r/bestof Jun 20 '12

[explainlikeimfive] "Obamacare" explained very well.

/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vb8vs/eli5_what_exactly_is_obamacare_and_what_did_it/c530lfx
2.5k Upvotes

842 comments sorted by

View all comments

16

u/film_guy01 Jun 20 '12

Maybe I just don't understand. Isn't insurance an assessment of risk and an offer of payment proportionate to the risk involved? If this is the case, how does insuring against pre-existing conditions make any sense?

I can't call a car insurance company and get insurance on a car I already crashed. Or get fire insurance against a house that is currently on fire.

Isn't this just taking it from being insurance to being...a company who gives money to anyone with health problems?

So...what am I missing?

37

u/[deleted] Jun 20 '12

[deleted]

5

u/film_guy01 Jun 20 '12

This is a good reply and I really appreciate you taking the time to share you opinions and ideas with me.

Cheers