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health care

Politics

Be Very Scared If the Supreme Court of the United States Upholds Obamacare

by Evan March 26, 2012

It was almost exactly two years ago I asked the question whether Obamacare was constitutional and it seems we might finally find out the answer.  The Supreme Court of the United States is allowing 6 hours over the next couple days to answer 4 very specific issues that will ultimately decide the fate of the individual mandate and probably Obamacare as a whole.

The issue that most people care about is whether the Federal Government can force citizens to purchase health insurance or get penalized for failing to do so.  I think most people forget/never knew that the Federal government is one of enumerated powers and as such they aren’t free to do whatever the hell they feel like.  As such, the government is going to fit in the mandate under either the Commerce Clause or the Necessary and Proper Clause of the Constitution.

The Commerce Clause states:

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes

The Necessary and Proper Clause states:

The Congress shall have Power – To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Why I think EVERYONE Should be Scared if Obamacare is Ruled Constitutional

I was reading one of my favorite sites, The Cato Institute, when I saw an article that originally appeared in the New York Times written by Michael D. Tanner titled, The Supreme ObamaCare Question. Mr. Tanner being a much more talented writer than myself put my fears succulently and perfectly.

Mr. Tanner’s response, in part, to the Commerce Clause argument:

The Obama administration is seeking to extend Congress’s power to inactivity. Congress would not only have the power to regulate how you do something or to prohibit you from doing it, Congress now could require you to do something.

In a bit of Orwellian logic, the administration argues that by not doing something, you actually are doing something

***

The crucial concern here is what lawyers call a “limiting principle.” If the court upholds the government’s power to force you to buy health insurance, is there any limit to this power? Is there anything the government can’t require you to do?

Mr. Tanner’s response, in part, to the Necessary and Proper Clause argument:

The argument here is that health care is an important problem facing this country, and the administration’s preferred remedy for that problem can’t be carried out without the individual mandate. The mandate, therefore, is a “necessary and proper” way to accomplish its larger goals.

Again, this would open the door to unlimited government power. If the government has the authority to enact any law it deems necessary to doing whatever it wants to do, the Constitution essentially becomes meaningless.

Sometimes the examples that come from these types of arguments are silly like whether Congress can mandate Broccali but sometimes they are very real.  What if Congress only allowed the use of GM Cars? It obviously affects interstate commerce and maybe it is necessary since it is a major US Company.

The question is not whether something should be done about the healthcare costs in the United States…the question is whether the Federal Government is allowed by the Constitution of the United States to control our non-decisions. 

March 26, 2012 31 comments
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Personal Finance

Travel Medical Insurance and Other Travel Tips

by Guest Post November 8, 2011

Even though dreaming about and planning for your upcoming vacation can be half the fun, many travelers find themselves worrying about things that might go wrong during their trip, especially when traveling abroad. No matter how well you research and plan your travels, sometimes the unexpected happens and things come up. Keeping a few tips in mind when planning a vacation or other travel can help add a little peace of mind.

First, make a photocopy of your travel documents, such as boarding passes, hotel reservation information, passport information, reservation numbers, your drivers license, etc., and leave them at home with a trusted friend or relative. If you should lose any of these important documents on your trip, being able to call up your friend or have them faxed over can be the difference between a slight snag and a major vacation disaster. Leaving a basic itinerary with your contact at home may also help you feel more at ease, since someone will know where and when you can be contacted if something comes up at home.

Second, you may want to look into purchasing some form of travel insurance, especially for longer or more expensive trips. Travel insurance comes in many different forms, such as travel medical insurance or travel health insurance, as well as plans that cover everything from lost luggage to missed flights. Although buying insurance adds an extra cost to your initial vacation budget, it can pay for itself many times over if you become sick, injured, or otherwise unable to complete your trip the way you intended.

Finally, if you are traveling with one or more other people, you may want to consider putting a few of your items in each other’s suitcases in case of lost luggage. If your own suitcase goes missing during the course of your travels, it can be especially comforting to be able to at least have a couple of clothing items stored in a different bag that you can use to get by until your own luggage can be tracked down and returned to you.

November 8, 2011 12 comments
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Personal Situation

My Scary Health Insurance Choices

by Evan October 31, 2011

I figured since it was Halloween l would post about something really scary…My Health Insurance Options and Premiums.  Considering it is open enrollment for season I am sure most people are facing the same decisions.

My Health Insurance

In the 3 years I have been writing on My Journey to Millions I have not brought up the discussion of my health insurance once.  Growing up my mom worked for a hospital as a registered nurse (she still does) and so we always had amazing health insurance.  The Wife on the other hand had little to no health insurance growing up as her father was a small (but successful) business owner.  It was very important to me to never have the discussion of whether it was worth the co-pay/deductible to go see a doctor.  It was a personal decision and a very expensive one.

I just received notice that my plan choice (the highest one offered by my company) was going to increase to $1,265/month! If nothing was to change I would be paying over $15,000 a year for health insurance.  Research had to be done.

The Difference Between My Health Plan Options

The Wife and I had to take a look at our 5 choices from Oxford.

  1. Option Number 1 had a $2,000 In Network Deductible and a $2,000 Out of Network Deductible – Eliminated.
  2. Option Number 2 had a $1,000 In Network Deductible and a $1,000 Out of Network Deductible – Eliminated.
  3. Option Number 3 had No In Network Deductible, unlimited lifetime maximum, $15 – $75 for prescription drugs, $30/$50 for Office Visits.  No Mention of Out of Network Benefits.  Possibility and the cost is $898.06 for my family.
  4. Option Number 4 had an In Network Deductible of $500 and $1,000 for Out of Network, $25/$40 for Office Visits, Same Drug prices as Plan 3.  Possibility and the cost is $982.12 for my family
  5. Option Number 5 – Current Plan – No In Network Deductible, $750 for Out of Net work, $25/$40 for Office Visits, Same Drug prices.

After talking it out with The Wife we decided that our real options were keep it the same or downgrade a bit to Option Number 3 which had no deductibles but we were more or less limited to in network doctors.  The Wife called all our current doctors to make sure they were in network and since they were and we don’t foresee needing any specialists (but who does?) we are going to go with Option #3.

While I will still be paying over $10,000 a year for Health Insurance, Option Number 3 will lower our monthly premiums $367 a month which is great since I just increased my 401(k) Contributions another $150/month since I was leaving free match money on the table.

 

What open enrollment issues/decisions have you had to deal with? Are your health insurance premiums as expensive as mine?

October 31, 2011 25 comments
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Politics

Explanation of Health Care Bill in Time Line Form

by Evan March 26, 2010

I really wanted to stay out of the health care debate (obviously beyond discussing the Constitutionality of the Health Care Bill)  but I came across this really cool graphical time line of the Bill that I thought people would like. It is from a 3rd Party that I have no affiliate with, who obviously created it to get links, but whatever it is cool nonetheless:
Health Care Reform
Infographic by HealthInsuranceProviders.com: Compare health insurance options from many different providers!

March 26, 2010 3 comments
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Politics

A simple Tax Forward Turns into an E-Mail Battle!

by Evan August 12, 2009

I don’t usually pass on forwards, but I loved this one! It actually caused an uproar between me and my wife’s aunt, who I don’t know that well. For laughs after the forward I will post our conversation!

Tax Poem:

Tax his land, Tax his bed, Tax the table At which he’s fed.

Tax his tractor, Tax his mule, Teach him taxes Are the rule.

Tax his work, Tax his pay, He works for peanuts Anyway!

Tax his cow, Tax his goat, Tax his pants, Tax his coat.

Tax his ties, Tax his shirt, Tax his work, Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco, Tax his drink, Tax him if he Tries to think.

Tax his cigars, Tax his beers, If he cries Tax his tears.

Tax his car, Tax his gas, Find other ways To tax his ass.

Tax all he has Then let him know That you won’t be done Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers, Then tax him more, Tax him till He’s good and sore.

Then tax his coffin, Tax his grave, Tax the sod in Which he’s laid.

Put these words upon his tomb, ‘ Taxes drove me to my doom…’

When he’s gone, Do not relax, It’s time to apply The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Privilege Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Use Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids. What in the hell happened? Can you spell ‘politicians!’ And I still have to ‘press 1’ for English!?!?!? !?

My Conversation with the Aunt about the Tax Poem and Health Care Reform:

Aunt:

  • I don’t know if Fair Tax is a good idea or not but I really don’t see how we’d be able to make any major change like that considering we can’t even have a civil discussion on health care reform.  I could only imagine how crazy people would be trying to change anything else.

Me:

  • While it is up in the air whether a fair tax is appropriate or not, I do know that the gov’t as the largest health insurer IS NOT a good idea.
  • Cut all the taxes and let me live my life!

Aunt:

  • Well, when you purchase your own health insurance as I do, you find the cost is quite prohibative.  Why wouldn’t it be a good idea for a public option to cause healthy competition between the insurance companies and force them to drive down costs?  How else will that happen if we don’t have a public option?  Millions have lost their jobs in the past two years and their insurance ends unless they can afford to pay the cobra.  If they had any preexisting condition, new companies won’t carry them.  It has been proven that the way things are now it is not economically sustainable.   Unfortunately, we are all in this together and we need a workable solution because financially this affects everyone.

Me:

  • I am positive we are on ideological opposites when it comes to this issue, but I will respond to each point (my points are indented further):
    • “Well, when you purchase your own health insurance as I do, you find the cost is quite prohibitive.”
      • The cost will be just be shifted from your leisure dollars to your taxes.  I wasn’t born yet, but I hear of the stories of yesteryear before the ERGTA of 81 where income taxes where the highest marginal tax rate was over 70%. If I am not mistaken (and I hope I am not cause that would be embarrassing) you own a small business you don’t think you are going to start getting killed in taxes? Do you have employees? what about being FORCED to pay for their health care too?
    • “why wouldn’t it be a good idea for a public option to cause healthy competition between the insurance companies and force them to drive down costs?”
      • The gov’t getting involved is the exact opposite definition of HEALTHY competition.  The fact that the gov’t is involved inherently means there is something wrong.
    • “How else will that happen if we don’t have a public option?”
      • How about interstate competition which has thus far been denied?
    • ” Millions have lost their jobs in the past two years and their insurance ends unless they can afford to pay the cobra. If they had any preexisting condition, new companies won’t carry them.”
      • I am not sure about other states represented on this email, but NY in group coverage doesn’t disallow preexisting conditions for new employees.
    • ” It has been proven that the way things are now it is not economically sustainable.”
      • The system being proposed is basically a bigger medicaid system – and I think WE can ALL agree that is the epitome (originally spelled epidomy) of an economically unsustainable system.
    • “Unfortunately, we are all in this together and we need a workable solution because financially this affects everyone.”
      • I think our problem is we disagree on what workable means.  Taxing me to death, so someone in Nevada who doesn’t work can have health care is not my idea of just or fair….however, I think that is your definition so I am pretty sure we are going to have to agree to disagree.

While I can agree with you the system could use help, I have an ideological stance against the gov’t getting involved in my day to day life any more than it already is lol.

In Marx’s Pamphlet he highlighted  “10 Conditions for Transition to Communism”

  1. Abolition of Property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes. – Look up  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelo_v._City_of_New_London
  2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax – We have this and it is ONLY going to get worse
  3. Abolition of all right of inheritance. – At 45% for the top 3% of the country We might as well agree we have this
  4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels. – See #1
  5. Centralization of credit in the hands of the State by means of a national bank with State capital and an exclusive monopoly.  – Can we say Citigroup?
  6. Centralization of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the state.  – Can we say GM?
  7. Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the state; the bringing into cultivation of waste-lands, and the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with a common plan. – GM
  8. Equal liability of all labor.  Establishment of industrial armies, especially for agriculture.  – Might be dated, but didn’t UAW buy 30% of GM?
  9. Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of distinction between town and country, by a more equal distribution of population over the country. – I can happily argue that the founding fathers would never had imagined a federal government the size of ours in comparison to the local governments
  10. Free education for all children in public schools.  Abolition of children’s factory labor in its present form.  Combination of education with industrial production.  – This one is alright
  • and PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD do not respond – with a Bush hating comment?

Aunt:

  • As they say, elections have consequences.  Obama ran on a platform of health care reform including a public option.  He said this over and over.  He won 53% of the vote.  If all goes well he’ll get his way.

On the Wife’s urging I “decided” to let it drop at this point.  Would you have?

August 12, 2009 11 comments
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