Good Summary of the SC and the Mandate

I have read many accounts now of Tuesday's SC hearings. Many said that the mandate is likely to lose 5-4 based on what they heard during the oral arguments. This summary takes a more reasoned view:

http://healthaffairs.org/blog/2012/03/28/william-sage-on-the-supreme-court-aca-arguments-day-two-where-no-law-has-gone-before/

Employer Sponsored HI Coverage Drop

In 2001 it was at 69.8%. By 2010 it had dropped to 54%. Wow.

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/employer-based-health-insurance-going-way-dodo

Consumers Still Not Satisfied w/ Health Insurers

JD Power's new survey shows that consumers still are not happy with their health insurers. Interesting to note that 41% of people who have coverage through their employers would be interested in using an exchange to obtain coverage. I think this speaks to their desire to have multiple options for coverage.

http://www.fiercehealthpayer.com/story/insurance-exchanges-entice-dissatisfied-consumers/2012-03-16?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

CBO Analysis of ACA Impact on Employer Coverage

Estimates range from 3M more covered by employers to 20M less. But even if the 20M less happens the net cost to the federal gov't will be minimal as additional cost for subsidies will be offset by higher tax revenues from higher salaries paid in lieu of HI coverage.

http://www.cbo.gov/publication/43090?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=812526&utm_campaign=On-Demand_2012-03-15%2016%3a08

So Much for "Skinny" Benefits

These MN employers pay full freight for employee coverage and make the trade-off in salaries:

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/wellness/141253433.html