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It is still a headache to have to register for a plan after losing your job and possibly transfer/link your information to a new account. COBRA is better than n

It is still a headache to have to register for a plan after losing your job and possibly transfer/link your information to a new account. COBRA is better than nothing, but it is often more expensive than makes sense. Furthermore you cannot use the exchanges if your employer offers plans IIRC. So your employer can control which plans you have access to. The subsidies should just be given directly to the person who needs healthcare. There is no need to involve a third party. It just complicates the situation for no gain.

lotsofpulp 5y ago
> Furthermore you cannot use the exchanges if your employer offers plans IIRC. So your employer can control which plans you have access to. I do not think this is true. Everyone can sign up on healthcare.gov. Employers will want you to opt into the subsidized plans they offer, especially if you are a lower compensated employee, in order to pass their non discrimination testing requirements, but they have to make the portion they are paying for high enough to make it enticing enough, they cannot force you. > The subsidies should just be given directly to the person who needs healthcare. There is no need to involve a third party. It just complicates the situation for no gain. Absolutely. The whole employer tax benefit situation should be abolished, and all individuals dumped on healthcare.gov. Same with retirement benefits. Employers should not receive any beneficial tax treatment for providing benefits, and it would make compensation much more transparent and easier for employees to compare from one employer to another.
- CameronNemo 5y ago
  Hmm you're right on that first part. I don't know where I got that from. I seemed to remember playing around on CoveredCA and it said I couldn't get a plan because my employer offered plans, but I can't reproduce that now.

lotsofpulp 5y ago

> Furthermore you cannot use the exchanges if your employer offers plans IIRC. So your employer can control which plans you have access to. I do not think this is true. Everyone can sign up on healthcare.gov. Employers will want you to opt into the subsidized plans they offer, especially if you are a lower compensated employee, in order to pass their non discrimination testing requirements, but they have to make the portion they are paying for high enough to make it enticing enough, they cannot force you. > The subsidies should just be given directly to the person who needs healthcare. There is no need to involve a third party. It just complicates the situation for no gain. Absolutely. The whole employer tax benefit situation should be abolished, and all individuals dumped on healthcare.gov. Same with retirement benefits. Employers should not receive any beneficial tax treatment for providing benefits, and it would make compensation much more transparent and easier for employees to compare from one employer to another.

CameronNemo 5y ago
Hmm you're right on that first part. I don't know where I got that from. I seemed to remember playing around on CoveredCA and it said I couldn't get a plan because my employer offered plans, but I can't reproduce that now.