I believe health care should be available to all, but I am extremely disappointed with the Affordable Care Act.
When the act was introduced, I was skeptical and knew that making insurance companies include benefits such as pre-existing conditions, maternity/pediatric care, while keeping dependents on policies until 26 years old, etc., would increase costs to insurance companies, which would be passed on to policy holders.
Additionally, I found the basic premise that the young, healthy and previously uninsured would buy policies that, in turn, would subsidize the older and unhealthy to be unsupportable.
Currently, promises have been broken (surprise), millions of policy-holders are having their policies canceled, premiums have increased, key aspects of the law have been delayed, numerous political waivers were given, and more and more unintended consequences are being uncovered.
When the employer mandate takes effect in 2014, private companies will also face health insurance cost increases and may reduce or eliminate health benefits, increase employee contributions, delay hiring and expansion and/or reduce their work force.
I place full blame on those who voted for the law without reading it, nor understanding the consequences or the impact to their constituents.
It’s time for the Sun Journal to interview the Maine delegation about the ACA and ask what specific fixes are needed to make it workable. ACA is the law. Let’s make it work, delay it, amend it or get rid of it.
What we don’t need is more political posturing, partisan politics, bickering and finger-pointing.
Term limits anyone?
James Thompson, Lisbon
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