"At the same time as the ban on pre-existing conditions goes into effect, more people will be purchasing health insurance that do not have it now, including many relatively healthy young adults. The idea that premiums will automatically increase doesn't take into consideration the fact that the risk pool will be expanded at both the high-risk end and low-risk end. "
LOL... I deal with insurance companies all the time in my job. They will price group plans according to the worst common denominator. Unless there is something in the bill addressing this issue, I don't see them changing it. If they are guaranteeing that everyone gets covered, then that means they are not doing physicals or detailed exams upon getting insured. Therefore they must protect against the worst case scenario. That is precisely why group plans are more expensive than individual plans today.
"Well, it sounds a whole hell of a lot like you don't want people with pre-existing conditions to have affordable coverage and that you disagree with the concept of insurance as a general matter. Having people that don't use it pay for the people that need it is precisely the way that insurance works."
No, that is what idiots who supported the HMO type systems and group coverage have morphed insurance into being. Insurance was designed so that each individual paid based on their personal risk. The healthier you were, the less you paid. But now, the idiots in DC have determined that we should have the HMO's and group plans because that would guarantee coverage. Since that point in time, costs have skyrocketed. Because the majority of this country is now paying the 'worst case' premiums.
"Oh, and I understand that as a Republican you aren't terribly concerned about the welfare of others, but you should really try to step back for a second and think things through. "I got mine, fuck the rest of you" is an OK position for an adolescent to have, but most people generally grow out of it. What are you waiting for?"
LMAO... first, I am not a Republican... no matter how much you want to pretend I am. Second, you are an idiot. I am all for helping others. You just don't approve of how I would help them. Your version of 'help' is to constantly hold their hands and give them anything they need. My version is to actually HELP them. Educate them on eating healthier. Educate them on the benefits of exercise. Dispel the moronic notion that you can't eat healthy on a low income.
I'm beginning to doubt that you have any understanding of what insurance is and how it works.