The Brokerage, Inc. is a national insurance marketing organization that supports insurance agents and agencies with Medicare, life insurance, annuities, and employee benefits products, along with training, compliance, and back-office support services.
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Episodes (1)
2026-05-12
Mike Smith: Is Obamacare the ‘Unaffordable Care Act?’with Mike Smith
In the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast, host Brian Hyde interviews Mike Smith, President Emeritus at The Brokerage, Inc., about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its implications for health insurance in the United States. Smith discusses the ACA's initial promises, the challenges it has faced, including rising premiums and the impact of enhanced premium tax credits, as well as the potential future of health care policy in America. He emphasizes the need for innovative solutions and possible government partnerships to address ongoing issues in the health insurance market.
Notable quotes
“When the Affordable Care Act was promoted back in 2008, it was promoted in such a way that it'll be more affordable.”
“We almost have to call that the Unaffordable Care Act, because now all of a sudden we're seeing significant premium hikes.”
“If we can't come up with some form of a reasonable, affordable, suitable solution, that we may be staring down the pipe of a national healthcare plan.”
“There were a lot of winners, but that did come with a price tag.”
“It's important to distinguish the difference between healthcare and health insurance.”
“At some point, I do think we'll have to acquiesce and admit that there's just not really a reasonable private market solution.”