Punch line: Boeing is joining the list of companies that say the new health care law has downsides for their workers and is paring its plan.
Ken’s Take:
(1) Last week, McDonald’s and 30 other companies got waivers from ObamaCare … let’s see how long it takes for Boeing to get their waiver.
(2) Boeing has a huge cluster on employees in Washington state … the Senate battle in Washington is close … incumbent Patty Murray voted for ObamaCare … bet this becomes an issue.
* * * * *
According to AP …
“The newly enacted health care reform legislation, while intended to expand access to care for millions of uninsured Americans, is also adding cost pressure as requirements of the new law are phased in over the next several years.”
The Boeing plan is more generous than what its closest competitors offer, and the company was concerned it would get hit with the new “Cadillac” health plans tax under the law.
“We want to manage our costs so this tax doesn’t apply to our plan.”
Boeing said annual deductibles and copayments will increase for all its plans next year.
Deductibles, the share of medical costs that employees pay annually before their plan kicks in, will go up to $300 for individuals, an increase of $100. For families, the new deductible will be $900, an increase of $300.
In addition, Boeing is instituting a copayment of 10 percent after the deductible has been met. The copayment will rise to 20 percent in 2012.
Full article: AP, Citing health care law, Boeing pares employee plan, Oct 18, 2010
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101018/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_costs_boeing
The Homa Files 
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