The Affordable Care Act

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by whell

Sorry, that Isn't the reason. Most union exemptions expire in 2017, and won't be extended. So, if the "inducement / perk" of health insurance isn't magically going away in 2017, ask yourself what is set to expire in 2017. I'll give you a hint: the unions that obtained waivers are avoiding paying a huge amount in taxes that Obamacare imposes on health insurance plans from 2014 through 2016.

Healthcare coverage should have never been seen as a "perk" of employment in the first place. That notion in and of itself, makes me crazy. A "perk" is something that's nice to have, but you don't necessarily need. Paid time off, shift preferences, more vacation time and the like.

I'm beginning to believe that this uniquely American attitude that healthcare coverage is something only those who feel privileged by virtue of employment status and the type of job they have is at the root of our healthcare reform problems. What makes a union member, or anyone else for that matter, think they are more deserving of decent quality medical attention than anyone else? If people want to be rewarded for working and/or rewarded more for working harder, as the case may be, then they can seek greater monetary compensation for their services.

The attitude we have towards any attempt at healthcare reform makes me want to puke. We should be treating it as a "need", not as a "perk". Because a "need" is exactly what it is.

Dave