eNews Commentary • Jan 2013 • Health Exchanges -Obamacare • Minnesota Engagement

Single-Seller "Marketplace"

Commentary from Twila Brase, President CCHF

 
January 31, 2013

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), individuals should go to the "Health Insurance Marketplace" to buy health insurance. As in THE marketplace. Just one. This is the federal government's imposed national chain of Obama's "health insurance exchanges" (HIX) with state names (e.g. "Minnesota Insurance Marketplace," "Vermont Health Connect," "Covered California," and "Washington healthplanfinder"). Each one uses a 24/7 internet infrastructure connected to the Federal government through the Federal Data Services Hub.

The Obama administration wants the government "marketplace" to be the only place to buy health Insurance. This is their plan for national health care. This is why States that have refused to install the "state exchange" must also refuse to let the federal government install the "federal exchange" (federal website with federal name connected to federal hub).
 

 
Over the weekend, HHS tweeted a "Health Insurance Marketplace" twitpic as a tie-in with the Winter X Games. Notice how HHS claimed the new government "marketplace" is a place to buy health insurance with "less hassle":
 
 
At HealthCare.gov, HHS says the following about the federal "Health Insurance Marketplace":
 
"When key parts of the health care law take effect in 2014, there'll be a new way for individuals, families and small businesses to get health insurance. Whether you're uninsured, or just want to explore new options, the Marketplace will give you more choice and control over your health insurance options. The Marketplace is designed to help you find health insurance that fits your budget, with less hassle.
 
"Every health insurance plan in the new Marketplace will offer comprehensive coverage, from doctors to medications to hospitals visits. You can compare all your insurance options based on price, benefits, quality, and other features that may be important to you, in plain language that makes sense. You'll know you're getting a quality health plan at a reasonable price, because there's nothing buried in the fine print. Learn more about the value of health insurance. Find out who's eligible and get information about your state Marketplace. (Emphasis added.)
 
Actually, there's a lot buried in this little piece of propaganda. First, the federal government will limit your choices and you'll have no control over the options they give you. Second, "comprehensive coverage" does not mean comprehensive access to care. Third, given all the talk of "sticker shock," it's not likely to "fit your budget." Fourth, what is a "reasonable price"? All the prices are set to skyrocket because of Obamacare coverage mandates, Obamacare taxes, and the ban on pre-existing condition exclusions. For example, there's an outcry over premium hikes in California.
 
The HHS misinformation campaign continues:
 
"Every state will have a Health Insurance Marketplace, but each state can choose how it will operate. States can create and run their own Marketplace, or have a Marketplace supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). States may also choose to partner with HHS to run some functions of their Marketplace. 
 
No, each state cannot choose how it will operate the government exchange. Every exchange must be operated under the federal law and a raft of new federal exchange regulations. The federal reform law says exchanges must annually submit a report to HHS, must submit to an annual audit by HHS, and must follow federal regulations that include "such other requirements as the Secretary determines appropriate." 
 
HHS intends for a single federal "marketplace" with 50 website portals (exchanges) connected to it. The exchanges are central to the federal takeover of health care. States must refuse this takeover. The states that refuse will be the "FREE STATES." The states that allow the federal IT infrastructure to be installed or imposed will be the "OBAMACARE STATES." 
 
Which state would you prefer to live in?
 
Sincerely,
 

Twila Brase RN, PHN
President, CCHF

Back to eNews.