Many newspapers have a ‘This Day in History’ column. (After Stephan Pastis, it’s the first thing I read!)

Yesterday (3/23/2010) marked the signing of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; by and by, shortened to just The Affordable Care Act (ACA), but most often called ‘Obamacare.’

The CMS website touts the ACA’s achievements; e.g., “health coverage without lifetime limits, protections for people with preexisting conditions” and more. 

Impressive accomplishments for a ‘teenager’ and worth reviewing HERE .

While the affordability of health care continues to be a conundrum, it’s also of consequence that for many individuals under 65, who do not get coverage through an employer, the ACA significantly lowered premiums .

The Kaiser Family Foundation Premium and (tax) Subsidy Calculator HERE shows how.

OK. Let’s set the flux capacitor to July 30, 2030, when Medicare turns 65. (Some say it won’t make it. No irony there!)

We'll celebrate this milestone in Tip # 960, while lamenting a new hip costs $285,000. (Well, considering we pay for do-overs and infections, we’re already there!)

And since newspapers won’t exist, my favorite cartoon characters will have to find other work.

Maybe run for office, since Statler and Waldorf will finally be gone!

Tips returns April 7^th. Happy Easter.