Obamacare Saves Lives And Money
Posted by Michelle Moquin on October 9th, 2013
Good morning!
Daily Events: Give it up. Obamacare is here to stay and yes…some republicans are realizing this. Perhaps you should smarten up and get with the program too. This one is for you.
Meet Butch Matthews, A Republican Who Came To Love Obamacare After Realizing It Will Save Him $13,000
BY SY MUKHERJEE ON OCTOBER 2, 2013 AT 4:52 PM
61-year-old Butch Matthews, left, with his wife Debbie
Butch Matthews is a 61-year-old former small business owner from Little Rock, Arkansas who used to wake up every morning at 4 A.M. to deliver canned beverages to retailers before retiring in 2010. A lifelong Republican, he was heavily skeptical of the Affordable Care Act when it first passed. “I did not think that Obamacare was going to be a good plan, I did not think that it was going to help me at all,” he told ThinkProgress over the phone.
But after doing a little research, Matthews eventually realized how much the law could help him. And on Tuesday, his local Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) provider confirmed that he would be able to buy a far better plan than his current policy while saving at least $13,000 per year through Arkansas’ Obamacare marketplace.
Matthews was self-employed between 1997 and 2010, meaning he had to purchase his own plan on the individual market. He chose a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for himself and his wife that charged a $250 per month premium and had a $2,000 deductible. But the price of that policy kept rising even as it covered fewer of his costs, eventually devolving into his current rate of $1,069 per month with a $10,000 deductible. At this point, it doesn’t even cover his medication or doctors’ visits — particularly concerning considering he had to have two stents placed in his heart in 2006.
“I do not work now, I’m 61, and we do have assets saved up. But still, to come up with that $1,069 per month….” he said, trailing off. “I went to Blue Cross Blue Shield, and they don’t even sell that plan anymore, but I could not change it to anything else. So I was locked in with it.”
That all changed once Obamacare’s state-level marketplaces opened to the public on Tuesday. Matthews knew that, at his income level, the law would help him pay for insurance. But even he might not have expected just how good of a deal he could get: his new coverage will cost him absolutely nothing in monthly premiums after factoring in federal subsidies, and has a deductible of $750.
“Which is a lot different from $10,000,” he pointed out, laughing.
The mid-level “Silver” policy that he picked out also offers a significantly better benefits package. “It’s a lot better plan,” Matthews said. His old plan was considered to be “Bronze” and had much higher co-pays. Under Obamacare, when Matthews visits a doctor, it will no longer cost him around $150. It will cost $8.
So what would Matthews tell other Americans who are skeptical about Obamacare? “I would tell them to learn more about it before they start talking bad about it,” he noted. “Be more informed, get more information, take your time and study and not just go by just what you hear on one side or the other. Actually check the facts on it.”
“I still am a very strong Republican, but this… I’m so happy that this came along,” he continued. “Our home is paid for, vehicle’s paid for, this is our expense that we have. We have more expense on medical care than everything else put together, so this is going to be a great help for us.”
*******
Anonymous: Well…that “Forget Love…” was supposed to play off of a different title that I was going to run with but didn’t. I meant to delete it from my post but in my rush Monday night, it got left in by mistake. However, I guess it served its purpose for you.
Howie: Nice to see you commenting again. Of course Japan refused, because they can’t prove it isn’t happening – it is. It is a mess in Japan, and a disaster for so many beings already. We’ll just wait and see what happens next, or until you tell us. :)
Today…Please don’t “forget love”….Go out and give it. xoxo
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)
Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:
Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129
Thank you for your loyal support!
All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012
“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream
" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"
October 9th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
When we think about the ‘Government Shutdown’ we often forget about the most vulnerable Americans affected by this shutdown. It is our Children. They have no political power and cannot offer bribes to special interest groups. They are simply helpless children. This is a letter sent by the Children’s Defense Fund in their defense:
“Children have only one childhood. Every day that children are being denied early education and nutritious food impacts their chances of living to their full potential. We must stand up for children across the country. The federal government shutdown must end and Congress should return to work to ensure the welfare of our children and our nation.” — Marian Wright Edelman.
Extremist Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives hold funding for the federal government hostage for the second week in a row, shutting down the government and harming the economy and countless children and families across the country. They oppose a quick and clean extension of funding, without conditions that would end the shutdown right now.
Nearly 9 million infants, pregnant women and children are at risk of losing infant formula, milk and other healthy food assistance from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
7,195 young children have been shut out of Head Start in AL, CT, FL, GA, SC and MS. This is on top of the 57,000 children that have already been cut from Head Start due to sequestration cuts this year.
For every week that the government shutdown continues, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that 30 children — 10 of whom have cancer — will not be able to begin their clinical trials, potentially denying them life-saving treatment.
Federal funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child care, child abuse and neglect services and other family programs are not available to states. States are using leftover funds from previous years and state rainy day funds, and in some cases, programs have closed.
To make matters worse, a severe economic meltdown is predicted if Congress does not raise the debt ceiling in the next two weeks to pay the nation’s bills and obligations.
You can act now to change this!
1. Call your representative: Tell them to stop the shutdown and prevent an economic meltdown for the sake of our children.
Call toll-free to be connected to your representative:
1-888-659-9562
Wednesday, October 9 through Friday, October 11
Suggested message:
As your constituent, I want you to act NOW to fully fund the federal government and to raise the debt ceiling without any conditions. Services for needy children have already been cut due to the sequester. Enough is enough. No more cuts for vulnerable children.
2. Speak up in your community about the impact of the shutdown on children. Talk to the local newspaper or TV station, write a letter to the editor, call-in to a local radio show and let them know how the shutdown is affecting children and others in your community.
Call today! Members of Congress tally calls and pay great attention to local media. Let them know what you think.
– Children’s Defense Fund
October 10th, 2013 at 6:06 am
I couldn’t get in to comment on your Alien piece yesterday. It was as usual very enlightening. Thanks for returning so brilliantly.
October 10th, 2013 at 6:07 am
I believe as you do Howie. Too bad a few tea bagging scum can destroy the lives of the rest of us so easily.
October 10th, 2013 at 6:09 am
What is the world coming to Howie? A few rabid people can prevent our most vulnerable for eating or receiving a little healthcare.
October 10th, 2013 at 6:40 am
I was a republican but ObamaCare for my brother gave him a new lease on life. For the first time in 31 years, he has healthcare. He was denied since birth because of a pre-existing condition.
God bless Obama.
October 10th, 2013 at 6:42 am
The system does work sometimes.
=========================
AG: “18 Year-Old Child Molester Convicted”; Muki Joseph Redhat Callahan Faces Life in Prison
Wednesday, 09 October 2013 18:25
Guam News – Guam News
Guam – The Guam Attorney General has announced the conviction of 18 year old Muki Joseph Redhat Callahan on multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a child.
According to a release from the Attorney General, one of the victims was a 7 years-old at the time, and the other victim, who was just 4 years-old.
Callahan faces 15 years to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for each of the 4 counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct and 5-20 years imprisonment for one count of second degree criminal sexual conduct.
Callahan’s sentencing is scheduled for December 16.
READ the release from the Guam Attorney General below:
18 Year-Old Child Molester Convicted
October 09, 2013- Tamuning, Guam- Muki Joseph Redhat Callahan was convicted today of four counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct and five counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct as a first degree felony.
In February 2012, police received a complaint from the mother of the two victims. One victim, who was about 7 years-old at the time, and the other victim, who was just 4 years-old at the time, told police they were both sexually molested by Callahan repeatedly for about a year.
This case exemplifies the collaboration between the local, military and federal authorities, both in law enforcement and victim services. A total of 14 witnesses took the stand, 10 of whom were flown in from off island by either the USA Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL) or the Office of the Attorney General.
The Office of Special Investigations (OSI) conducted nearly all of the investigation related to this case; the USACIL took the DNA samples and tested them, provided the OAG with expert witnesses to take the stand and present trace and DNA evidence; the Guam Police Department effectuated the arrest and their Juvenile Investigation Section collaborated with the USACIL, Healing Hearts offered both support to the OSI and USACIL and provided crucial testimony during trial, and Naval Hospital, specifically Dr. Jones, assisted the victims after the initial report was made and offered vital information while on the witness stand.
“Without the help of all these agencies and organizations, and those in my office who assisted me in every aspect of this case, we would not have a verdict that is in favor of the People. My appreciation for everyone involved in the preparation and execution of this trial,” said Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Vasiliades.
Callahan faces 15 years to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for each of the 4 counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct and 5-20 years imprisonment for one count of second degree criminal sexual conduct. Ultimately, his prison term will be determined by Judge Canto.
“Credit for the successful prosecution and conviction of this defendant goes to the victims. They were so brave to take the stand… to relive the horrendous molestation that happened to them at such young and tender ages,” said Attorney General Leonardo M. Rapadas.
“My heart swells with admiration for them. Thank you for standing up against your perpetrator and having a voice, he will be in jail for a long time,” he continued.
Callahan’s sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2013.
October 10th, 2013 at 6:43 am
Hafa Adai Howie. Glad to see you are back and I can’t think of a better way that seeing you involved in the concern for our children.
Anna
October 10th, 2013 at 7:14 am
There must be thousands of stories about people who now have access to affordable healthcare because of Obamacare.
Mine is one of them. Thank you, thank you, thank you Obama.
October 10th, 2013 at 7:16 am
My cousin called me to say that he didn’t need the libs Obamacare because he was enrolling in an ACA insurance program.
I didn’t tell the idiot it WAS Obamacare.
October 10th, 2013 at 7:30 am
Hafa adai, there are a lot of misinformed people complaining about electric cars coming to Guam. They do not understand that something has to be done to break the stranglehold a few oligarchic gas companies have on Guam.
My other beef with commenting on articles on line here on Guam is to do so you must have a face book account. What a scam!
Why should anyone have to sign up with facebook to voice their opinion on an article?
Here’s the article and I’ making my comment here.
================================
Bill proposes $7,500 rebate for buyers of electric cars
Oct. 9, 2013 | 8 Comments
A
A
Written by
Michelle Conerly
Pacific Daily News
FILED UNDER
News
Local News
ADVERTISEMENT
A new bill could give a $7,500 rebate to those who purchase electric vehicles.
Introduced by Sen. Chris Duenas, R-Sinajana, Bill 203-32 will provide a “$7,500 cash rebate for any person or business that purchases an electric vehicle.”
The rebate is designed to stimulate the purchase of electric vehicles on Guam, according to a press release.
“Guam is ideal for electric vehicles, our gas rates are much higher and our driving ranges are much shorter than the U.S. mainland,” Duenas said. “When it comes to electric vehicles, this is a space in sustainability where Guam can set the example and lead globally. The bill was the product of working with key advisers on how to address the rising cost of living on Guam.”
The press release stated that, according to the Guam Power Authority, the cost to “fill up” an electric vehicle is about $2.50 per gallon, as opposed to $4.73 per gallon of unleaded gas.
“The more our people save at the pump, the more disposable income they have to spend on their families at local stores and restaurants,” Duenas said. “Ultimately, more money circulates on island rather than the millions of dollars that go off island each year in oil to Singapore.
“The bill puts more money in the pockets of our working families, stimulates the economy, and allows us to fast-track technology and sustainability on island. An island transformation toward electric vehicles will also increase GPA revenues, as they become the gas station of the future.”
================================
You can rest assured those oligarchic gas stations will be doing all they can to shut down this bill.
October 10th, 2013 at 7:49 am
Hafa adai, burglaries and home invasions are the biggest crimes on Guam after drugs. Maybe that’s because of the drugs. The addicts need money to buy their drugs.
October 10th, 2013 at 7:59 am
Rose, the only way that IDIOT will learn is if they are told of their idiocy…perhaps you might mention that it is Obamacare…another vote against the GOP is always welcome.
October 10th, 2013 at 9:09 am
We have a special opportunity this month to invite you to a meaningful discussion event with Congresswoman Barbara Lee in San Francisco.
As you may have seen recently, Congresswoman Lee has been at the forefront of the Syria issue and spearheaded the conversation in Congress by calling for a congressional debate and vote. Just last month, Congresswoman Lee was appointed by President Obama as the Congressional Representative to the United Nations, the first African American woman to serve in this role.
I hope you will be able to join us at the unique event. Details are:
Monday, October 21, 2013 5:00pm-7:00pm
505 Montgomery Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
Pasted below you will find the invitation for your reference. Please RSVP to events@barbaraleeforcongress.org or call 415-692-3556. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
Marjan
***********
Marjan Philhour
381 Bush Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94104
phone 415-692-3556
fax 415-397-3768