We were on Kaiser which is now called Healthspan. I don't always like some things about Kaiser but we have been with them for years and at first we were unable to switch because my granddaughter was diagnosed with diabetes. Even when we could have switched after the first part of ACA was implemented, the cost to switch was high so we stayed with Kaiser. ACA was good for Chris and my older granddaughter because they can stay on their parents plan for now. Rates naturally go up year after year even without ACA and when they first implemented the first part (children staying on parents insurance till 26 and no longer being able to discriminate for pre-existing conditions) rates did take a jump. According to my broker, rates should begin to drop or at least stabilize after the ACA has had time to be fully implemented. Medical costs should also stabilize after it is fully implemented. As I stated, medical costs go through the roof simply to cover those who either cannot afford insurance or those who think they can get by without or with junk plans. A lot of people would rather spend their money on big TV's, guns, toys and yes even dirt bikes rather than take care of the important things in life. Right now ACA has a lot of problems that need attention and I would rather see our politicians trying to address those problems instead of wasting their time holding 50 odd votes trying to repeal it. It was a waste of time because even if they had passed the repeal it would never have made it past the President's desk.
I shudder to think how Chris would have gotten by without insurance for this last ACL surgery. I venture to say the total cost was over 50,000.00 when you include follow up, physical therapy, ect.
Not all is the fault of our government but lies rather in the cut throat business of insurance. Yes, I can understand not wanting lose money via profit margins but let's face it...insurance companies have been gouging us for years. Years ago when insurance companies began requiring medical facilities to contract with them and bid our medical care began to go down hill. Medical facilities had to lower their standards and cut corners to be able to bid and win contracts. I saw patient care take a serious hit even in the O&P field. Hospitals often kick you out too early and many times this causes patients to relapse. Bad business but what can you do. It is, what it is.