Cause & Effect (or Bye-Bye Choice): George Hamilton edition

Back in Aught '11, Bob noted that the ACA's "tanning bed tax" was slated to bring in some $200 million per year. Even 5 years ago, the reality fell far short:

"The first 9 months of 2011 has generated only $54 million which means the expected revenue will be less than half what was expected."

But that was then, and this is now:

"Tanning industry blames 10,000 salon closings on ObamaCare"

Naturally, shuttering over half of these businesses is going to further reduce the numbers projected by O'care enthusiasts. And tan-seekers aren't the only folks losing choice:

[Map Courtesy of New York Times - click to embiggen]

 "In many parts of the country, Obamacare customers will be down to one insurer when they go to sign up for coverage next year on the public exchanges."

As FoIB Reed Abelson reports, almost one-in-five victims O'Care participants will have (at most) one carrier from which to "choose." Kind of like Model T color choices, no?

Adding insult to injury, a handful of entire states will likely be down to a single carrier. So much for competition and bending the cost curve down. And so much for "choice."