I could give you a thousand guesses and you will never get this right. Maybe two thousand.
NPR is a great source for news and has a broad scope of topics that play down the BIG headlines that get pounded on most broadcast news on TV and Radio. They have segment called Marketplace.
I am writing this before the audio has posted but the host interviewed one of the PPACA Authors regarding the recent two year delay of the Cadillac Tax provision. Let me say that my current plan is VERY close to invoking the Cadillac Tax as stated in the law. The HSA contributions AND total Premium count to the calculation of the tax. Yes, I have a high deductible plan ... $12,000 deductible ... thank you. And for the record, my total plan costs are only about $1,000 less than the threshold for the tax. Crazy.
Now, for the "purpose" of the tax, taking my current costs (and probably many of you) into account. The expressed purpose of the Tax is to punish or try to reduce "excessive spending" in the health care insurance market. WHAAAAT?
How in the WORLD does that work? The IRS assesses a 40% TAX to put me (and you) is a plan worse than what I have now. Wait, pinch me ... no hit me ... no wake me when this is over. Never have I had a nightmare worse than this. But, in a government where Tax Cuts are called "spending" and every budget line item gets an annual increase of 10% or it is called a cut, I guess that makes sense. I just want to know where the line is forming that allows my business to increase prices 10% every year, or I get to scream foul!
Whew! I feel better.
We need an HONEST discussion about how this works. What is best. Not just to grow government but to reduce real costs for care and insurance to protect our assets.