Originally posted by: blackangst1
I would like to see links and discussion that show:
Why it would be best for the federal government to decide what IS and what ISNT a qualified health plan, and what the benefits would be having the federal government decide what the minimums should be in those plans;
That discussion has been ongoing over the past few years and the subject of multiple congressional hearings. You can view the most recent hearings in the CSPAN archives.
Sarah Wildman's illustrates just one of many patterns illustrated by those who have taken the time to look at this.
Bottom line, the conclusion of every reputable health care expert has been that the individual insurance market is rife with products that do not meet common consumer expectations. It's not that people don't read before they buy, it's that the information they need is either not there or presented in a deliberately confusing manner.
. Tell me how if Im enrolled in an ERISA employers plan it is in my best interest to be forced to enroll in a new plan in 5 years? (Ever hear the line "You wont have to change plans!"? BULLSHIT. You will in 5 years.)
You don't have to change plans. Your employer has 5 years to be sure that the plan it offers conforms to the new regulations. Employers change features of their plans all the time to meet changing legal and market conditions. The likelihood that your company will have to make any changes to conform is actually quite low. Have you talked with your company's HR rep to see what their thinking is?