Kudos to one of our competitors,
The Detroit News, for digging out the facts on the Dexter (Mich.) cancer
patient who claimed in a conservative group’s TV ad campaign that her new
Obamacare coverage was “unaffordable” when, in fact, it will save her more
than $1,200 this year.
The Detroit News, for digging out the facts on the Dexter (Mich.) cancer
patient who claimed in a conservative group’s TV ad campaign that her new
Obamacare coverage was “unaffordable” when, in fact, it will save her more
than $1,200 this year.
The
emotional television ad featuring Julie Boonstra — sponsored by Americans For Prosperity, a
right-wing group that relies considerably on the infamous Koch Brothers for
funding – ignited a controversy last month when fact-checkers in the media found
that her story was misleading, if not entirely false.
emotional television ad featuring Julie Boonstra — sponsored by Americans For Prosperity, a
right-wing group that relies considerably on the infamous Koch Brothers for
funding – ignited a controversy last month when fact-checkers in the media found
that her story was misleading, if not entirely false.
The ad was aimed at Gary Peters,
the Democratic candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by Carl Levin.
Peters, a West Bloomfield Township congressman, responded to the inaccuracies in
the commercial by calling on TV stations across the state to take the 30-second spot
down.
the Democratic candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by Carl Levin.
Peters, a West Bloomfield Township congressman, responded to the inaccuracies in
the commercial by calling on TV stations across the state to take the 30-second spot
down.
In turn, AFP and some Michigan Republicans
whacked Peters, claiming that he was disrespecting a woman who may not survive
her bout with cancer.
whacked Peters, claiming that he was disrespecting a woman who may not survive
her bout with cancer.
The News found that while Boonstra
said her old plan, which didn’t meet basic coverage standards under Obamacare, cost $1,100 a month in premiums or $13,200 a year, she failed
to mention her costs for co-pays, prescription drugs and other out-of-pocket
expenses.
said her old plan, which didn’t meet basic coverage standards under Obamacare, cost $1,100 a month in premiums or $13,200 a year, she failed
to mention her costs for co-pays, prescription drugs and other out-of-pocket
expenses.
By
contrast, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan premium plan she purchased on
the Affordable Care Act exchange costs $571 a month, or $6,852 for the year,
according to the News. Since out-of-pocket costs are capped at $5,100,
including deductibles and the cost of medications, the maximum Boonstra would pay for all of her cancer
treatment is $11,952 for the year.
contrast, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan premium plan she purchased on
the Affordable Care Act exchange costs $571 a month, or $6,852 for the year,
according to the News. Since out-of-pocket costs are capped at $5,100,
including deductibles and the cost of medications, the maximum Boonstra would pay for all of her cancer
treatment is $11,952 for the year.
When
advised of the details of her Blues’ plan, Boonstra said the idea that it would
be cheaper “can’t be true.”
advised of the details of her Blues’ plan, Boonstra said the idea that it would
be cheaper “can’t be true.”
“I
personally do not believe that,” Boonstra said.
personally do not believe that,” Boonstra said.
Interesting response.
The News intoned:
“A Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Michigan spokesman said the insurer welcomes the chance to help members
understand their benefits and alleviate concerns.
Michigan spokesman said the insurer welcomes the chance to help members
understand their benefits and alleviate concerns.
“‘We
are here to help people like Ms. Boonstra to work their way through adjusting
to the health plans we are now offering them,” the Blue’s Andy Hetzel said. “If
there are questions … they should call.’”
are here to help people like Ms. Boonstra to work their way through adjusting
to the health plans we are now offering them,” the Blue’s Andy Hetzel said. “If
there are questions … they should call.’”
One
other thing: Boonstra, 49, is the ex-wife of Mark Boonstra, the former
Washtenaw County GOP chairman whom Gov. Rick Snyder appointed to the Michigan
Court of Appeals in 2012.
other thing: Boonstra, 49, is the ex-wife of Mark Boonstra, the former
Washtenaw County GOP chairman whom Gov. Rick Snyder appointed to the Michigan
Court of Appeals in 2012.
