Posted on 12/04/2013 9:00:10 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
Former Rep. Mike Kreidler (D-Wash.), the Washington state insurance commissioner, testified on Wednesday that the administration’s proposal to allow people to keep their existing coverage won’t work.
Kreidler, a healthcare law supporter, has declined President Obama’s offer to allow states to continue offering plans that don't meet ObamaCare's mandated requirements for an additional year.
He argued that allowing the discontinued plans back into the marketplace at this late date would create “uncertainty and disruption” for his state’s exchange, could lead to a premium spike in 2015, and would contribute to prolonging a “failing system” whereby insurers can gouge consumers with bare-bones plans and high out-of-pocket costs.
“Although I was one of the first to make this decision, I am not alone,” Kreidler testified. “About 20 other states have decided against the renewal of discontinued policies.”
“The reasoning is the same – implementing consumer protections in some plans but not others would deny consumers the benefits of the Affordable Care Act while destabilizing the insurance market, increasing the risk of high premiums for those plans that do comply, and further confusing consumers,” he added.
Kreidler testified in front of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health at the request of Democratic Rep. Jim McDermott (Wash.), which was a risky move, as he provided fodder for ObamaCare opponents on a hot political issue.
But Kreidler was adamant that his decision pertained solely to his state, which has so far been an early success story. The former representative said Washington had 100,000 ObamaCare enrollees so far, and that another 150,000 have filled out applications.
“This option was not in the best interests for the state of Washington because our state’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act is well underway,” Kreidler said. “Washington state recognized the promise of the Affordable Care Act early on and moved forward with bipartisan support.”
The administration proposed the executive action to quell the bipartisan outcry that the healthcare law doesn’t comply with the president’s promise that you can keep your plan if you like it.
The executive action has received a cool reception from some liberals, state insurers and industry groups.
Democrats worry that the proposal could undermine the law by allowing limited healthcare policies to compete with the beefier, and often more expensive plans offered through the state and federal exchanges.
State insurers and industry groups have also argued that the proposal isn’t logistically feasible and would be an administrative nightmare. The groups contend that premium prices have been set based on assumptions about what plans would be available, and that any last-minute change could cause chaos in the marketplace.
How is this any different than what is happening under Obamacare's "approved" insurance policies? They seem pretty bare-bones. I guess when the government does it (raise premiums) it isn't "price-gouging"? Gimme a break!
Nothing new there,
however I wish those in GOP getting ON TV would keep the focus on those losing their insurance, not just the website.
Losing the insurance 6 million, repeat it over and over.
Like this :
“obamacare took away their HEALTH CARE”
See?
Fight like Dems do,.
insurers can gouge consumers with bare-bones plans and high out-of-pocket costs.
Sounds like what I am hearing about the exchange policies...
How can supposedly intelligent people keep spouting the most idiotic drivel like they do?
Oh...I forgot: he has a “D” for dumb after his name....
Someone should start a pool on how long before she gets audited by the IRS.
” . . . I wish those in GOP getting ON TV would keep the focus on those losing their insurance, not just the website.”
The focus on the website is purposeful. In six months the website will be working and the press will be praising Obamacare as a success.
If the GOP was serious about opposing Obamacare they’d be talking about the loss of insurance and the dramatic rise in premiums. The fact they focus on the website demonstrates they aren’t serious in opposing it.
That was my point TOO, thanks.
I wonder if the GOP is scared to talk about cancellations because it conflicts with talk about total repeal?
“I wonder if the GOP is scared to talk about cancellations because it conflicts with talk about total repeal?”
The GOP has zero guiding principles or any stomach for battle. I guess if you don’t believe anything it is easy to either be timid or to do the bidding of others. If you have passion and conviction, plus moral standards, you will fight for your principles. These are amoral people who fear the political enemies who know their secret sins more than they fear the voters even God who will ultimately judge their behavior.
When I look at McConnell, Boehner, McCain, Rove, Graham, and other “leaders” I have a hard time seeing them on their knees praying. Somehow I have no problem envisioning them performing a service for 30 pieces of silver.
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