Great diary up by War on Error BREAKING: Plans Only Offer Catastrophic Coverage.
This diary lays out the cost of the mandated health care plans under the Baucus Plan. I would call it the "Catastrophic Cost Option". Simply put: (h/t to War on Error)
Let's take a family of four (4) at 300% of FPL to see what the new mandate will mean for their budget, if they buy the low-cost (ahem) "Silver Plan":
Annual Gross Wage 300% x $22,050 = $66,150 annual adjusted gross
This family could pay out $9,195 or 13.9% of income plus $4500, for a total annual health expense of $13,694 (the remaining premium paid by subsidy).
Now let's look San Francisco's Public Option Healthy SF:
A family of four (4) at 300% of FPL with no mandate in place under Healthy SF pays:
Annual Gross Wage 300% x $22,500 = $66,150 annual adjusted gross
This family could pay out $2,400 or 3.6% of income plus $0 (deductible), for a total health expense of $2,400 annually.
How is this possible?
I have covered the Healthy SF Plan in some detail in this diary here. So, let's get right to comparing the costs of an actual WORKING Public Option with the Baucus Plan. Healthy SF costs.
Subsidy Provided Level:
Healthy SF: To 500% FPL
Individual = Income $54,180 annually or $4,515/mo. maximum
Family of four = $110,280 annually or $9,190/mo. maximum
Baucus Plan: To 300% FPL
Individual - Income $32,490 annually or $2,707/mo. maximum
Family of four = $66,150 annually or $5,512/mo. maximum
Winner: Healthy SF by 200% of the FPL.
Plan Cost at 300% of the FPL:
Healthy SF:
Individual = $600 annual or $50/mo.
Family of four = $2,400 annual or $200/mo.
Baucus Plan:
Individual = $4,504 annual or $375/mo.
Family of four = $9,195 annual or $766/mo.
Winner: Healthy SF. The Public Option saves thousands of dollars in premiums.
Deductibles:
Healthy SF: Simple no deductibles.
Baucus Plan:
Individual = $1,500 annual.
Family of four = $4,500 annual. (indivdual limits or family limit?)
Winner: Healthy SF with $0 deductibles.
The Healthy SF is a universal coverage plan for SF residents with no deductibles, no limits or caps, includes coverage for all pre-existing conditions and very low co-pays ($10 doctor visit to $150 emergency room admittance). Healthy SF even covers illegal immigrants and has local neighborhood clinics.
I am betting that the Baucus Plan offers the standard limited in-network HMO doctors, the standard 20 pages of limitations, the high co-pays and lifetime caps. And it is mandatory!
Welcome aboard America to the mandatory AHIP Catastrophic Cost & Coverage Plan. And don't forget to bend over and open your wallets.
Please continue to work everyday for the Public Option - as Healthy SF proves it means REAL cost savings for everyone.