it has been and is currently eroded by the CONTINUING rise in health care costs annually.
The 1.7% increase in SS in January will not offset the rise in monthly premiums (again 2015) for medigap insurance. Ditto for the rising premiums for part D.
The real burden on the pension funds due to medical care cost increases will not be felt for at least another year. The impact of the ACA on those companies that have extended the age of student coverage and the adding to the insurance companies roles those with existing prior conditions. Just these two factors alone will drive up the amount of $$$ being paid out by these companies that they never had to before. The result will be increased prices to the insured to cover the additonal costs (reduced profits) of the insurance companies (that survive).
These actions will begin in 2016.....is that a convenient timing/date or not?
The above two do not come anywhere close to what will happen as those who are uninsured get added to the system. Their incidences and clamor for services is currently not even in the system. It will generate an increase in cost to the insurance companies that will dwarf the other costs.
So if "the government" reaches into our pockets it will just be an ADDITIONAL reduction of some of our fixed incomes!!!!
Even the staucnh die hard supporters will change their tune as the full impact of ACA hits the market place....because then it will be personal and they will be an invested party in the result. The increases do not recognize party loyalty ya know!
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