The #1 state on the list is Maryland and it’s there because it is the hub of government and all the well paid government employees and lobbyists live there. So no: It’s not a coincidence.
The #2 state on that list is a conservative state, Alaska. It’s there because of the vast natural resources and low population.
#5 and #6 are MA and NH and they are very close in income. One of them is overwhelmingly liberal and the other one is probably the most libertarian leaning state in the country.
So, I’d say that your list doesn’t really prove anything.
You have to get to #13 before you hit your second solid red state. NH and VA still went for Obama in 2012, so if they were opposed to the ACA then you’d think they’d make their preferences known.
I agree that these states also have a high cost of living, but a lot of that has to do with not getting as much federal largesse per capita versus the red states, on average. In addition to being such nice places to live that the upper middle class wants to live there, which drives up the prices through supply and demand.
You’d see that with pretty much any state. Republican states are no exception. Plus, they drain off money from the feds by asking for handouts paid in taxes by the blue states, and they have little to show for it. Less educated students, less college grads, high rates of infant deaths, unheathier, you name it, the red states have got it
There isn’t anything in the Constitution about health care for former members of the military. Not a peep. Personally, I’m all for it.
I’m just surprised that you think health care for old Americans is an abomination because the Constitution is silent on the matter; and yet you take a much more liberal (heh) view of the Constitution’s silence on veterans.
NH is only that high on the list because we have no income taxes and many people claim their properties here are their main residence to evade income taxes where they really live.
The joke’s on them, though. You pay state income tax where it’s earned, not where you live, and the feds don’t care. Plus, NH makes it up by pushing state functions down to the municipalities, who fund them with property taxes. It’s an image game, nothing more. So, somebody from Mass who still works there but buys a house in NH pays twice, while congratulating himself for *beating *the system. It’s amazing how common that is. Well, there’s also the lack of a state sales tax in NH, but if you live near the NH line you don’t have to pay that either.
Some people never have a “young and healthy,” just a “young and sick.” Besides that, if you are employed and take your employer’s insurance, then get laid off or become unable to work, there’s no way in heck you will be able to buy your own insurance if you have a pre-existing condition unless you are at the Bill Gates financial level.
If people either can’t get a job or only a part time job, then they’re not covered by their employers.
That’s what I gathered. I just couldn’t keep my mouth shut, though. I get a little rage-y on this topic, especially when I see this level of ignorance. Expecting someone to “get insurance when they’re young and healthy” and then somehow keep it forever until they retire and get on Medicare, yet at the same time “just use your employer’s insurance.” :smack: