Just what we need, confused consumers with overwhelming choices

2013

Today marks the start of the linchpin of Obamacare. Enrollment begins for the marketplace health plans. As much as I am concerned about the long-term negative consequences of the Affordable (not) Care Act, I wish the thousands of individuals who have been trying to make this monstrosity work good luck. It is indeed a massive undertaking. What bothers me a great deal is the political propaganda that attempts to put the Law in a good light, but in reality serves to mislead and confuse. Consider this from an HHS press release:

A new report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finds that in state after state, consumers will see increased competition in the Health Insurance Marketplace, leading to new and affordable choices for consumers. According to the report, consumers will be able to choose from an average of 53 health plans in the Marketplace, and the vast majority of consumers will have a choice of at least two different health insurance companies – usually more. Premiums nationwide will also be around 16 percent lower than originally expected – with about 95 percent of eligible uninsured live in states with lower than expected premiums – before taking into account financial assistance.

What am I missing here? At least two insurance companies in an exchange and this is increased competition because these two or three insurers are offering 53 plan options? Weren’t we told, the insurance companies were going to compete and result in lower costs? How many states in the U. S. don’t have at least two insurers competing already? Is having 53 health plans to choose from a good thing? Such an array is more likely to cause analysis paralysis confusing people worried about making the wrong choice. When employees are given an overly large selection of investments in a 401(k) plan they tend to make poor often conflicting choices or worse no choice and simply stick with a fixed income investment. Only time will tell reality from fantasy for all this. A year from now as 2015 premiums are established and more facts are known, the true direction of Obamacare will be determined. This reminds me of a soviet claim once popular. “We make the best mini-computers in the world and they are the largest.” For now, take the propaganda for what it is. It is not Pravda.