[Welcome Reason, The Atlantic and AJC readers!]
Then why are there so many health insurance companies retreating from the market, leaving consumers with fewer choices and higher premiums? Since March when Obamacrap was signed in to law we have seen the following changes in the Georgia health insurance market. (Other states have had similar issues, but I am only familiar with Georgia health insurance plans).
All but two health insurance companies have withdrawn from offering maternity benefits.
Only a handful of companies will still write "child only" health insurance plans.
As of this date, it is almost impossible to find a rate for children's health insurance if they are under age 19 and you are looking for coverage to be effective on 9/23/10 or later.
Some companies have either withdrawn from offering major medical business or are dropping hints they will be out of that market in 18 months or less.
Many have already indicated higher premiums for the 4th quarter of 2010 and later, especially on children under age 19.
Companies are starting to push limited benefit plans as "more affordable" alternatives to true major medical insurance.
Several companies have introduced new plans with stripped down benefits in an attempt to make their product look more appealing.
Drug formulary's are changing, so the drug that is covered under your plan now may not be covered in the future.
Doctor and hospital networks are shrinking in an effort to further control costs but also has the effect of limiting access to a wide range of medical providers.
Given all this, why is Obamacare so great for the consumer?
What happened to , "If you like the plan you have now you can keep it"?