Overwhelming Medicaid enrollment crippling state budgets

[der_kommissar]

the difference is, I know what food, clothing and shelter are and what is reasonable. I have no idea what healthcare is and how much it should cost. And that is why I think the government should not be involved in anything I don't understand. If I don't understand it, how can I even have an opinion about it?

That is a good point. If the sales pitch about "greater competition" were actually implemented and fully realized, I would expect an "a la carte" style pricing for various services. More competition that would drive costs down ...but we know what is going to transpire...competitors will be merged, hence resuming its cartel-like existence...

 

[gwb-trading]

State health insurance markets struggle with cost challenges
Future of some state-run health insurance markets threatened by low enrollment, high overhead
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/state-health-insurance-markets-struggle-115608963.html

State-run health insurance markets that offer coverage under President Barack Obama's health law are struggling with high costs and disappointing enrollment. These challenges could lead more of them to turn over operations to the federal government or join forces with other states.

Hawaii's marketplace, the latest cautionary tale, was awarded $205 million in federal startup grants. It has spent about $139 million and enrolled 8,200 customers for individual coverage in 2015. Unable to sustain itself, the state marketplace is turning over sign-ups to the federal HealthCare.gov for 2016.

Twelve states and the District of Columbia fully control their markets. Experts estimate about half face financial difficulties. Federal taxpayers invested nearly $5 billion in startup grants to the states, expecting that state markets would become self-sustaining. Most of the federal money has been spent, and states have to face the consequences.

(More at above url)