Katie Klabusich

Host

Navigating Obamacare Misconceptions

Nov 8, 2013·119 visitors

Heather Parker

Cohost

Stage· 163 messages

Nov 8, 2013

"It's terrible!" "It doesn't work!" "It's the end of the world!"nA lot of nonsense has been spouted about the Affordable Care Act and the media hasn't provided much relief. (See MMFA's break down: http://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/10/31/called-on-to-explain-big-story-media-botches-ob/196689)nHeather Parker, an In Person Assister for DC Health Link, one of the state based exchanges set up under the ACA joins me to help dispel the myths about signing up for coverage!

Katie Klabusich · 11:42 PM

★ Spotlighted from Tawkers Admin

“Welcome to the Forum! To get involved, click "Who's Here" and then FOLLOW people to see their comments.”

Katie Klabusich · 11:42 PM

★ Spotlighted from Tawkers Admin

“Once 25 people gather in the audience, a comment needs at least one LIKE to become visible to the two Hosts and anyone not following that commenter. So LIKE the comments you want everyone to see!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:00 AM

Hello, everyone!

Heather Parker · 12:00 AM

Hi everyone! I'm here to try and answer any questions you might have about the ACA, and to help dispel some of the myths that have been floating around.

Katie Klabusich · 12:01 AM

If you're new to Tawkers, Heather and I will see comments that get the thumbs-up and then we can throw them into the chat. So help each other out.

Katie Klabusich · 12:01 AM

Heather, thanks so much for taking time out to chat! Tell us what your position is so folks know why I asked you to join me.

Heather Parker · 12:02 AM

Thanks for inviting me, Katie. I am an In Person Assister (otherwise known as a Navigator in many states) working to help enroll individuals in health insurance plans through DC Health Link, DC's healthcare marketplace.

Katie Klabusich · 12:02 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Hi Katie and Heather!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:02 AM

The rumors in the media say that signing up has been a nightmare and no one is getting coverage. So are you just hanging out at work all day?

Katie Klabusich · 12:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“Hola”

Katie Klabusich · 12:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“yo!”

Heather Parker · 12:04 AM

LOL. No, absolutely not. In the spirit of honesty, I can say that some people have most definitely had problems with signing up on the NATIONAL exchange website (healthcare.gov). This is largely due to the OVERWHELMING demand for healthcare

Heather Parker · 12:04 AM

I work in DC, which means that I work with DC Health Link. DC's website has never once crashed, and we've been busy educating and enrolling folks since day one.

Katie Klabusich · 12:05 AM

True. And the design of the national exchange which requires the site to access several agencies at once, such as the IRS, VA, etc. to determine eligibility for subsidies. Those sites have their own issues, which filter down to the exchange site.

Heather Parker · 12:05 AM

I actually just ended a shift at a DC library enrolling individuals both in Medicaid, and helping others sign up for private insurance plans (all with access to subsidies to help them cover the cost of their premiums).

Katie Klabusich · 12:05 AM

So it's been easier at a state level exchange than at the national site?

Katie Klabusich · 12:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“So how is it that various states have obstructed the implementation of the ACA, and how will that be overcome?”

Heather Parker · 12:06 AM

It's my understanding that that has been the case, Katie. Fewer people are attempting to access state exchanges at once than the national website. For instance, healthcare.gov had 1 MILLION visitors in the space of 1 minute.

Katie Klabusich · 12:07 AM

That's unbelievable. Jordan is asking a broad question about health insurance reform -- states had the chance to have their own exchanges or not. Depending on who you ask, the idea is for the state exchanges to be so popular that other states

Katie Klabusich · 12:07 AM

are forced by public demand to add their own.

Katie Klabusich · 12:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“i got a question: would you pay a little extra in taxes,to get free,automatic health care?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“@lucy hell yes!”

Heather Parker · 12:07 AM

Jordan, that's a difficult question. Many states with governments who were opponents of the ACA opted NOT to open their own exchanges and to instead rely on the federal govt. But Katie is correct that public demand can help change that.

Katie Klabusich · 12:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Virginia Pickel

“We currently have our insurance through my husband's insurance. His HR department is being VERY SLOW in getting the necessary info to us. Can we complete the application without that info?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:08 AM

Virginia, which state are you in?

Katie Klabusich · 12:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Virginia Pickel

“@Katie, I am in Texas.”

Heather Parker · 12:09 AM

Virginia, that depends, but most likely not. In order to find out what subsidies you would be eligible for, you need to have your health insurance information from your employer. You can still apply for coverage, but you're only eligible for (1/2)

Heather Parker · 12:10 AM

subsidies if the coverage offered by your employer doesn't meet certain guidelines (e.g. if it fails to meet 60% of your healthcare costs, or if it costs you more than 9.5% of your income)

Heather Parker · 12:10 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Are the subsidies in the form of tax breaks? Do you have to lay out the money first?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:10 AM

So can Virginia enter her info to see what her subsidies would be and then when she hears from her employer, she'll know whether or not to sign up via the exchange?

Heather Parker · 12:10 AM

Jordan, the subsidies come in the form both of tax credits (which you can choose to take at the end of the year, or monthly - and you can choose how much to take monthly and split it up if you'd prefer), and also in the form of cost sharing

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

(This is a good time to remind people that progressives/liberals wanted single-payer or an ability to buy into Medicare which would have been SO MUCH EASIER.)

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“would someting like Natinal Insurance work in the US?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“@Lucy I'm afraid that's a bit too fair, caring and logical for most Americans to take!”

Heather Parker · 12:11 AM

Cost sharing refers direct help in covering the cost of the insurance premiums, with the amount sent directly to the insurance company.

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

That's how my plan works.

Katie Klabusich · 12:12 AM

I live in NY and I entered all my info, then I got a subsidy amount and was able to shop from there.

Heather Parker · 12:12 AM

No, Katie, she won't know what her subsidies will be UNTIL she can enter the info about her plan from her employer.

Katie Klabusich · 12:12 AM

Gotcha. Sorry, Virginia. Start pestering your employer.

Katie Klabusich · 12:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Virginia Pickel

“I am a grad student and many non-traditional students (over the age limit of being on their parents' insurance) are concerned about the government "forcing" them to buy insurance? Is this true, and, if not, how do you combat this mindset?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“I know I wanted single payer”

Katie Klabusich · 12:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Single payer here, too.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

There are people who think the ACA can lead to single payer, much the way Canada's piecemeal implementation lead to a national system. So, root for Vermont and their plan starting 2016.

Heather Parker · 12:14 AM

Virginia, the new health care system envisioned ONLY works if EVERYONE is insured. So, in a sense, people ARE being required to buy health care coverage, or face a fine. But, as Colbert said, you can either pay something for nothing,

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Isn't ALL insurance the idea of pooling risk? I don't like this idea that the young are paying for the old. No, we're all in it together.”

Heather Parker · 12:14 AM

But, as Colbert said, you can pay something for nothing (the fine), or you can pay less for good healthcare. Which would you rather do?

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

Exactly, Jordan. Also, the young people entering the market now will pay THOUSANDS less over their lifetimes because they'll always have had access to primary/preventative care.

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

Nicely put, Heather! (aka Colbert)

Katie Klabusich · 12:15 AM

What are the most common questions you're getting about the process of signing up?

Heather Parker · 12:16 AM

I have received a lot of questions about affordability (i.e. the subsidies), and people have been relieved to see that almost everyone can get help. A family of four can make up to ~95k/year and still get subsidies.

Katie Klabusich · 12:17 AM

That's awesome!

Heather Parker · 12:17 AM

People have also been concerned about the kind / quality of coverage they will receive - but the new websites lay everything out in easy to read / easy to compare language, so those fears are done and over by the time people leave my office.

Katie Klabusich · 12:17 AM

So people who's plans are being "cancelled" and having more expensive plans substituted, will likely qualify for subsidies and actually end up paying less, correct?

Heather Parker · 12:18 AM

Katie, I can't guarantee that, it's on a case by case basis, but it's likely. What I CAN guarantee is that they will be getting MUCH better coverage.

Katie Klabusich · 12:19 AM

Right. Those plans are being cancelled because they were largely worthless.

Katie Klabusich · 12:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“this is our FREE health care in the UK,unfortunately its crumbling away - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthcare_in_England”

Katie Klabusich · 12:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“i see our NHS going totally private in about 10 years,with everyone paying for their health care”

Katie Klabusich · 12:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“The top 1% fly in to see doctors far too expensive to be of use to the overwhelming majority. And why are our top athletes going to Germany for treatments? Because we're the best?”

Heather Parker · 12:20 AM

Precisely, Katie.

Katie Klabusich · 12:20 AM

If people have never shopped for insurance before -- either because they've never had it or their employers supplied it -- what are the important things to look for?

Heather Parker · 12:21 AM

Deductibles are important to look at - how much you'll have to pay before the insurance company kicks in; co-insurance (how much you'll pay once you've met your deductible), and your co-pays, what you pay for office visits, RXs, etc.

Heather Parker · 12:21 AM

It's always also good to check out the prescription formulary for the plans you're looking at to make sure that any meds you're taking are covered.

Heather Parker · 12:22 AM

If you're interested in staying with your current doctor, making sure your doctor accepts the new company you choose is also important.

Heather Parker · 12:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Virginia Pickel

“Another question I heard in a class today was, if you sign up for ACA, are you committed for a certain period of time? If I sign up in January but then I get a job with grade A insurance, can I leave ACA?”

Heather Parker · 12:23 AM

Virginia, a plan under the ACA is just like any other health insurance plan. If you find a job in 6 months that offers coverage, you can cancel the plan you signed up with under the exchanges.

Katie Klabusich · 12:25 AM

You can also sign up and change your coverage any time, right?

Katie Klabusich · 12:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“I'm not interested in your misinformation or scare tactics. I'm muting you.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Ahh that's better. All those silly comments just disappeared.”

Heather Parker · 12:26 AM

Not exactly, Katie. You can only sign up during open enrollment periods (Oct 1 through March 31st of 2014 for this year). ANd you can only change your plan if there's a major life event, marriage, birth, death, divorce, etc.

Katie Klabusich · 12:26 AM

Right, but before the ACA, even major life events didn't allow you the opportunity to adjust your coverage, plans, etc.

Katie Klabusich · 12:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“"Bryan" is a well known troll. Best to ignore him.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Click the 3 dots beneath the thumbs in his comments, it gives you the option to mute him, and his comments go away. It's lovely.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:27 AM

Now, you don't have to sit around waiting for an open enrollment if you change jobs, lose your job, get divorced, etc.

Heather Parker · 12:28 AM

Yep - exactly, Katie.

Katie Klabusich · 12:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Virginia Pickel

“@Katie - I believe major life events allowed you to at least add or remove people from your policy. When my husband and I got married, he had 30 days to add me or wait until open enrollment. I don't think he could change the content of his plan tho”

Katie Klabusich · 12:28 AM

And my plan through the NY exchange has an option for me to go in and change my income information. So if I'm making more suddenly, I can adjust my income and not get hit at tax time.

Katie Klabusich · 12:28 AM

@Viriginia -- yes, for existing insurance.

Heather Parker · 12:29 AM

That's one of the benefits of having the new electronic systems, Katie. It's incredibly easy to update your info (and you're required to update your info), which can lead to more subsidies, or can, like you said, help avoid getting hit at tax time.

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

And with the subsidy going directly from the government to my insurance company, all that changes when I adjust my income is that I get a bigger/smaller bill from my insurance company.

Heather Parker · 12:30 AM

Right again. Things are definitely easier now.

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

I don't have to re-enroll, or go through a whole nightmare red tape.

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

Can you tell people a little big about the difference between the gold/silver/bronze plan break down? I'm hearing a lot of confusion on that in the media.

Heather Parker · 12:31 AM

Nope, all you have to do is sign in to your web portal, and update the necessary info. Easy peasy.

Heather Parker · 12:32 AM

Sure, Katie. There are four different metal tiers under the ACA - Platinum, which covers 90% of your expenses; Gold, 80%; Silver, 70%, and Bronze, 60%.

Heather Parker · 12:33 AM

You'll spend less in premium on a bronze plan, but you'll usually end up spending more in deductibles and co-insurance. And you'll spend more on premiums w/ a platinum plan, but generally have lower deductibles, co-insurance and co-pays.

Heather Parker · 12:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Heather how frustrating is it for you to see the media contribute so much to adding to the confusion?”

Heather Parker · 12:34 AM

Jordan - INCREDIBLY. I want to be able to spend 100% of my time educating and enrolling people, but I find myself spending at least some of my time correcting the misinformation being propagated by anti-ACA folks and the media.

Katie Klabusich · 12:34 AM

That has to make you crazy. What's the top mis-information question you get?

Katie Klabusich · 12:34 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“The media definitely leaves out the many ways you can waive having to have ACA coverage.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

Great point, Kim.

Heather Parker · 12:35 AM

Hmmm...the top question might be difficult. Kim is correct that the media fails to mention those who don't have to get coverage under the ACA. I also have heard comments abt people not being able to shop in the exchanges if they have insurance (1/2)

Heather Parker · 12:36 AM

through their employer, which is totally false. ANYONE can shop on the exchanges. If you have insurance through your employer, the TYPE of coverage will determine whether or not you get subsidies, but not whether you can purchase insurance.

Heather Parker · 12:36 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“So is the misinformation campaign motivated by money, political obstructionism, or just self sabotage?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

And anyone can enter their information to "shop around," correct?

Heather Parker · 12:37 AM

It's hard to say, Jordan. Maybe a little of all of it? I think there's also an element of fear of something new.

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

I think there's some media laziness as well, Jordan.

Heather Parker · 12:37 AM

Definitely seen some lazy journalism around these issues, Katie.

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

Eric Stern did a great piece for Salon last week -- he went and fact checked an entire Fox segment on the ACA. He followed up with everyone and debunked what they said. It's worth checking out.

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Teixeira

“What is the target number of young/healthy individuals to sign up that will adequately finance the law? I've heard figures that most whom have enrolled are eligible for Medicaid - I would presume that isn't the enrollment we need to see it through!”

Heather Parker · 12:40 AM

That's a great question, Andrew, but I'm afraid I don't have the answer. (I'll look into it and get back to you if you'd like). I can say that about 60% of the people I've assisted so far have been eligible for Medicaid. The rest have been (1/2)

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“Katie,its not hard to de-bunk anything FOX says”

Heather Parker · 12:40 AM

purchasing private plans through the exchange, almost all with the help of subsidies.

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

@Lucy -- I'll say that it's definitely possible, but no one's doing the work.

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“Where can a complete technophobe go to get help from a personal assister?”

Heather Parker · 12:41 AM

Kim, that depends. In DC, you can simply go to the website and click search for an assister.

Heather Parker · 12:41 AM

Or you can simply call the 800 numbers available and ask to be connected to a Navigator or Assister in your area.

Katie Klabusich · 12:42 AM

What are the most common reasons people seek help from a navigator/in-person assister? Frustration with the websites? Newness to the process?

Heather Parker · 12:43 AM

A little of both, Katie. Two of the people I saw today started their original applications the week the exchange opened, when there were a few minor glitches being worked out, so they both were a bit frustrated, but were able to complete things (1/2)

Heather Parker · 12:43 AM

easily today, now that upgrades have been made to our site. Another couple had questions about whether or not it would be good to enroll all four family members, or keep two on their existing plan, and put two in the exchange. I also helped them (2/3

Katie Klabusich · 12:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Heather, I imagine it must be very rewarding to help people in such a substantial way. Is there a big emotional payoff in your job?”

Heather Parker · 12:44 AM

find out if the medications they were currently taking were considered "maintenance" drugs under the plan they were most interested in - saving them lots of $$.

Katie Klabusich · 12:44 AM

it sounds like navigators are really equipped to handle individualized concerns.

Heather Parker · 12:44 AM

Jordan - most definitely! Actually, that was the one quote from my interview w/ NPR that made it into the article - the fact that I get to go home every night and feel warm and fuzzy that I'm helping people. :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

For people who don't know, Heather is a social justice badass!

Heather Parker · 12:45 AM

We are, Katie. The training we went through was quite rigorous (40 taxing hours), and we're required to having monthly continuing education classes, as well.

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

She's worked for non-profits and is a reproductive justice warrior. ;)

Heather Parker · 12:45 AM

::blush:: I'm not nearly as awesome as Katie makes me sound. Just doing what I can to make the world slightly better, a tiny bit at a time.

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

Before I forget, tell people how to follow you on twitter and where they can read your stuff when you have the chance to write.

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“That's really excellent, I'm glad you get to enjoy that feeling. It's priceless.”

Heather Parker · 12:46 AM

Ah, yes, if you'd like to hear me talk more about health care, and about reproductive health concerns, sexual violence, etc, you can follow me on twitter @heatherr_parker. And I have a blog: www.antigoneawakens.com

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kevin Mahoney

“Here's to social justice bad asses!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Teixeira

“Do you think there should be a greater focus in the promotion of offline enrollment while the website is worked on? Perhaps an initial enrollment procedure online to finish up elsewhere....do you think the integration between all platforms could wrk”

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

While Heather takes that question from Andrew, don't forget people have until Dec 15th to sign up for coverage that starts Jan 1.

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“Heather is most definitely a badass :)”

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“@Andrew I think that's a good idea.”

Heather Parker · 12:48 AM

Hi Andrew - I and other IPAs always carry paper applications with us JUST IN CASE there's a website glitch. So, yes, I would like to see a focus on offline enrollment, especially for national exchanges, while the website become as glitch free as poss

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

I think the focus on the websites and the glitchiness has lead some people to think there aren't other ways to sign up.

Heather Parker · 12:49 AM

And don't forget, you don't just have to apply, you have to pay your first premium by Dec 15th for coverage to be effect on January 1. So make sure to factor that in to your holiday shopping plans.

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

Ha! Great reminder, especially for people who aren't used to having that bill.

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

Are people you've helped sign up satisfied with the plans they're getting?

Heather Parker · 12:50 AM

It's also important to note that if you simply can't get a premium together by then, open enrollment doesn't end until March 31st, so there will still be time after the holidays.

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“We haven't even mentioned people with pre-existing conditions. I myself am one, and the ACA has been HUGE for me.”

Heather Parker · 12:51 AM

Jordan - I'm one, too. Prior to getting this job as an assister, I was uninsured because of pre-existing conditions. It's one of the reasons I've found this job so rewarding. I can really relate to the people I'm helping.

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

Also, the yearly caps. You can handle a bigger deductible if necessary, because your yearly out of pocket costs are capped. You don't risk the $100,000 hospital stay and bankruptcy.

Heather Parker · 12:51 AM

Great point, Katie.

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

That's what amazed me as I was going through plans. I've always paid for my own insurance, so I've shopped every few years when my premiums were hiked

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

The deductibles just aren't as high to start with and they're less scary because preventative care is covered 100% now and my yearly out of pocket is capped.

Heather Parker · 12:53 AM

The deductibles aren't as high as I've seen in the past, either, Katie. And preventative care being covered is FANTASTIC. No co-pays for a lot of preventative care makes a huge difference.

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

We've got about five minutes left, so if anyone has questions shout them out for Heather!

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

Not to mention vision and dental. Is that just NY state and I'm lucky, or are plans through the national exchanges and DC's exchange offering that as well?

Heather Parker · 12:54 AM

Yep, you can buy dental through he exchange here in DC, as well. Vision seems to already be on most plans offered here, though.

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

That's really incredible. Most people I know have skipped dental insurance because you barely break even on an annual basis, but eventually you get hit.

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Yes, go to the dentist, people! Our national breath is going to get SO MUCH BETTER!!!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

Hahaha!

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“There are some dental on the national. Mi doesn't have it's own exchange”

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Teixeira

“Well I've had two of my questions answered? Thank you all.......now let's meet up around single-payer time”

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

Also, the "little" things like not having tooth aches, being able to afford allergy meds, etc --> way improved quality of life.

Heather Parker · 12:56 AM

Thanks for joining, Andrew - and, yes, definitely. Come single payer time, we'll have lots to celebrate! :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

Maybe we can stop managing nagging issues and actually start promoting health.

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

Yes, @Andrew! The ACA is decent health INSURANCE reform, next up -- health CARE reform. We have to keep advocating, keep active!

Heather Parker · 12:57 AM

EXACTLY, Katie. EXACTLY. The point of the ACA was to encourage people to get problems checked out when they start, and even BEFORE they start.

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

Thank you SO much everyone for being a great audience and having awesome questions!

Heather Parker · 12:57 AM

Yes, thank you! Hope to see you all on twitter, and in future tawks!

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

I'm a new Resident Host here, so I'll have tawks about every week. If you have ideas or requests for guests or topics, hit me up at @Katie_Speak on twitter or at katiespeak.com and I'll definitely be having Heather back in the future!

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Tom Lorenzo

“This was great! Thanks so much!”

Heather Parker · 12:58 AM

Thanks, Katie!

Heather Parker · 12:58 AM

Thanks, Tom - hope to see you at more tawks in the future.

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

Thanks, Tom and everyone! And I'm sure if you still have questions, you can hit us up on twitter. Heather is a GREAT follow.

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

Bye, everyone!

Heather Parker · 12:59 AM

Bye everyone!

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Thank you both! It was a GREAT Tawk!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Wendy Middleton

“Thanks for the Tawk. Do more of them :)”

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Wendy Middleton

“Man I hope this leads to single payer someday soon!”

Forum · 89

Forum· 89 comments

119 visitors

Tawkers AdminNov 1, 2013, 3:20 PM★ Spotlighted

Welcome to the Forum! To get involved, click "Who's Here" and then FOLLOW people to see their comments.

Tawkers AdminNov 1, 2013, 3:21 PM★ Spotlighted

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Blake IanNov 1, 2013, 9:19 PM

#STEWART2016! http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-october-28-2013/site-flub

Kevin MahoneyNov 6, 2013, 9:47 PM

lee

Jordan BirnbaumNov 7, 2013, 11:54 PM

I am a pre-existing condition patient unable to get insurance until Obamacare passed. Don't tell me it doesn't work!

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:00 AM★ Spotlighted

yo!

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:00 AM★ Spotlighted

Hi Katie and Heather!

Kim ElliottNov 8, 2013, 12:01 AM★ Spotlighted

Hola

Virginia PickelNov 8, 2013, 12:03 AM★ Spotlighted

We currently have our insurance through my husband's insurance. His HR department is being VERY SLOW in getting the necessary info to us. Can we complete the application without that info?

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:03 AM★ Spotlighted

So how is it that various states have obstructed the implementation of the ACA, and how will that be overcome?

Virginia PickelNov 8, 2013, 12:04 AM

Re: my previous comment, I should mention we're doing the paper version because I had trouble with the website and the 800# advised me to do the paper form.

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:06 AM★ Spotlighted

Are the subsidies in the form of tax breaks? Do you have to lay out the money first?

Virginia PickelNov 8, 2013, 12:06 AM

Ok, I hope this is my last question on this particular subject, but is the HR issue I mentioned a common theme you encounter in enrolling people?

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:07 AM★ Spotlighted

i got a question: would you pay a little extra in taxes,to get free,automatic health care?

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:07 AM★ Spotlighted

@lucy hell yes!

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:08 AM

are people also saying that this would be ok then?

Virginia PickelNov 8, 2013, 12:08 AM★ Spotlighted

@Katie, I am in Texas.

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:09 AM

i only ask this,cos here in the UK you pay National Insurance for free health care. this include dental,free prescriptions and free eyes tests and glasses

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:10 AM★ Spotlighted

would someting like Natinal Insurance work in the US?

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:10 AM★ Spotlighted

@Lucy I'm afraid that's a bit too fair, caring and logical for most Americans to take!

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:11 AM

@JB - you might be right there

Virginia PickelNov 8, 2013, 12:11 AM★ Spotlighted

I am a grad student and many non-traditional students (over the age limit of being on their parents' insurance) are concerned about the government "forcing" them to buy insurance? Is this true, and, if not, how do you combat this mindset?

Kim ElliottNov 8, 2013, 12:11 AM★ Spotlighted

I know I wanted single payer

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:12 AM★ Spotlighted

Single payer here, too.

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:13 AM★ Spotlighted

Isn't ALL insurance the idea of pooling risk? I don't like this idea that the young are paying for the old. No, we're all in it together.

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:13 AM

Wouldn't Single payer essentially turn our health care system into the DMV w/ stethoscopes?

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:15 AM

@Bryan we rank close to last in almost every measure of health care. Maybe the DMV would improve things. Can't really hurt at this point. We can't fall any further.

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:16 AM★ Spotlighted

this is our FREE health care in the UK,unfortunately its crumbling away - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthcare_in_England

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:17 AM

@Jordan: You think rich Saudi princes & kings fly in to pay for OUR healthcare cause it's the worst?

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:18 AM★ Spotlighted

i see our NHS going totally private in about 10 years,with everyone paying for their health care

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:18 AM

Best studies show Men's plans going up ~ 99% & women's 62%; & men will subsidize women. #equalrights?

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:19 AM★ Spotlighted

The top 1% fly in to see doctors far too expensive to be of use to the overwhelming majority. And why are our top athletes going to Germany for treatments? Because we're the best?

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:19 AM

What's BETTER about a man paying for mammogram, BC & maternity coverage?

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:20 AM

Jordan: The point is we HAVE the best medicine in the world; not the worst. The BEST costs more! You got cheapest cellphone?

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:20 AM

@Bryan what's better is a stable society. You want cholera in the water supply? Keep denying people care and welcome in the worst of circumstances.

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:21 AM

@Jordan,alot of people over here are going aboard for their health care. why? cos its cheaper

Virginia PickelNov 8, 2013, 12:21 AM★ Spotlighted

Another question I heard in a class today was, if you sign up for ACA, are you committed for a certain period of time? If I sign up in January but then I get a job with grade A insurance, can I leave ACA?

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:21 AM

Jordan: Cholera has NOTHING to do w/ the price of tea in China; nor the loss of 3.6 Million folks' healthplans!

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:22 AM

@Bryan WE don't have anything. A tiny percentage of THEY do. Do you deny where America ranks in healthcare? How are you arguing this?

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:22 AM

i have to agree with jordan here Bryan - THEY have the best of everything whilst WE are left with the left overs

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:22 AM

Jordan: "Ranks in healthcare?" By whose yardstick? Marx's or Jefferson's? Stalin's or Reagan's?

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:24 AM

People who are getting FREE or highly subsidized healthcare at others' expense ignore cost runup from $900 Billion to $2.6 Trillion.

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:24 AM

Like Lunches, there's NO Free Healthcare; only healthcare paid for by the beneficiary or others!

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:25 AM★ Spotlighted

I'm not interested in your misinformation or scare tactics. I'm muting you.

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:25 AM★ Spotlighted

Ahh that's better. All those silly comments just disappeared.

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:25 AM

lol @JB you scamp you!

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:26 AM

Lucy: Leftovers? R U saying that you ONLY got leftovers after we spent $2,6666,6666,666,666 last year on medicine!

Kim ElliottNov 8, 2013, 12:26 AM★ Spotlighted

"Bryan" is a well known troll. Best to ignore him.

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:27 AM★ Spotlighted

Click the 3 dots beneath the thumbs in his comments, it gives you the option to mute him, and his comments go away. It's lovely.

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:27 AM

It's so very lovely that Katie & Heather are talking to each other & ignoring U.S. Just dandy and gay.

Virginia PickelNov 8, 2013, 12:28 AM★ Spotlighted

@Katie - I believe major life events allowed you to at least add or remove people from your policy. When my husband and I got married, he had 30 days to add me or wait until open enrollment. I don't think he could change the content of his plan tho

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:32 AM★ Spotlighted

Heather how frustrating is it for you to see the media contribute so much to adding to the confusion?

Charley ToucheNov 8, 2013, 12:33 AM

Nice Obama FINALLY apologized & said he was sorry for the Obamacare SNAFU & healthcare.gov FUBAR

Charley ToucheNov 8, 2013, 12:34 AM

Do you think all the DEMS demanding an Obamcare delay cuz of their fears about 2014 elections will get it? I hope so!

Kim ElliottNov 8, 2013, 12:34 AM★ Spotlighted

The media definitely leaves out the many ways you can waive having to have ACA coverage.

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:36 AM★ Spotlighted

So is the misinformation campaign motivated by money, political obstructionism, or just self sabotage?

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:37 AM

i would have said a bit of everything you've just said there JB

Charley ToucheNov 8, 2013, 12:38 AM

When Obama apologizes after perpetuating lie over 3 years WE KNOW NOT misinformation but SNAFU. Obamacare is failing!

Andrew TeixeiraNov 8, 2013, 12:38 AM★ Spotlighted

What is the target number of young/healthy individuals to sign up that will adequately finance the law? I've heard figures that most whom have enrolled are eligible for Medicaid - I would presume that isn't the enrollment we need to see it through!

Kim ElliottNov 8, 2013, 12:39 AM★ Spotlighted

Where can a complete technophobe go to get help from a personal assister?

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:39 AM

And now I've muted my SECOND ever person on Tawkers....

Charley ToucheNov 8, 2013, 12:39 AM

MOST enrollees, NOT visitors, are BIG subsidy needing Sick, Infirm, Old & Women. No equal rights for men.

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:40 AM★ Spotlighted

Katie,its not hard to de-bunk anything FOX says

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:41 AM

Fox is the MOST trusted source for Political News. http://www.aim.org/don-irvine-blog/poll-fox-most-trusted-political-news-source/

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:42 AM

@Kim: Of course, if one of the telephone Navigators tells the TRUTH she'll get fired; & she'll STILL have to use healthcare.gov to input your info.

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:42 AM★ Spotlighted

Heather, I imagine it must be very rewarding to help people in such a substantial way. Is there a big emotional payoff in your job?

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:43 AM

Amazing that Obama would fire a BLACK woman making $26,000/yr manning the Obamacare fones but not Kathleen Sebelius for screwing up healthcare.gov

Charley ToucheNov 8, 2013, 12:45 AM

CBO estimates 93,000,000 Americans will lose their health plans: 15 M from Individual Market & 78 M from their employers. NOT GOOD!

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:45 AM★ Spotlighted

That's really excellent, I'm glad you get to enjoy that feeling. It's priceless.

Andrew TeixeiraNov 8, 2013, 12:46 AM★ Spotlighted

Do you think there should be a greater focus in the promotion of offline enrollment while the website is worked on? Perhaps an initial enrollment procedure online to finish up elsewhere....do you think the integration between all platforms could wrk

Bryan HarlanNov 8, 2013, 12:46 AM

How many thousands of Abortions/yr will Obamacare subsidize or pay for outright?

Kevin MahoneyNov 8, 2013, 12:46 AM★ Spotlighted

Here's to social justice bad asses!

Kim ElliottNov 8, 2013, 12:47 AM★ Spotlighted

Heather is most definitely a badass :)

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:47 AM★ Spotlighted

@Andrew I think that's a good idea.

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:50 AM★ Spotlighted

We haven't even mentioned people with pre-existing conditions. I myself am one, and the ACA has been HUGE for me.

Wendy MiddletonNov 8, 2013, 12:52 AM

Unfortunately I've heard of assisters discouraging people from signing up and giving outrageously high quotes so everyone is really going to have to work hard to keep people educated.

Wendy MiddletonNov 8, 2013, 12:53 AM

Navigators I mean

Bobby CanaleNov 8, 2013, 12:53 AM

It's amazing that #Obamacare supporters don't get that all this is going to COST MORE, which means MORE DEBT & MORE unequal rights

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:54 AM★ Spotlighted

Yes, go to the dentist, people! Our national breath is going to get SO MUCH BETTER!!!

Kim ElliottNov 8, 2013, 12:55 AM★ Spotlighted

There are some dental on the national. Mi doesn't have it's own exchange

Kim ElliottNov 8, 2013, 12:55 AM

lol

Andrew TeixeiraNov 8, 2013, 12:55 AM★ Spotlighted

Well I've had two of my questions answered? Thank you all.......now let's meet up around single-payer time

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:56 AM

@Andrew good man! See you then!

Jordan BirnbaumNov 8, 2013, 12:58 AM★ Spotlighted

Thank you both! It was a GREAT Tawk!

Tom LorenzoNov 8, 2013, 12:58 AM★ Spotlighted

This was great! Thanks so much!

Charley ToucheNov 8, 2013, 12:58 AM

How many millions of abortions will Obamacare pay for using our money? 1 is too many!

Lucy DyerNov 8, 2013, 12:59 AM

thanks!

Wendy MiddletonNov 8, 2013, 12:59 AM★ Spotlighted

Man I hope this leads to single payer someday soon!

Wendy MiddletonNov 8, 2013, 12:59 AM★ Spotlighted

Thanks for the Tawk. Do more of them :)