I have an excellent insurance plan so the health care bill has a different effect on me than other people. My main concerns are that there is a cap on the amount of money one can put in a flex spending plan ($2500) I am still trying to understand how this effects insurance rates and the ability for others to get insurance. With a family of 4 this money is spent for many reasons and I am worried that now I will not be able to save as much pre-tax for medical expenses. Another change is the increase in the minimum you can deduct, from 7.5% to 10%, basically making insurance more affordable means taxing medical expenses more? I am also concerned about the availability of insurance to those who intentionally live risky lives, one of the reasons I as a cancer survivor was able to get insurance was because I am a healthy, active, non smoker, non drinker. I receive this benefit because I take care of myself. Will my current rates actually go up because of the health care bill trying to equalize the insurance rates? I have heard that was one of the items in this health care bill, is this true? I truly believe in making health insurance more accessible to people but I believe we need to remain realistic about how we apply this, it is one thing to help out someone who had no choice, it is another to help them out when they know they are making risky decisions such as smoking or drinking or any other non healthy lifestyle choices. I don’t mean to sound harsh but why should my rates not reflect my lifestyle, this would basically say it is ok to drink or smoke. Is there anything in the bill about more stringent rules on malpractice lawsuits? I have been told that one reason for the rising medical costs is the increase in malpractice lawsuits. Yes there are valid cases but as with any legal action, laws can be misconstrued to benefit the wrong party. Again I am not trying to say this bill is horrible there are good points, however I have been blessed with great insurance and I am one who may pay for that so I would just like to get a better understanding of how my family will be affected by this.

I am also a cancer survivor and my present insurance thank goodness has covered most of my treatment so far. I do believe we need health care reform however I am of the opinion that when big government gets in the middle of something as large as health care things are really going to get messy and in the end it is you and I who will pay for this originally, long term it will hit big with my grandkids. There are alternative ways to help solve this problem.

loved this blog!