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Letter to the Editor: Affordable Care Act Not ‘Affordable’

Health Care | Medical Care | Health Insurance

Tampa Bay Reporter does not take editorial positions; however, we welcome debate and publish opinions from others. (Guest opinions and letters may or may not reflect those of Tampa Bay Reporter or of anyone connected with Tampa Bay Reporter.) Today, letter writer Steve Seto of Bradenton argues against a proposal by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, to reverse the Trump Administration’s short-term, limited-duration insurance plans. (To see the story, click here.)

The article about [U.S. Rep. Kathy] Castor and her characterization of short-term medical plans as “junk,” is irresponsible and not balanced reporting. Short Term medical plans are offered by major carriers, such as, Fortune  No. 21 United Health Care to smaller Insurance companies like National General.

If Short Term Medical plans are junk, why do I have many people abandoning ACA [Affordable Care Act] plans, because there are no longer quality doctors available in the ACA plans? ACA is not better because it offers maternity.

My wife and I are in our 60s. We do not need maternity. ACA is not better because it will cover pre-existing conditions.

My wife and I have hardly ever used our health plans in 40 years we have been married. Why should we pay for higher premiums, because ACA pools us in with pre-existing conditions?

ACA offers subsidies to those that make less money, than their median household income. Do you realize how many people, are very “creative” with their tax returns and get subsidies, that are supported not only by the government, but to those that pay higher premiums?

Now, let’s get to the bottom line.

My wife and I – our ACA plan for 2019 would be close to $1,500 per month. Our short-term plan is $540. Can you tell me, how Castor rationalizes that we should pay more, almost $1,000/month more (yes, no exaggeration), simply because she thinks it is inadequate?

Why doesn’t she explain to my wife and I, what ACA would give to us? A monthly premium, close to $1,000 per month more. None of our doctors are available. But, yeah, I have maternity. I have preventive care (value is maybe $600 for both of us)!

Maybe Castor should call Honda Civics junk, and legislate me to buy a Cadillac. too. AND NO, I am not a Trump supporter. We are trying to cap our living expenses, and good health care is an enormous amount due to our ages. Castor, please do your research and not be so partisan when it comes to my money.

Steve Seto

Letters to the editor can be sent to info@tbreporter.com. Please note that your email is intended for the Letters column.

Letter to the Editor | Health Care | Affordable Care Act | ACA | Tampabay News

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