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Health care plans have hidden traps

As far as the Affordable Care Act is concerned, it is not affordable if you actually want to be covered! Case in point: I have an income of less than $14,000, which only financially qualifies me for the “Bronze” category. Under this plan (there are three others, Silver, Gold and Platinum), I would get a credit of $453/monthly for insurance, making my monthly payment $7.39. However, what they do not explain is that there is a deductible of $5,400, meaning I would have to pay out-of-pocket for all doctor visits and payments until I reach this amount. I am already paying out-of-pocket to my doctor and dentist without having insurance.

Also, they do not tell you that this insurance “credit” will be tacked onto your income the following year. That alone adds $6,000 to my income and thus jeopardizes my Social Security payments.

Is it a coincidence that the yearly credit equals the deductible amount? I think not. This to me is not affordable, and I really am not insured until I reach the $5,400 deductible!

Judith Reed

Mount Prospect

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