As someone actively involved in fighting for Obamacare a decade ago, it’s time for a confession. While much good came from it, the truth is it didn't achieve all we'd hoped. Millions more have insurance now, which is huge. But it's so costly many are barely able to use it. (1/11)
Why do I mention this now? Well, my former colleagues in the health insurance industry have hatched a clever new plan designed to kill meaningful reform, by seizing on Democrats’ sense of pride in Obamacare. It targets them just as voting begins next week. Let me explain. (2/11)
To hold onto their profitable status quo, the industry is pushing the argument that we don't need real reform because... wait for it... Obamacare fixed America's healthcare woes. Below is from a letter they wrote in Sunday's NY Times to rebut criticism of them. (3/11) 
This “Don't Touch Obamacare” strategy is funny coming from an industry that fought like mad to kill it, and make it less popular. Their lobbying group AHIP funneled $100 million to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2009-10 to kill the bill. You read that right: $100 million. (4/11)
Cynical as it is, you can see why the argument may appeal to Democrats who love Obama, and remember how hard-fought that victory was. In fact, we're already seeing certain Democratic politicians (supported by the industry) parrot this talking point now. (5/11)
I’ll say it again: There's much to be proud of with Obamacare. It took on big issues like preexisting conditions & brought coverage to many without it. But 10 years later, new problems have emerged & millions need help. Don't just take my word for it. Someone else agrees! (6/11)
In particular, while many have insurance now, millions of them struggle to afford the enormous costs, according to a new report in JAMA Internal Medicine (a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Medical Association). Some facts about healthcare in America today: 7/11
In 2010, premiums for the average family cost $13,770. Last year, due to insurance industry greed, it was $20,576. Money that employers could give their workers in raises instead went to insurance companies. No wonder my old insurance colleagues like this system so much. (8/11)
Deductibles have skyrocketed, too, increasing 162% in the last 10 years. This means a record number who technically have coverage, but can barely use it. Overall, these "under-insured" adults increased from 22% in 2010, to 29% in 2018. Again, insurance industry greed. (9/11)
41% of those who are underinsured say they delay care because of their out-of-pocket requirements, and 47% say they have medical bills & debt. That's why so many *with insurance* now turn to GoFundMe or bankruptcy, because of medical bills they have no hope of paying down. 10/11
So if the insurance industry (and its favored politicians) urge you to keep our basic healthcare structure in place, it's not because they like Obama, or care about what's right for the American people. It's so they can keep shifting costs to us. That's the goal. Always. (11/11)
