Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on the groundbreaking national healthcare reform law signed by President Obama in 2010. Many provisions have already taken effect, including greater coverage for pre-existing conditions, insurance coverage until age 26 under parents’ plans, and free preventive care — including mammograms and colonoscopies. The most wide-reaching and controversial aspect, requiring most people to buy basic insurance, is set to become effective January 1, 2014.
The law’s impact will be felt in New Jersey, where 14.4 percent of people under age 65 — senior citizens are covered by Medicare — had no health insurance in 2009, the most recent year for which statistics were available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The percentage of those uninsured more than doubles, to nearly 3 in 10, for those with incomes at or below 200 percent of the poverty level, or $21,700 for an individual.
Lower-income Hispanics are even most likely to be uninsured, with a rate of more than 60 percent for adult males living at 200 percent or less of the poverty level.
The rate of those insured also varies widely by county with, not surprisingly, wealthier counties having higher rates of insured residents. In Hunterdon County, about 93 percent of residents had health insurance, while in Hudson County, only 77 percent did.
Click on a county here to see its overall health insurance coverage rate, as well as the rates for different incomes.
As a proud member of the 18.8% I say universal healthcare for all, nationalize the Fed and give us a State bank.
PAZ, I’m not religious, but I say Amen to that.
Paz, I’m with you on the universal healthcare, nationalizing the Fed & a State bank. But if you’re one of the 18.8%, then you’re driving up the cost of my premiums.
Well, Kit, clearly they must die. It’s the only answer. Death to the 18.8%!
Yes, that’s what death panels are for.
And the ultimate irony is that whether you have health insurance or not, if you have a catastrophic illness or injury, until 2014 (unless the Supreme Court eviscerates the law) you’re still probably going to be bankrupt.
That’s not irony, that’s America! If you get sick and lose everything it’s because you screwed up.
I hate to be the one to break it to you, Kit, but it’s looking like the SC will eviscerate the law.
Oh ‘roo. I have to go to bed now. It’s all too much and sadly I’ll be dreaming of Scalia, Alito and broccoli.
Oh, you’ll be fine, ‘gurl. Just don’t get sick. Nite nite.
I’m not there, yet, Roo. It’s a long time between now and June, and Kennedy asked questions, well, one question, which could go either way. Just give me my month and a half of wishful thinking…..
Well, I don’t really know, Kit. Maybe I’m wrong. I hope so.
I recently was introduced to NJ Spotlight by Debbie. It’s a wonderfully intelligent new source. I recommend a daily reading of it.
news source.
As my ol’ man used to say….”Why worry when you can pray.” The SC is clueless. They have to ask questions because they don’t know how mere mortals live on this planet then they still get it wrong!
Kit….right now I’m not driving up the cost on anyone. When I go to the doctor I pay cash or credit. Usually I’m ushered in right away while the herds held hostage to the Insurance companies, get triaged up the wazzooo.
Universal is the only way to go unless you have plenty of spondoolicks to throw at Blue Cross et al and get sub-optimal care when you’re hospitalized.
As much as I would like for there to a free market solution here there is not. REAL universal healthcare is the only solution. That said the ACA did not come close in this regard and if like me you actually read the bill you know it is a budget disaster waiting to happen. That said, if we can find a reason to scrap the whole thing we should. The country deserves more than patchwork legislation which shifts costs onto future generations. Why has the projected cost of ACA increased 4 times already and now stands at double the original projected cost??? That is just not acceptable. Anyone pay attention to the ridiculous riders that were tacked on to this bill as well? If there is a chance to repeal legislation that was passed by a broken government via reconciliation please get it done.
ACA is the worst of all solutions, stayhyphy, except for nothing, which is what I fear we will be left with if it’s scrapped.
Stayhyphy often your posts are interesting and dotted with supportive examples. I’m curious why you’ve given up on a free market solution to health care. Crossing state lines, competition, could be a start imo. What exactly is “real” universal health care? Do you really believe that a two tier system wouldn’t eventually take place once the government is completely in charge?
“Oh ‘roo. I have to go to bed now. It’s all too much and sadly I’ll be dreaming of Scalia, Alito and broccoli.”
Who appointed Broccoli to the Supreme Court? Last I saw of him, he was producing James Bond films.
Broccoli might be the buzz now, but it hasn’t had a prominent day in politics since George H W Bush Sr. whined about how he hated eating it.
“Why… does health car niow stand at double the projected cost?”
Well, actually it dosen’t:
https://www.factcheck.org/2012/03/health-care-costs-didnt-double/
Two tiered health care is effectively what universal care would be, Dag. Except at least the basics would be covered for everyone. The rich will always want more, and get it.