Quote:
Originally Posted by tophcfa
It’s available through Obamacare and Medicaid for people who fall below certain income thresholds. But technically it’s not free, the people who get it for free are being subsidized by those who pay.
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So here is what I see is right in your statement:
Medicaid: Correct that low-income individuals can qualify for free or very low-cost coverage. (Keep in mind in 2027 there will no longer be Medicaid)
Subsidies: Also correct that “free” coverage isn’t truly free; costs are covered by taxpayer funding.
Here is what needs correction:
Obamacare (ACA) ≠ Free Healthcare
- The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides marketplace health insurance.
Premiums can be reduced via tax credits if your income is below a certain level.
Only a small subset of people, typically those with very low incomes, might qualify for $0 monthly premiums.
Most people still pay something for deductibles, copays, or prescriptions.
Other Groups Get Free or Nearly Free Healthcare
- Children in Low-Income Families → Covered under CHIP.
Native Americans & Alaska Natives → Free services via the Indian Health Service (IHS).
Emergency Care → Hospitals must stabilize anyone regardless of ability to pay under EMTALA (but bills often follow).
Community Clinics & Federally Qualified Health Centers → Free or sliding-scale services for uninsured individuals.