By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Congressman Mike Rogers (R) from Saks said in a prepared statement that “Obamacare” (the federal takeover of the health insurance sector authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010) is a disaster.
Representative Rogers said, “I have voted more times than I can count to get rid of Obamacare because I think the law is unworkable, will damage the economy and end up hurting working folks. I will continue to fight against Obamacare.”
The conservative Congressman said, “A month into the rollout, the evidence is starting to pile up – Obamacare is a disaster. Folks are still unable to get logged in to the site online, which under the law, was supposed to be a key feature of expanding insurance coverage. Also, according to a Health and Human Services report last month, Alabama has very few insurance plan choices, which also shows the law’s shortcomings.”
Rep. Rogers warned that, “Anxiety is rising over looming deadlines. For example, to have coverage starting January 1, everyone must sign up online by December 15. The law’s supporters, including the president, have not agreed to even a year delay in the individual mandate to purchase health insurance, despite all the uncertainties and concerns. Open season for enrollment lasts until March 31. At first, if you hadn’t signed up by February 15, you would face a penalty, but the White House has delayed that deadline to March 31. How is any of this fair?”
Rep. Rogers said that the health care insurance premiums because of the Affordable Care Act have risen across East Alabama significantly. Rep. Rogers said, “Recently on my Facebook page, I asked folks to let me know if their premiums were affected. One person’s premiums will go up $200 monthly and they’ve decided to go without health insurance when January arrives. Another person’s premiums will rise $300 per month. For another individual, their premiums will go up $130 a month and they said they just cannot afford the coverage with the higher price. Another family was told their policy doesn’t meet the requirements of the new law, but they will be switched to a new policy at an increase of $740 a month.”
Rep. Rogers said, “The law hurts folks across East Alabama because it is not affordable or fair. Insured people are willing to become uninsured and pay the fine because they cannot afford the escalated prices of their new premiums under Obamacare. This new law, along with its website, has proved once again to be a ‘train wreck.’ President Obama has already delayed portions of the law, and Republicans are beginning investigations into its many shortcomings. I fully expect those hearings to reveal yet more problems.”
In the 2008 election, then Senator President Obama ran on the promise that the power of government could be used to bring health insurance to millions of Americans who lacked coverage. The PPACA was the promised reform package that would cut medical costs and provide affordable coverage to the uninsured. Republicans opposed President Obama’s legislation from the beginning and the legislation that resulted from a year long debate was crafted entirely by Democrats, particularly Senator Max Bauchus (D) from Montana who substituted the current bill for the legislation drawn up by the then Nancy Pelosi (D) from California led U.S. House of Representatives.
Congressman Mike Rogers represents Alabama’s Third Congressional District.
