Editorial: Fog lifting on Obamacare

Back in 2010 when she was fighting for what would become the Affordable Care Act, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said, “We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of controversy.”

As the fog keeps lifting on the massive federal health insurance reform that affects every American, we’re finding more and more not to like.

The Associated Press reported last week on two new aspects of what’s known as Obamacare that don’t look so good under clear skies.

A story published Tuesday revealed that applying for ACA subsidies could require a three-person family to fill out a 15-page application with 21 steps — some with follow-up questions. The form will be pored over by at least three major federal agencies verifying identity, citizenship and income.

If it sounds as bad as filling out income tax forms, consider that the IRS is one of those agencies.

And that’s just to see if you qualify for help. Actually applying for insurance will require more research and paperwork.

Meanwhile, a story in Thursday’s Journal reported that some Americans can expect their insurance bills to as much as double in 2014 as coverage is expanded to millions of Americans. The biggest hits — premium hikes from 20 percent to 100 percent — may be felt by people who buy their own insurance, those who work for small companies and young people who now likely have low-cost coverage due to their age and health.

An impenetrable application and a 100 percent premium increase — your government at work.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.