Watch CBS News

Economist On Rising ACA Costs: You're Going To Have 'Riots'

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Economist Chris Butler discussed the rising cost of health insurance plans rising next year under the Affordable Care Act, saying he expects the populace to express more outrage as they learn they will be priced out of health care options.

Butler told Chris Stigall on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT to expect more public demonstrations of anger as prices move upward.

 

"Right now, I think you do have to say that A, it's failing and that B, I think next year, you're going to have a bunch of people that don't get the subsidies that make the premiums a little bit more affordable that are just going to riot because it's just too expensive for most people if you don't qualify for subsidies."

Study: Mixing Alcohol With Energy Drinks Similar To Effects Of Cocaine

He stated he still objects to court rulings siding with the government requiring individuals to purchase insurance or pay a penalty.

"You can go back to the Supreme Court decision on this. I'm still shocked that we are being told that our constitution says that it is allowable to force to people to buy something. When I hear people talk about forcing them, not only to buy something, but to make the penalty stiffer if they don't, I just get queasy."

Blackmail Scam Targets Cheaters, Orders Them To Pay Thousands 

Butler also thinks there could be simple solutions to lower costs and cites buying plans across state lines as an example.

"Do you know what New Jersey is anticipating, their's in considerably less, as I recall, than Pennsylvania, yet we are not allowed to cross state borders to buy insurance. There are a lot of states, by the way, that have big cities on borders that are actually going to have huge increases but they border on a state that is quite reasonable in its growth in premium costs. We talked about that while all of this was being discussed back in 2010, some of the quick fixes you could make that would have a difference to our healthcare system, that was one of them, allow people to buy insurance across state lines to help equalize some of this stuff."

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.