Obamacare Facts vs. Myths
With a law as lengthy (1.000+ pages) and complex as the Affordable Care Act (i.e., Obamacare), there has been plenty of potential for misinformation and misunderstanding in the years since the law was passed.
Here are some common myths about Obamacare and the facts that refute them:
Myth: Americans are being forced to buy health insurance.Fact: Americans are not being forced to buy health insurance -- they are, in fact, being incentivized to have important health coverage by having more options for more comprehensive coverage than ever before and receiving tax credits to help reduce the cost. However, anyone can decide not to buy health insurance and simply pay the fine, which has increased in 2016 to either 2.5% of your income or $695 per adult/$347.50 per child with no household limit.
Myth: If you like your health insurance plan, you can keep it.Fact: Obamacare requires health insurance companies to offer only plans that meet 10 Essential Health Benefits, including coverage for preexisting conditions. Some Americans had plans that did not meet this requirement, and were informed by their insurance companies that those plans were no longer available. For some people, premiums have increased since there are more benefits; for those who qualify for tax credits, the cost of healthcare has become affordable now under Obamacare.
Fact: I can’t keep/choose my own doctor under Obamacare.Fact: The Affordable Care Act did not create a government-run healthcare system in the U.S., so there will be no government intervention in Americans’ choice of healthcare providers. Your access to your doctor will be governed by the health insurance plan you choose -- as always -- not by the government.
Myth: Obamacare increases the federal deficit.Fact: According to the Congressional Budget Office, Obamacare will reduce the deficit by more than $100 billion over the next 10 years, due to the tax increases and spending cuts that were part of the Affordable Care Act to offset the costs of expanding the availability of health insurance to more Americans.
Myth: Obamacare costs America jobs.Fact: The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the Affordable Care Act has had no impact on the employment rate in the U.S.
Myth: I will have to buy new insurance under Obamacare even if I’m insured by my employer.Fact: While you will be allowed to purchase a new health plan during the Obamacare Open Enrollment Period, you can keep your employer-provided insurance if you prefer. Since Obamacare has mandated a broader scope of coverage, some employer health plans have experienced price increases. You can always shop to see if you can get a better rate here at ObamacareUSA.org or on the healthcare.gov website.
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