Medica (only remaining ACA in NE and IA) has announced premium increases for 2018 of 40-50%, for folks not changing their plan. I don't know how this affects me as I have BCBS this year and will have Medica next year. I don't know yet what plans are available (another month or 2 to find out) and what the rates are. Considering the 'nickel' and 'diming' I've seen this year compared to last, for copays and deductibles, I'm not thrilled about more of that, but a 40-50% increase for me would be pushing annual premium to not far short of $20,000. For a family straining to pay $20,000 for coverage this year looking at $28,000 to $30,000 next year I'm thinking is going to be a deal breaker for quite a few of them. We're not seeing commensurate rises in commodity prices, so something has to give.
As for me, 40% annual increases are concerning if they don't start easing off. Haven't done the math, but this years first half property/drainage taxes (yes, I have to pay for the 'privilege' of having rain water flowing downhill off my farm) were higher than last year. Considering the number of county and school employees covered for their health insurance premiums, I can see the logic of increasing the tax rate as all health rates seem to be soaring, but keep in mind, it is stinging pretty bad paying my own (and realize my farm operation is currently supporting 5 people) and getting socked for increases for other peopletoo is hitting me a little funny. My increase in premium comes right out of my wages, maybe the county supervisors and school board need to revisit how they are parsing out increases ??
Also, received a bid for just re-painting the roof on one farm building and did a little pencil pushing regarding tax on that building, insurance on that building, and it's value to the farm operation. And the conclusion is inescapable: it is done.
I'm emptying the building (it's a warehouse of sort for lesser used equipment, tools, supplies and heirloomy things) of it's contents and will knock it down with the loader and remove the foundations with the backhoe. Hate taking out buildings older than me, it's my connection to the history of this place. Also, I remember grandpa telling me about building it. Before the storage building, it was going to be a granary. The change being made after the foundations were emplaced so I'm sure there is a huge amount of concrete to remove. Maybe more. My uncles built it 'after the war' and they were known for over engineering things. The foundations beneath the old corncrib went down 7 feet, I'm thinking 5 for this building, maybe more.
Found a big bag of bentonite, and all the doors replaced in the house during the '68 remodel. I think I can let them go now . . .
As for me, 40% annual increases are concerning if they don't start easing off. Haven't done the math, but this years first half property/drainage taxes (yes, I have to pay for the 'privilege' of having rain water flowing downhill off my farm) were higher than last year. Considering the number of county and school employees covered for their health insurance premiums, I can see the logic of increasing the tax rate as all health rates seem to be soaring, but keep in mind, it is stinging pretty bad paying my own (and realize my farm operation is currently supporting 5 people) and getting socked for increases for other peopletoo is hitting me a little funny. My increase in premium comes right out of my wages, maybe the county supervisors and school board need to revisit how they are parsing out increases ??
Also, received a bid for just re-painting the roof on one farm building and did a little pencil pushing regarding tax on that building, insurance on that building, and it's value to the farm operation. And the conclusion is inescapable: it is done.
I'm emptying the building (it's a warehouse of sort for lesser used equipment, tools, supplies and heirloomy things) of it's contents and will knock it down with the loader and remove the foundations with the backhoe. Hate taking out buildings older than me, it's my connection to the history of this place. Also, I remember grandpa telling me about building it. Before the storage building, it was going to be a granary. The change being made after the foundations were emplaced so I'm sure there is a huge amount of concrete to remove. Maybe more. My uncles built it 'after the war' and they were known for over engineering things. The foundations beneath the old corncrib went down 7 feet, I'm thinking 5 for this building, maybe more.
Found a big bag of bentonite, and all the doors replaced in the house during the '68 remodel. I think I can let them go now . . .
The granting of a pardon is an imputation of guilt, and the acceptance a confession of it.
