-of-pocket cap go up or down. In other words what are the advantages of your new plan over your old one.?

 

[tytlyf]

Nope, I do not watch Hannity. Surprised?

Now, you say that you do not mind paying considerably more for health insurance mandated by the ACA over your previous policy. Now I know you said you think your tax credit will pay for the majority of the plan so that will not be a problem. So, you don't feel it is wrong for those that don't get a tax credit to pay for your insurance? You did say you had a health insurance plan prior to the ACA didn't you?

Just out of curiosity what additional coverage are you receiving, did your deductible go down or up, did your yearly out-of-pocket cap go up or down. In other words what are the advantages of your new plan over your old one.?

I've only enrolled into the healthcare system with my information. I haven't picked a plan yet and I still have my BCBS plan today. As far as taxes, I pay taxes and would like to get healthcare in exchange for that. Instead of my taxes fixing some bridge I'll never pass.

 

[Dirty Penguin]

So, isn't the ACA a subsidized plan? Sure seems that way to me. Isn't the government (read taxpayers) subsidizing insurance premiums under the ACA.

You answered my question with a question....:areyoucra

Now as far asLook at tytlyf's post that shows two people with an income of $30,000 are paying (after the taxpayer's assistance) $150.00 for the silver plan an $0.00 for the bronze plan. Now in 5 years(when they turn 65) they will each have to pay $104.90(as of now, will probably go up). So, are those of you still saying that the system is fair to seniors?

My wife and I don't qualify for the subsidy but after we turn 65...paying $104.90/$150 per month is still way, way better than what we pay now......but how is that amount under the ACA different than the amount under Medicare Part B and combined with Part D..?......Medicare Premiums and Deductibles for 2013


http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-m...re-premiums-going-due-obamacare-chain-e-mail/

http://www.factcheck.org/2011/04/premium-nonsense-on-medicare/

http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/medicare.asp

 

[esmith]

I've only enrolled into the healthcare system with my information. I haven't picked a plan yet and I still have my BCBS plan today. As far as taxes, I pay taxes and would like to get healthcare in exchange for that. Instead of my taxes fixing some bridge I'll never pass.

Kind of one way there uh. You are willing to let taxes go for tax credits for individuals making between $11,500-$46,000 AGI and between $23,000 - $94,000 for a family of 4 and your tax dollars going to tax credit for you and probably others vice infrastructure improvement that Obama wants more tax revenue for. Let me ask you a question then, where is all this additional money coming from?

 

[Dirty Penguin]

Kind of one way there uh. You are willing to let taxes go for tax credits for individuals making between $11,500-$46,000 AGI and between $23,000 - $94,000 for a family of 4 and your tax dollars going to tax credit for you and probably others vice infrastructure improvement that Obama wants more tax revenue for. Let me ask you a question then, where is all this additional money coming from?

We can do what Regan and Romney suggested and reduce/eliminate various tax expenditures. Don't get me wrong. We need need to cut, consolidate and eliminate from the federal budget....but cuts alone are hardly the solution....