Meatball Surgery

MASH was a popular TV show in the 70's and 80's that captured the popularity of the film by the same name. Although the actors were different (with the exception of Gary "Radar" Burghoff) the characters repeated in the TV show. Hawkeye, Trapper John and Hot Lips were key personalities in the television version, just like in the original movie.

Sometimes sequels are better than the original. Sometimes not.

Obamacare is the sequel to individual choice when it comes to health care. The dynamics of funding health care are rapidly changing as the government takes a bigger role in deciding what is a covered medical expense, who should treat you, how much they will be paid, and what kind of insurance you must have.

Forget that we were promised "If you like the plan you have you can keep it". And that part about your premiums dropping by $2500 (or 3000%).

That was then, this is now.

The folks that gave us roll back pricing are moving . . . forward . . .

Wal-Mart is giving their 1 million+ employees higher health insurance prices and new choices, including free surgery.

Wal-Mart's most popular associate-only medical plan will cost $17.40 per two-week pay period in 2013, up $2 from 2012. Average plan cost across the country is $79 dollars per month for single coverage. Wal-Mart's moves are seen as a blueprint for other employers who are trying to manage their costs while also preparing to meet the requirements of Obamacare. 

Fox. "Obamacare Jack Insurance Premiums"

A $2 increase will cause WM associates to drop coverage? Really?

Butt perhaps a silver lining in this.

Wal-Mart says it is trying to cope with rising medical costs which make up a huge chunk of the retailer's costs. The company has gone so far as announcing the opening of six health centers where it will offer free heart and spine surgery to most employees.

One wonders where Radar is and will he say "Chopper's coming in".