Massive changes to 2011 healthcare benefits??

Anyone else see that their medical coverage for 2011 has changed drastically? The cost has jumped the most it ever has, and I am now no longer allowed to cover my spouse without being charged a "penalty". This is just absurd. Most of couples/families like going to the same MD's, but with having to have our own medical plans this may cause us to have to see different doctors.

Also, they now want to charge the smokers extra money and apparently this can be done if it's classified as wellness. Well, I can personally think of other areas that should have "penalties" as well if we want to get into wellness.

Just want some feedback/opinions, please.

P.S. Another problem I'm having is that my open enrollment period ends before my spouse's starts, so I don't even have anything to compare??? Now what do I do??? I have phoned my benefits department, but of course they didn't call me back.
Analysts predicted this would happen with the advent of Obamacare being realized in 2014 or when ever they decided to enact the whole legislation. Things will only get worse the closer we get to the bill being implemented. Every ones attempting to cover their proverbial butts now; then when it all hits the fan the fallout won't be so great they hope.

Welcome to the real world of healthcare as it has been for me the past 5 years, before Obama was even elected. I paid $1000 a month for myself and 2 teens to the tune of $64,000 over 5 years, including deductibles and co pays. It consumed 35% of my gross income. Yet I used less than $1000 a year in services for all 3 of us. Here in the USA we treat insurance companies and $$$$, not patients. And hopefully with Obamacare, this will stop.

What I don't understand is why it is called 'Obamacare'. It's not like he single-handedly brought it about. Haven't various members of the democratic party been trying to bring about some form of health-care reform for at least a decade now?

Quote from 2bTraumaRN2008Just want some feedback/opinions, please.

There was a small increase in premiums but that is following a trend we have been seeing for the past several years. Otherwise, there were no major changes in our coverage noticed at all.

Quote from awsmfunWelcome to the real world of healthcare as it has been for me the past 5 years, before Obama was even elected. I paid $1000 a month for myself and 2 teens to the tune of $64,000 over 5 years, including deductibles and co pays. It consumed 35% of my gross income. Yet I used less than $1000 a year in services for all 3 of us. Here in the USA we treat insurance companies and $$$$, not patients. And hopefully with Obamacare, this will stop.

Quote from SharonH, RNThere was a small increase in premiums but that is following a trend we have been seeing for the past several years. Otherwise, there were no major changes in our coverage noticed at all.

We haven't gotten our yearly enrollment yet, it's expected any day. It's amazing how most of the people I work with have no clue that they will likely see many unpleasant changes.It's good timing though that most Americans will be seeing the changes to their benefits 2-4 weeks before the elections. It will be fresh on people's minds.

And if you have a flexspend account for your medical costs, you will no longer be able to get reimbursed for OTC things such as Tylenol, etc without a prescription. That's BS....I get my daughter's Claritin, my Pepcid and a few other things from Sams....guess that won't be happening anymore!

Our open enrollment is coming up soon, but they've already warned us that there will be big changes. I have no illusions about it, I know it won't be good news.

When I worked at Humana 3 years ago, they charged extra for smokers as well, so that may be new to you, but it's not new at all. And every health insurance I've had charged extra to cover a spouse. I have heard from some friends that work at hospitals about the prescription for OTC items when using the flex account. That's just weird, IMO.

Employers have been doing this long before the new healthcare plan. I may be mistaken, but it is the employers who decide how much of a healthcare plan they are going to pay, how much they pass on to the employee, and what coverage they are going to purchase. Yes, insurance companies influence this by raising rates and and dropping coverage for XYZ.. but look to your employer and raising your rates dramatically... chances are they are trying to save money by reducing your insurance benefits.My husband doesn't have to pay for his insurance but he does have to pay to have me and the 2 kids on it. We pay roughly 380 a month for this.. and happy to do it since so many can't afford or don't have insurance even offered.I am errked about the Payflex requiring a prescription for OTC drugs. One of the bonuses of having a flexable spending account is so you have medication money available. It's our f'ing money.. Grrrr... it's a sore spot for sure.