More Of Obama's Health Care Savings

[bonnie]

Citing Health Care Law, Boeing Pares Employee Plan

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, Associated Press Writer Ricardo Alonso-zaldivar, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 47 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Aerospace giant Boeing is joining the list of companies that say the new health care law could have a potential downside for their workers.

In a letter mailed to employees late last week, the company cited the overhaul as part of the reason it is asking some 90,000 nonunion workers to pay significantly more for their health plan next year. A copy of the letter was obtained Monday by The Associated Press.

"The newly enacted health care reform legislation, while intended to expand access to care for millions of uninsured Americans, is also adding cost pressure as requirements of the new law are phased in over the next several years," wrote Rick Stephens, Boeing's senior vice president for human resources.

Boeing is the latest major employer to signal a shift for its workers as a result of the legislation, which expands coverage to more than 30 million uninsured people and ranks as President Barack Obama's top domestic achievement. Earlier, McDonald's had raised questions about whether a limited benefit plan that serves some 30,000 of its employees would remain viable under the law. That prompted the administration to issue McDonald's a waiver from certain requirements under the law.

Spokeswoman Karen Forte said the Boeing plan is more generous than what its closest competitors offer, and the company was concerned it would get hit with a new tax under the law.

The tax on so-called "Cadillac" health plans doesn't take effect until 2018, but employers are already beginning to assess their exposure because it is hefty: at 40 percent of the value above $10,200 for individual coverage and $27,500 for a family plan.

"We want to manage our costs so this tax doesn't apply to our plan, but that's down the road," said Forte. "If this health care law hadn't passed, would we be making changes to the health care benefit? Absolutely. For competitive reasons."

In the letter to Boeing employees, Stephens said out-of-control health care inflation is hampering Boeing's ability to compete with other manufacturers. Its major civilian aviation competitor, Airbus, is based in Europe, where governments shoulder the burden of health care costs.

Stephens also cited lifestyle issues, such as people who are overweight and do not adequately exercise, as the third major reason for the cost shift. The health care law ranked second among the three, ahead of lifestyle factors.

Boeing said annual deductibles and copayments will increase for all its plans next year.

Deductibles, the share of medical costs that employees pay annually before their plan kicks in, will go up to $300 for individuals, an increase of $100. For families, the new deductible will be $900, an increase of $300.

In addition, Boeing is instituting a copayment of 10 percent after the deductible has been met. The copayment will rise to 20 percent in 2012.

Those changes will reduce the value of the Boeing plan, but it's unclear whether that will allow the company to escape the tax looming in 2018.

"It's certainly going to help," said Forte. But "we are still slightly above market in what we offer to our employees

[Dr. Shane]

I blame Pelosi and Reid for these kinks. The Republicans will work out the details and we are all going to be thanking Obama until Jesus comes. I bet Obama will go down in history as being even greater than Abe Lincoln.

[bonnie]

I blame Pelosi and Reid for these kinks. The Republicans will work out the details and we are all going to be thanking Obama until Jesus comes. I bet Obama will go down in history as being even greater than Abe Lincoln.

The health care bill can hardly be described as a kink.As to being grateful to Obama and his presidency,not a chance.

Abe Lincoln was not all that great.His biggest claim to fame was the Civil war and freeing of the slaves.AS important as that was it was not the reason initially for the war .

The one thing Obama could do is not run for a second term.He has produced far to many kinks in the less than two years he has been in office.Maybe some day he will be a grown up and accept the responsibility for hos own actions

[Jeannieb43]

There's an article in TheAtlantic.com today which asks whether Obama might have the huge bump up in popularity for a second term, similar to what Reagan experienced. Reagan had a very low midterm popularity rating, but by the time his first term ended he was so popular he received an overwhelming majority in his second presidential campaign.

"Midterm rout to reelection landslide" is the way the caption reads.

[Dr. Shane]

Abe Lincoln saved the union. He also freed the slaves but that was going to happen eventually with or without him. Obama passing health care reforms means something big for all of us. Praise God for that man. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. I will freely admit the health care reform bill has some issues but that is why we are going to elect Republicans to iron those out. By 2012 I think even our school children will be sing praises to Obama.

[bonnie]

There's an article in TheAtlantic.com today which asks whether Obama might have the huge bump up in popularity for a second term, similar to what Reagan experienced. Reagan had a very low midterm popularity rating, but by the time his first term ended he was so popular he received an overwhelming majority in his second presidential campaign.

I think if I remember right Reagan had brought us out of a pretty nasty recession.As much as I liked Reagan I think he was also helped by his opponent Mondale.For the same thing to happen President Obama will need to do a very drastic about face.I don't think he will.Clinto saw the handwriting on the wall and was more than happy to adjust his thinking to accommodate republican issues.

Clinton had only one conviction and that was to have whatever conviction it took to stay in office.

President Obama is committed to changing the US into a very close copy of socialism.I don't think he will bend unless he can do so with something unimportant

[bonnie]

Abe Lincoln saved the union. He also freed the slaves but that was going to happen eventually with or without him. Obama passing health care reforms means something big for all of us. Praise God for that man. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. I will freely admit the health care reform bill has some issues but that is why we are going to elect Republicans to iron those out. By 2012 I think even our school children will be sing praises to Obama.

You know Shane,your endless invoking God,praising God with all the other flowery effusive words you use to describe Obama comes across in a mocking way. You seem to think that might agitate me or??? as I am the only one you do that to. Or your almost religious fervor when ever Obama's name comes up sounds a lot like a 16 year old high school girl dying to get the attention of the football captain.

In any event it cheapens the idea or suggestion to praise God.

I was taught there are more ways than profanity to take God's name in vain.

I am also equally certain you know full well school children have already sang praises to Obama.

[bonnie]

There's an article in TheAtlantic.com today which asks whether Obama might have the huge bump up in popularity for a second term, similar to what Reagan experienced. Reagan had a very low midterm popularity rating, but by the time his first term ended he was so popular he received an overwhelming majority in his second presidential campaign.

Obama's popularity in the coming months doesn't have any bearing on the health care bill if it stands as it is. It is far more than working out a few kinks.

I have been back and forth to the hospital with medical issues with my knee.The surgeon has urged me to keep in mind we don't know what is coming so any elective procedure should be scheduled.Something has to give with medicare and medicaid.Putting millions more on these programs and cutting medicare/medicaid at the same time it is without question that some procedures that is not life threatening will be rationed.Medicare payments have already been cut in area's.

My last procedure was over 1800.00. The actual payment received was 439.00,that included my co-pays.How long will DR's continue to be willing to go in the red to treat medicare and medicaid patients?

[Dr. Shane]

your almost religious fervor when ever Obama's name comes up sounds a lot like a 16 year old high school girl dying to get the attention of the football captain.

[bonnie]

Quote:

Often times I am rather critical of Obama since he has messed a lot of things up. But when I think of some of the good things he has done - like go after credit card companies and sign health-care reform - I do get a bit excited. I can't say I get a tingle up my leg but I am really impressed with the fact he did what Democrats have been trying to do since 1948.

A friend of mine is impressed with Obama and his health care to.Only her and her husband will not spare any effort in alerting anyone that will listen what Obama care really means.

They do feel rather foolish now for being such strong supporters.Now can't believe they were quite that stupid.Another insurance company has notified their insured of some rather scary increase in their premiums and cost.My friends have gone from no deductible to 1500.00,No co-pays for the mandates due to Obama and his meddling,but the cost has just been shifted to other area's and the co-pays are higher.The monthly premiums the employee pays is also higher.

But more and more are realizing what a disaster Obama care is.

Quote:

When I said "our" schools I didn't mean American schools. I meant Adventist schools. By 2012 children in *our* schools may be singing praises to the big O man.

I wouldn't doubt it.SDA's many times will forget about the seperation of church and state.

Thankfully my sons are very well grounded and would pull my grandchildren immediately from any school that tried that.

Watching what is written about Obama by some SDA's it is not hard to believe their eyes are on Obama to fix things for them.Pretty sad really when you know the instruction we have had.

[Dr. Shane]

The thing is that these little kinks in Obama-care are going to be worked out by the Republicans and when things turn out great, Obama will get the credit. He will go down in history as being greater than FDR!

Now when I say our children will sing praises to Obama I don't mean sing praises to him as if he is a god. I mean sing praise of gratitude. Because of Obama children will not have worry about getting health-care if they get sick. Because of Obama every child in America can get their vaccinations. Healthy children make better students. Our schools will likely become better learning centers because of Obama and his compassion for each of us.

Now what about that do-nothing Republican Congress that we had for so many years? Indeed! While health insurance costs skyrocketed and premiums increased at more than twice the rate of inflation, the do-nothing Republican Congress played on the fiddle. Then the hand of God turned the Congress over to the Democrats and then placed Obama in the White House. Then something got done. The cries of the sick finally reached the gates of heaven and God called a man to do something. After more than a decade of the Republican do-nothing Congress. Obama got health-care reform passed. I can hear God now telling him, "Well done, good and faithful servant." But the work is not over. God now has a role for the Republicans. They are being called back to sharpen up the health-care reform by removing the kinks. We serve an awesome God that cares about the affairs of man.

[bonnie]

Quote:

The thing is that these little kinks in Obama-care are going to be worked out by the Republicans and when things turn out great, Obama will get the credit. He will go down in history as being greater than FDR!

To be greater than FDR would not take much.

Quote:

Now when I say our children will sing praises to Obama I don't mean sing praises to him as if he is a god. I mean sing praise of gratitude. Because of Obama children will not have worry about getting health-care if they get sick.

What utter nonesense but you know that already. Children do not worry about getting sick and not having insurance.For children to adopt the attitude you show they indeed would sing his praises as if he were a god.

Quote:

Because of Obama every child in America can get their vaccinations. Healthy children make better students. Our schools will likely become better learning centers because of Obama and his compassion for each of us.

Every child in America could always have had their vacinations with a little effort from their parents.The same will hold true now

Quote:

Now what about that do-nothing Republican Congress that we had for so many years? Indeed! While health insurance costs skyrocketed and premiums increased at more than twice the rate of inflation, the do-nothing Republican Congress played on the fiddle.

Maybe the republicans can take a page from Obama's whine book and blame everyone else? Works for him

Quote:

Then the hand of God turned the Congress over to the Democrats and then placed Obama in the White House. Then something got done. The cries of the sick finally reached the gates of heaven and God called a man to do something. After more than a decade of the Republican do-nothing Congress. Obama got health-care reform passed. I can hear God now telling him, "Well done, good and faithful servant." But the work is not over. God now has a role for the Republicans. They are being called back to sharpen up the health-care reform by removing the kinks. We serve an awesome God that cares about the affairs of man.

I have a BIL,a very good man but has had a complete breakdown and will spend the rest of his life in the VA hospital.

He can literally hear God,Mary and others.They tell him things.It is surprising how many things they tell him.We just go along with him so as not to upset him.He can't help so it is pretty sad when those that can do the same

[Dr. Shane]

God speaks to me through the Bible. That is how I know that He placed Obama where he is. In a couple of weeks, we'll see who He is going to put into Congress.

[bonnie]

Quote:

God speaks to me through the Bible. That is how I know that He placed Obama where he is. In a couple of weeks, we'll see who He is going to put into Congress.

God has allowed many to have what they think they want or to be in office and places of power that has caused untold harm.Beginning with Eve wanting what she wanted.

There has always been followers of the above,a little like wanting to be in reflective glory or to sound so spiritual.

Even tho the numbers that almost faint at the mention of Obama are getting less and less.There are those that really don't care what he does as long as he promises to take care of his groupies.Watching the fawning over Obama makes it a little easier to understand the end time events and the role the americans will push the government to enact.

As long as Obama stil blames others for his mistakes and his deliberate intent to make government into big brother,it will not change and can only bring more harm

Now it is the voters that are not to bright,they don't think straight because of fear.His problem is many are getting a lot smarter.His patronizing behaviour does not sit well.Nor does the rise in cost of their medical premiums and the increase in taxes carefuly tucked into the health care.

[Dr. Shane]

The Republicans are going work out all those kinks and we will all be singing, happy days are here again.

[bonnie]

The Republicans are going work out all those kinks and we will all be singing, happy days are here again.

Really pathetic isn't it? Elect someone completly inept and determined to pave the way for socialism.Then the foolish and naive that voted him in want the republicans to save them from the effects of their vote.

Voting Obama's friends out of office is a important first step.Repealing the health care bill is not going to be that simple. Don't forget the give me,give me,I am a victim crowd. They will fight tooth and nail to take from others so they don't have to work so hard.

More and more are having a few minutes of clarity but is it enough? The steps that would have to be taken to undo the mess Obama has made are enormous.Most on the dole want to stay there.

There are those not on the dole as well that want the parasitic behaviour to continue.Makes them feel so righteous

[Dr. Shane]

Split government works well. Many of the independents/moderates (like me) want split government. We don't like one party rule. Now Obama did what no man had ever done before. And we are grateful. We really are. We love that man. He is a living legend. If Jesus doesn't come too soon, we will build a monument for Obama. Hundreds, if not thousands, of schools will be named after him. The man can only be compared to other presidential greats like Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR and LBJ. But too much of a good thing is not good. God gave Obama a Democrat Congress so that Obama could get some legislative goals accomplished. Now God is going to bring in the Republicans to work out the kinks. I am not worried. God is in control.

BTW: I have voted already. Like most moderates, I voted a split ballot.

[bonnie]

Quote:

Split government works well. Many of the independents/moderates (like me) want split government. We don't like one party rule. Now Obama did what no man had ever done before. And we are grateful. We really are. We love that man. He is a living legend. If Jesus doesn't come too soon, we will build a monument for Obama. Hundreds, if not thousands, of schools will be named after him. The man can only be compared to other presidential greats like Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR and LBJ.

How truly sad. I have never worshipped a human being so I fail to see what causes adults to worship a politician.Check the background,not all the flowery words of the presidents you listed. I do agree that Obama could be compared to their true record in history. Lincoln is the only one that has redeeming qualities.

Quote:

But too much of a good thing is not good. God gave Obama a Democrat Congress so that Obama could get some legislative goals accomplished. Now God is going to bring in the Republicans to work out the kinks. I am not worried. God is in control.

Sounds more like Shane thinks Shane is in control.

Quote:

BTW: I have voted already. Like most moderates, I voted a split ballot.

BTW,your voting record is of no interest to me.

[Dr. Shane]

Shane is a happy observer of the world which God controls. Shane loves life, loves God and loves his country.

[phkrause]

GP, as far as I've heard HC costs would've gone up anyway. Supposivly(sp) more than it would've had this HC bill not past. Most of this bill doesn't kick in till 2014. Here's a link to when and what things will be kicking in. Maybe its helpful and maybe not. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/20...ill-reform-take

[bonnie]

GP, as far as I've heard HC costs would've gone up anyway. Supposivly(sp) more than it would've had this HC bill not past. Most of this bill doesn't kick in till 2014. Here's a link to when and what things will be kicking in. Maybe its helpful and maybe not. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/20...ill-reform-take

As for insurance going up anyway,we had a rather dubious promise from Obama that insurance premiums would go down.As much as 2500.00 per year.

This is the time of year that many people select a change in policy.A acquaintance of mine just within the last week was notified of what Obama's promise is actually costing him. He went from no deductible to a 1500.00 deductible.His premiums have gone way up. To counteract the forced mandates of Obama,co-pays have gone up.Many items were to be co-pay free compliments of Obama.That part is true,however now the co-pays are higher on items not mandated by Obama.

Great savings plan.

In addition there is numerous tax increases