How does that make it ok Tim? Even if it is just for the unsubsidized portion of policy holders do you really not understand that as those individuals leave the market that the policies created in those markets become sicker and sicker? You may not like it but for insurance to work there has to be financial incentive for the insurance company to provide policies. That means that take in more than they pay out. At some point they will all simply pull out of the exchanges b/c it just becomes a money pit.
which is why a for profit health care system is bound to fail, and no other industrialized nation has one.
prior to the ACA, you could buy insurance, pay your premiums for years, then get really sick. the insurance company would then figure out how to get you off their rolls, or limit payments. you'd have to spend all your assets, then go bankrupt, and then you'd qualify for government help, if you lived long enough.
Insurance works better when the pool is bigger. The biggest pool is everyone. The ACA is a compromise. It is not my first choice, and I think Obama caved way too early by taking the public option off the table during negotiations. (The Rs did help craft the ACA, they just refused to sign their name to it at the end in fear of the Tea Party. (what ever happened to them?)) Compromise is important. I'd rather have a glass half full, or even 1/4 full, than one completely empty.
The public option will be added to Obamacare. In that chart, sections 5-12 will grow and all the other sections will shrink. You will have the option of paying for your own private or employer based insurance, or participate in single payer.
Just like today: If you are over 65, you can use Medicare (single payer) or use your own insurance.
