"ObamaCare?" Penalize for Not Having a Full Time Job
@WumpyPPancakes (117)
United States
August 24, 2012 4:53pm CST
I know that there are others who do not feel the way I do, and I respect that. However, "ObamaCare" really disappoints me.
As American citizens, we all pay taxes. I am sure that if you surveyed many Americans, many would say that they have no issues paying taxes. We all use the highway systems, we all use the transit systems if they exist in your town or city. All of us have the opportunity to use the library. And other services that are supposed to rely on the American citizens taxes, I don't mind paying. What I do mind is that our tax money is going to a Healthcare system that still won't meet the needs of everyone person. The way that the bill outlines it, if an individual doesn't get health insurances, they will be PENALIZED on their taxes. From what I read, there are some exemptions; however, it is still the principle of the matter. Why should I or anyone else in our country even have to read in a bill or a law that we will be penalized if we don't sign up for health insurance when we don't have a full time job, when we have a part time job, or we have seasonal part time work, or no job at all. That shouldn't even be in the bill!
It also appears that Obama doesn't check on his staff in what they do. Or the people that he has hired, they aren't competent enough to check on how the others are drafting these bills to become laws or policies. In essence, I feel like, just like the Bush administration, no one gives any lickin' of the American people. We are the ones who are collectively paying taxes and people these government officials their salaries. Why should we have to be bothered with aggravation as such?
3 responses
@andy77e (5156)
• United States
24 Aug 12
I think your expectations are unrealistic. Government is inherently incompetent, wasteful, and useless, on the best of days.
As long as you think that government is going to pay for your health care, or anything else, you will always end up disappointed.
In every country that has government universal health care, more people die, more people denied care.
Even if government legislates "everyone gets care!" that doesn't mean it actually has the resources for that. And as with all socialism, they never do.
@WumpyPPancakes (117)
• United States
25 Aug 12
Hi, Andy:
I appreciate your response, but let me clarify a few things for you:
One, I was voicing concern in how our president and government carelessly overlook the citizens of this country. Sadly, we should be the primary concern, and we are not.
Two, I don't have any expectations that the government will take our tax money and give us health care. Even if they did, it wouldn't be perfect. Against, I was expressing my feelings on how American citizens, like me, feel concerning the treatment of our health.
Third, I never thought that the government was going to pay for my health care. I was talking about the penalization for NOT SIGNING UP for health care when no one can afford it. I certainly cannot. I am a seasonal employee..and I am still working on my master thesis. I can no longer afford to take out loans...and I don't have consistent income. Seasonal means just that...whenever the work is available.
@andy77e (5156)
• United States
25 Aug 12
Well we disagree. I don't think we should be the primary concern. At least not in the general sense that government should provide for us.
One: The primary concern of the Federal Government, should be national defense, treaties with other countries, and enforcing the rule of law.
Note, nothing there about welfare of citizens, such as food, shelter, clothing, or health care.
Two: Well it shouldn't be a concern, because the treatment of your health is your responsibility. Government should have nothing to do with it.
Third: I agree with you, that government shouldn't penalize anyone for anything that isn't a violation of law.
However, I disagree with the idea that people can't afford health care. I've seen health insurance policies for $58 a month.
If you can't afford $58 a month, then you are not working. Wendy's is hiring. I know I saw a sign in the window just yesterday.
@WumpyPPancakes (117)
• United States
25 Aug 12
"If you can't afford $58 a month, then you are not working. Wendy's is hiring. I know I saw a sign int he window just yesterday."
Actually, I find this amusing since I worked for a supermarket in a Starbucks.
I want to address that I brought up a personal concern of mines; you don't have to leave insensitive comments as such near the end of your response. From my perspective, it looks that way...let's just stick to the topic at hand and our opinions.
I agree with you on point one. The primary concerns should be protecting our country to make sure the citizens leave productive lives.
And like I expressed, I don't think that people should be penalized for Healthcare. I don't even think that we should have universal healthcare because it is not perfect, and you're right. It is every individuals' responsibility to take care of their health. I eat well and exercise five, six days a week so I don't have to go a doctor. If I did have health insurance, I would still do the same preventive measures.
And as I also implied, I get seasonal work...and it maybe difficult for me to afford healthcare. I will also say that the government should created policies where it does hurt the American people.
@adforme (2114)
•
25 Aug 12
I really don't know the influence Obamacare is going to have on healthcare. I guess I would have to read the bill from end to end. I believe it was put in place to set a fire to the butts of Americans who think they can go around without healthcare for themselves and their families. People do a lot of things that put themselves in danger - Drive, play sports, smoke, eat to much. At the end of the day, the American healthcare system is a disaster. The cost of some procedures/life saving efforts are so through the roof they are in outer space. You got to ask yourself why. Just a thought. Welcome to mylot.
@adforme (2114)
•
25 Aug 12
Money is at the heart of the matter. Not everyone can afford to pay for expensive care out of pocket. Would you pay over $100,000 for poisonous snakebite treatment? A foreigner was reportedly charged that while visiting America. What a terrible way to be introduced to the American healthcare system.
@adforme (2114)
•
27 Aug 12
I believe these systems can run better if there was not so much fraud, waste, and abuse. At the end the day, we still need a system. Welcome to the land of the free or should I say the world, where if you give someone an inch they will take a mile. I am not saying healthcare is perfect. But, everyone needs to contribute to its implementation. With people(politicians/citizens) being willy nilly there has been problems with the system. Therefore, here comes the government regulation.
@andy77e (5156)
• United States
25 Aug 12
Oh I don't know... maybe because it's incredibly difficult operations, that only really highly paid Doctors are willing to try, and require technology and procedures that cost billions of dollars to develop, and cost the hospital millions of dollars to purchase the equipment.
Seems to me that really expensive stuff, skill, and research, should likely cost more than a $5 dollar splint for a broken finger, and the resulting nurse work to bandage it.
The better question is, in other countries that have cheaper health care, don't even have these options..... is that worth it? Would you rather die than pay some money? A guy in Canada was denied knee surgery because it cost too much for the newer procedure that was recommended.
Is not being able to walk, a better choice than paying for expensive surgery? You tell me. He came to America to pay for the surgery out of pocket. So clearly he seems to think there's something wrong in Canada's 'free-care' system, that our does better. Maybe he knows something you don't?
@stealthy (8181)
• United States
24 Aug 12
Obamacare also has a built in tax increase on everyone who has medical expenses beyond what is covered by insurance. This increase takes effect in 2013. Currently you can deduct un-reimbursed medical expenses that are more than 7.5% of your income. In 2013 this percentage goes up to 10%. For example if your income is $20,000 you can currently deduct expenses that exceed $1,500, but in 2013 you would only be able to deduct the amount that is over $2,000. Of course you have to itemize your deductions in both cases.
