Health Care Reform - Obamacare

Conservatives Confuse Obamacare Architect

Ezekiel ("Zeke") Emanuel, a key architect of Obamacare, claims conservative opposition to exchanges is perplexing. In an article for THE HILL, he says the ACA is the law of the land and both Houses passed it. He says the Supreme Court upheld it. And he claims, the 2012 election confirmed it. That should simply settle the matter. Why aren't conservatives falling in line?

Will Your State Remain Free?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ deadline for states to partner with the federal government on health insurance exchanges is Friday, February 15. For the 26 states that remain free of Obamacare’s expensive and intrusive grip, the Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (www.cchfreedom.org) is calling on them to remain firm in their denial of federal, state, or partnership exchanges, all of which lead to federal control of healthcare, intrusiveness into private data for citizens, and costly penalties for a wide range of employers.

Free States

Diagram showing those states who have agreed to set up State Exchanges under Obamacare as compared to the "Free States" which have not and require the Federal Government to do so - which there is no appropriation to implement an exchange nor the ability to 'force cooperation'. 

Reality #7 – Health Insurance Agents in Limbo

Many health insurance agents fear the loss of their livelihood once government health insurance Exchanges are created and people begin to shop online. But Exchanges will not be simple. Thus, Obamacare established a new entity called “navigators” to assist individuals and businesses in buying coverage from federally-qualified health plans on the exchange. Health insurance agents will be only one of many groups allowed to become navigators.

Reality #6 – Exchange Board will Limit Insurance Choices

Among the far-reaching powers granted to the seven-member MN Health Insurance Exchange board in the proposed legislation is the power to choose what health insurance plans you, the consumer who may be forced to buy insurance on the Exchange, are allowed to purchase.

Where Have All the Promises Gone?

It's time to remember President Obama's promises for his national health care program: Prices would drop. Everyone would be covered. And no one would be left out in the cold.

Reality #5 - Powerful Board of Seven Strangers

The Minnesota Insurance Exchange legislation specifically defines the “Minnesota Insurance Marketplace” as a Board. This board would be a defacto state agency, signing IT contracts, accepting state appropriations, having a dedicated state account, overseeing health care across the state of Minnesota, and choosing what insurance options are available on the exchange.

Obamacare Sticker Shock

Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services unveiled new Obamacare waivers to the individual coverage mandate, offering hardship exemptions to several classes of Americans that do not meet specific income thresholds... the result is a large group of “boomerang” individuals who could not afford coverage previously, thought they’d gain coverage within Obamacare, and now are returning to the government for waivers based on the high cost of coverage and care.

Twila speaking in Rochester, MN

"Obamacare will impact your life. Get the facts."

Twila was invited to address the Rochester Area Tea Party gathering on January 31st of 2013. This gave an opportunity for those outside the metropolitan area a chance to ask questions, get the facts and get mobilized.

Reality #4 – National Database of Your Personal Information

Buried in the text of the Minnesota Obamacare Exchange bill (MNHIX) has a tiny but controversial section allowing free-flow sharing of all data the government has on you. It also grants them access to the date “other entities” have on you. There is no limit to the agencies that can share data. There is no limit to the data that can be shared. There is no limit with whom the data may be shared.