14 Comments

Today I learned wonkette doesn't allow (my) comments.

edit: oh, there it finally showed up...

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I think that was the invisible hand setting your broken leg. Or maybe libertarian principles include the right to walk out, and pay only if you feel like it. As always with the teabaggistas, it's hard to reconcile reality with the policies.

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Given their <a href="http:\/\/peopleofwalmart.tumblr.com\/page\/41," target="_blank">sample population </a> I know I don't want to watch.

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Comparing premium rates of an employer-subsidized health insurance plan vs. one purchased on the individual market, and finding that the premium (portion paid by the employee, which isn't the whole premium) is cheaper than the (entire) premium charged to the individual subscriber? Shocking!

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Even after all the wacky cherry picking, not sure what their point was. Walmart's not as horrible as you think because a handful of its employees can get a decent healthcare plan because they work there full time? Or was the writer just hoping people would read the article too carefully and think Walmart is selling health insurance in the pharmacy section, in between the fish oil pills and the Ensure brand vitamins?

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Richard Pollock, ace senior watchdog reporter, please tell us: how many hours does one have to work per week at Walmart (and for what period of time) before one is eligible to enroll in the company health plan? And then also report on what percentage of Walmart's non-management staff actually qualify for the benefit, if you please, also too? Because I am willing to bet that it is some number that is less than 100, or 50, or 30.

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Mr. ReporterMan blows the lid off this whole 'employer-sponsored health plan' and how everyone just needs to get a jerb at WalMart* to have all their healthcare needs met.

* Not all jerbs at WalMart qualify for participation in the WalMart healthcare plan. Be sure to specify that the jerb you want is in 'corporate' or 'management'.

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Yes. Especially if you are mentally ill. And you like living in the ER for up to week while someone tries to find an in-state, inpatient bed for you.

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We'd all be better off enlisting to fight for our nation's oil. Free semi-healthcare in an exciting environment. Sadly, at 59 I'm too old and in rotten physical condition but I suppose that's why it's cheaper to use the young, full of health and testosterone. In exchange for a gall bladder removal I'd gladly remotely pilot drones over Afghanistan (or even Wyoming) if any generals are reading this.

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Can he type in the dark? That's what I thought. LEAVE THE FUCKING BULB ALONE!!

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"All of it, Katie" was what she meant to say.

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ER costs about $1000 per hour. But fortunately our (old) system let you just walk out. Everyone else paid. Nothing socialist about that.

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Comparing the payroll deduction is pointless. The apple-to-apples comparison is Wal-mart's COBRA premium to unsubsidized ACA premiums. The COBRA premium is what the employee would pay for the coverage if they leave their job (plus 2%).

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