Under Health Care Act, Millions Eligible for Free Policies

 This article informs that there are millions of people that could qualify for federal subsidies that will pay the entire monthly cost of some health care plans being offered in the online marketplaces set up under President Obama's health care law.  There is a surprising figure that has not gathered much attention because,  the zero-premium plans come with serious trade-offs.

Reports have stated that up to seven million people could qualify for the plans, but there is a reluctance by federal officials and insurers to push them too hard because they are concerned about encouraging people to sign up for something that might ultimately not fit their needs.

These plans are referred to as bronze policies, the least expensive available. They require people to pay the most in out-of-pocket costs, for doctor visits and other benefits like hospital stays. Supporters of the Affordable Care Act say that the availability of free-premium plans shows that it is achieving its goal of making health insurance widely available. A large number of those who qualify have incomes that fall just above the threshold for Medicaid, according to an analysis by the consulting firm McKinsey and Company.

According to Karen Davis, a health policy expert at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, "the whole point of the law was not only to cover the uninsured, but so people didn't have to make choices between food or drugs, or going to the doctor or dentist; “It's what it is designed to do."

When I think about it in the terms that Ms. Davis quoted, my heart says let’s give it a chance.  I believe that I can find it in my heart to try and make the necessary adjustments to give another mother or father the comfort of knowing that their loved ones are covered with medical insurance.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101166468