Big Topic: The Affordable Care Act, A.k.a.: Obamacare

I kind of wonder do alot of vets use private health care? I know the VA isn't all that amazing, but its basically free healthcare.

The health plan my employer offers is considered a "Cadillac Plan." Even though we already pay higher than normal premiums for that plan we will be hit with a 40% tax because we have a good plan. In addition anyone who pays into a HSA or VEBA will also get taxed. Our exempt employee plan is identical to the plan in place to two unions, so those great plans the unions negotiated will costs their members. The tax is on the insurance company who is sure to pass it on to the customer. Whether that be the employer or employee the cost of s doctor visit is sure to go up. This will only increase the amount paid in tax if the current plan stays in place.

High costs plague some state-run health insurance markets ...

State-run health insurance markets that offer coverage under President Barack Obama's health law are struggling with high costs and disappointing enrollment. These challenges could lead more of them to turn over operations to the federal government or join forces with other states.

Hawaii's marketplace, the latest cautionary tale, was awarded $205 million in federal startup grants. It has spent about $139 million and enrolled 8,200 customers for individual coverage in 2015. Unable to sustain itself, the state marketplace is turning over sign-ups to the federal HealthCare.gov for 2016.

Twelve states and the District of Columbia fully control their markets. Experts estimate about half face financial difficulties. Federal taxpayers invested nearly $5 billion in startup grants to the states, expecting that state markets would become self-sustaining. Most of the federal money has been spent, and states have to face the consequences.

"The viability of state health insurance exchanges has been a challenge across the country, particularly in small states, due to insufficient numbers of uninsured residents," said a statement from the office of Hawaii Democratic Gov. David Ige, announcing last month that his state's sign-ups were being turned over to the federal government.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/high-costs-plague-some-state-run-health-insurance-markets/ar-AAdxpnX