Aetna Inc. (AET): Twelve Shocking Truths About Obamacare

7. Add IPAB to your Christmas list
Speaking of IPAB, Obamacare specifically states that this board charged with determining how to control health care payment costs can take gifts. No limitations are given. In case you can’t think of a good gift, the legislation mentions that services or property are fine to donate also. IPAB can by law sell anything you give them, though, so be forewarned.

8. Sense and nonsense
Language is included in section 9023 that “the sense of the Senate” is that nothing should be done related to the legislation that would increase taxes on the middle class. I suggest reading Dan Caplinger’s excellent summary of new Obamacare taxes impacting all Americans before deciding if the “sense of the Senate” is better described as nonsense.

9. Funny money
In case you didn’t think Congress was funny, they stuck a provision into Obamacare that specifies that humor can be used in a marketing campaign about preventive care. How much was allocated to be spent? Only $500 million. My guess is that someone’s laughing all the way to the bank.

10. Protecting the 1%
Drugmakers got slapped with billions of dollars in new taxes and fees — but not for the most expensive drugs of all. Orphan drugs are excluded from new fees. This means that companies like Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) won’t have to pay the extra fees on sales of $440,000-per-year Soliris. Obamacare protects the 1% — of high-cost drugs, at least.

11. The greatest tax of all
While there are plenty of new taxes in Obamacare, it might be surprising what gets taxed the highest. If you have a really great health plan, you get hit with a 40% excise tax. Too much health care must be a bad thing.

12. Ironic
Last, but not least, Obamacare prohibits false statements or representations about any Obamacare-approved plan. The provision itself isn’t surprising, but the irony is. Section 1501 states unequivocally that Obamacare “will lower health insurance premiums.” Aetna Inc. (NYSE:AET) CEO Mark Bertolini, though, said recently that premiums will rise as a result of the legislation, with some premiums doubling. Even Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius admitted not long ago that some premiums would rise with Obamacare. Ironic indeed.

The article 12 Shocking Truths About Obamacare originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Keith Speights.

Fool contributor Keith Speights has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH).

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