Big Insurers Extend Popular Provisions Ahead of Supreme Court Ruling

Consumers are about to find out that the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare is not exactly affordable. The Wall Street Journal says Health-Insurance Sticker Shock is just around the corner. Health-insurance premiums have been rising—and consumers will experience another series of price shocks later this year when some see their premiums skyrocket thanks to the Affordable Care Act, aka ObamaCare.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new study finds that insurance companies will have to pay out an average of 32 percent more for medical claims under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. What does that mean for you? It could increase premiums for at least some Americans.

By Qineqt:The U.S. Supreme Court ruling came as welcome news for some, and not quite so for others. In layman terms, according to the Supreme Court, "Obamacare" did not violate the constitution by legislating that people buy healthcare insurance, or else pay a penalty. Starting in 2016, this penalty will be up to $695 or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is greater.

By John R. Conway:On May 7, 2012, CNBC published a brief article, "US Supreme Court Ruling Key to Cigna Trade". In June, the Supreme Court will make a ruling on the constitutionally of the Affordable Health Care Act. The Supreme Court is divided 5-4, with five of the justices appointed by Republicans, and four appointed by the Democrats.

I'm pretty skeptical that the GOP's strategy to force Senate Democrats to take embarrassing votes on the reconciliation bill will mean much in the November elections. Most voters don't follow the minutiae of congressional procedure, but nor are they stone-cold idiots. An ad saying that "so-and-so voted against a bill to stop the government from covering Viagra for child molesters" isn't going to move many voters, though it may make whoever approved the message look bad.