Trumpcare: For the Rich and Healthy

I was looking at the presumed plan which states "Fully repeals Obamacare and replaces it with Health Savings Accounts".

What does that mean for the average consumer?  Most employers offer HSAs as an option to their employees. Let's take a closer look at an actual first-hand use case.

First, we must understand that the 'H' in HSA stands for High-Deductible.  The trade-off is usually lower monthly bills. In most plans, you can assume that high deductibles can only benefit you if you never need to file a claim.  This is true whether it is health insurance or car insurance.

Many companies make you work for a full 1-2 pay periods before you get your first paycheck.  When I started Sharp Labs the second time, I was paid monthly.  That meant I had to work for two full months before I got my first paycheck (sucks, I know).  Once I started receiving pay, I would have to get caught up on bills - so I decided to try the HSA.  Lower monthly bills and saving some money tax-free sounded like a good option.

I don't honestly remember what the numbers were on the plan at the time - so let's take a look at the most likely comparable that Providence is offering in 2017.
HSA Qualified 6000 Bronze [PDF]
$257/mo premium + up to $500/mo into HSA
Individual deductible $6000 in-network
Medications 20-50% after deductible

So using this one as an example, I would pay $757/mo to have the health insurance.
One of my meds at the time was $2000/mo (it's down to $1500/mo now). 
This HSA will not pay a dime towards it until I have paid $6000 of my own money towards my medical bills. (I'm pretty sure my deductible was much higher back then)
Since I was not able to pay $2757/mo for health insurance and just one of my medications, I was unable to pay for my medications and doctor visits.

Doctors were upset that I was skipping all my appointments (couldn't afford them on the HSA).
Doctors were upset that I was not taking my medications (couldn't afford them on the HSA).

In August of that year, I was hospitalized for 2 weeks because I couldn't afford to take my medications.
The hospital and doctor bills (multiple, not aggregated) would take me years to pay off.
The cost of that visit was high enough that the HSA finally kicked in.
For Sept-Dec, I was finally able to pay only $1000/mo for that medication (using the example 2017 HSA above).


So, long story not-so-short... If you are never sick, never see your doctor for anything and never take any medications; HSA can seem reasonable.  Any other situation, and it's basically a scam. 

Personally, I won't even accept a job that only provides HSAs for medical.

Social Media takes a Step Forward

Normally, we hear sirens or see a fire and then social media explodes with guesses, questions, conspiracies, etc. 

Last night was different.

There was a hostage situation down the road from me (literally 1.0 miles on my street). I read what was going on via Nextdoor.com from concerned neighbors warning people to stay away from the area. About 5 minutes later, a couple police cars sped by.

Let me reiterate that - I knew why the police were speeding by before they did so.  That's new.

Hint Water subscription: Blood Orange

In the last two posts, I mentioned that I had bought 12 different flavors of hint water.  I have finally decided which one is my favorite and setup a recurring delivery.

And the winner is: Blood Orange.

I don't get the "water" aftertaste. It smells nice. I've tried it room temperature, cooled and slightly frozen.  It has a nice mild aroma and taste.  Where I have tried a few bottles of each of the other flavors, I am almost completely out of this one... so there you have it.

If anyone else is interested in trying some, this coupon code will give you $5 off.