Are You Concerned About the Changes in Health Care? [POLL]

As the end of 2013 approaches, a grave realization is setting in regarding the entire health care system - things aren't like they  used to be.Nobody likes being told what they can and can't do - at least outside the boundaries of basic laws, rules, and regulations. But, that is exactly what is going on.The reality of the situation hit me this week when I saw for myself, in black and white, exactly what is happening.

I am not trying to be political here. Republican, Democrat, Independent, it doesn't matter. A lot of ideas are being tossed around Washington - some good, some bad. I don't even know about all of that, and frankly, I don't care. But, I couldn't help but be alarmed when I read for myself this week, from a health insurance provider, about  the requirement to buy insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act, which begins in 2014.

I have remained skeptical through this entire process, thinking, this isn't really going to affect me. I haven't been worried or concerned. I thought, this is only going to apply to other people, in special situations, with special circumstances. There is no way the government would ever force me to have health insurance.

But, it's true. It's absolutely true! Most people in America are being forced to have insurance, or pay the penalty. The only way it doesn't apply to you is if:

• You are part of a religion opposed to acceptance of benefits from a health insurance policy
• You are an undocumented immigrant
• You are incarcerated
• You are a member of an Indian tribe
• Your family income is below the threshold requiring you to file a tax return
• You have to pay more than 8% of your income for health insurance

So what happens if you don't buy insurance? Here's the deal. In 2014 the penalty for not having health insurance will be $95. In 2015 it goes up to $325 per adult, and in 2013 it's $695 per adult and $347.50 per child, or 2.5% of family income, whichever is greater.

I have heard many accounts of individuals who are not being allowed to choose their own health insurance, or their health care  provider - and that's an entirely different issue.

The fact is, and my point is that our world is changing, whether we want to accept that fact or not. And the fact that our freedoms are being infringed upon, and restricted in even greater measure than ever before should be alarming to every American citizen.