Obamacare's average monthly cost across U.S.: $328

yahoo ^ | 3/29/2013 | Caroline Humer (Reuters)

[tobyhill]

Americans will pay an average premium of $328 monthly for a mid-tier health insurance plan when the Obamacare health exchanges open for enrollment next week, and most will qualify for government subsidies to lower that price, the federal government said on Wednesday.

The figure, based on data for approved insurance plans in 48 states, is the broadest national estimate for the cost of coverage when President Barack Obama's healthcare reform law takes full effect next year. The prices of the new plans are at the heart of a political debate over whether they will be affordable enough to attract millions of uninsured Americans when enrollment begins on October 1.

Obama, who is facing a Republican threat to eliminate funding for the law or shut down the federal government next week, said the fierce opposition stems from the fear that Americans will embrace the program.

"Essentially they're saying people will like this thing too much, and then it will be really hard to roll back," Obama said on Tuesday in a conversation about healthcare with former President Bill Clinton. "What we're saying is, just look for yourself. Take a look at it, and you will discover that this is a good deal for you."

The Obama administration is counting on signing up 7 million Americans, including 2.7 million younger and healthier consumers who are needed to offset the costs of sicker members, in the first full year of reform through the state exchanges.

[struggle]

Dang, my job’s premium is $240 with kids and wife.

Good luck trying to get 20-somethings on that plan. That’s a freaking car payment.

[tobyhill]

According to Obama it's lower than a cell phone bill.

[willywill]

“and most will qualify for government subsidies to lower that price”

i’m trying to remember where the government gets the money to pay for the subsidies

[Jonty30]

I pay about $100 a month for my cellphone plan.

[max americana]

I really doubt the idiots who voted for this bigger Idiot will register. Maybe the hard core imbecile who drank the 1000-proof Hopeychangey Kool Aid will but not 7 mil..

[nuconvert]

Haven’t heard a word about deductibles.

[struggle]

Well, and here’s the thing. What about all of the people that are going to toss the letter telling them to enroll and then get wacked by a penalty come tax time?

People are going to be upset!

[Tzimisce]

Oh yeah? Well you’re a racist!

/sarc(????)

[tobyhill]

I pay $50 unlimited everything.

[DonaldC]

$328 is much cheaper than my plan is now...wonder what the details are.

[Gator113]

There is no way in hell that this country can afford this nonsense.

[redlegplanner]

$17.09 for two phones. Tracphone from Walmart. All it does is make phone phone calls. How do I ever survive....?

[funfan]

That’s per person so if you are married it will be $640.00 and I am not sure if that is the payment with the subsidy or not. They act like it is a great thing but they don’t mention you are forced to buy the insurance or pay a penalty
1 percent of your salary whichever is higher.

My husband and I pay a $100.00 a month and our co pays are $15.00 not 45.00.

[Cen-Tejas]

“........The federal government said”

By now, who for god sakes believes an f’n thing “the federal government said”......,

[Graewoulf]

SENATE GOP DEAD WEIGHT LIST LOYAL TO OBAMA

Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
John Cornyn (R-TX)
Kelly Ayotte (R-NH)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
John Barrasso (R-WY)

John Hoeven (R-ND)
Roy Blunt (R-MO)
Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
John Boozman (R-AR)
Mike Johanns (R-NE)

Richard Burr (R-NC)
Ron Johnson (R-WI)
Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
Mark Kirk (R-IL)
Jeff Chiesa (R-NJ)

John McCain (R-AZ)
Dan Coats (R-IN)
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Tom Coburn (R-OK)
Lisa Murkowksi (R-AK)

Thad Cochran (R-MS)
John Thune (R-SD)
Susan Collins (R-ME)
Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Bob Corker (R-TN)

[Baynative]

I met a young man who works at a military ship yard in WA. A dad of two he makes $57,000. His exchange premium quote is $369 after a subsidy to buy him down from $863.

That is after tax payout and he doesn't own his home. So of the roughly $40,000 he takes home in a year he is now gonna pay over 10% for a Silver Plan with a $10,000 deductible. That means most of the normal expenses for a young guy raising kids; glasses, broken bones, vaccinations etc., will come out of pocket.

[Senormechanico]

I sure as heck won’t.

[umgud]

Here in CA, it will cost me $665 for a mid-grade plan. I’m single over 60. Because of my income there will be no subsidies. For me, ths would be a more expensive down-graded plan.

If you’re middle to upper income, this will be a huge increase accross the nation.

[tobyhill]

I don't see the yuts jumping all over this “bargain”.