NEA mad at our district

I don't know that much about Obamacare. I don't trust most sources and I haven't the time to read the whole thing. Imagine that.

But if it is true that we are taxed on employer's contributions it would make sense. It is essentially part of our pay. The fact that people who have to buy independent insurance get taxed on all their pay while others get a tax break for purchasing the same thing doesn't make sense. Of course, this didn't require Obamacare just that repealing the legislation that gave special deals for people getting health insurance through their work. This would get rid of the incentive to tie insurance so closely to work and allow anyone to buy whatever insurance they want. I do realize there are tax deductions for medical care also but not equally.

 

Frogger, the whole purpose of giving insurance when it first started, was to give a benefit that WASN'T taxed. Rather than to tax the amount put into insurance, I'd rather see NO business offer insurance, the amount that goes toward insurance go directly to the worker as a pay inrease (and taxed as income then), and let everyone be on their own to buy whatever insurance they decided on.

 

Businesses actually started offering health insurance as a way to get around wage controls the government put in place during WW II.

Quote from here.

http://eh.net/encyclopedia/article/thomasson.insurance.health.us

"Offering insurance policies to employee groups not only benefited insurers, but also benefited employers. During World War II, wage and price controls prevented employers from using wages to compete for scarce labor. Under the 1942 Stabilization Act, Congress limited the wage increases that could be offered by firms, but permitted the adoption of employee insurance plans. In this way, health benefit packages offered one means of securing workers."

Employers found a way to attract employees (higher pay) without breaking the wage control laws.

In 1954 a whole slew of tax reforms (loopholes) were set in place including heath contributions by employers being tax free.

I do not know what you mean by "that was their purpose" but whatever their purpose the fact that I have to jump through hoops to get a tax break rather then simply taxing people less makes our country less "free". Markets are skewed and restricted and my individual freedoms are restricted as I am punished for choosing any alternative to what the government deems worthy. It raises prices and gives consumers little choice in the matter.

So we agree on what should be done but their is little chance of it happening. Sigh.

 

Taxing less? What a novel idea!!! And those that chose NOT to have insurance for whatever reason are also being punished.

 

We are SO gonna be in trouble if this thing actually passes. I have no health insurance. We can't afford what dh is offered at work or a private policy. The kids qualify for state health insurance, but I do not. Can't afford it, won't get it free, and will have to pay a fine for not having it. Something is wrong with that picture!!

 

I'm still hoping it will be repealled when the Reps get control in November!

 

Yep.