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Finally Some Good News About Obumblecare
Dozens of lawmakers and aides are so afraid that their health insurance premiums will skyrocket next year thanks to Obamacare that they are thinking about retiring early or just quitting.The fear: Government-subsidized premiums will disappear at the end of the year under a provision in the health care law that nudges aides and lawmakers onto the government health care exchanges, which could make their benefits exorbitantly expensive. Democratic and Republican leaders are taking the issue seriously, but first they need more specifics from the Office of Personnel Management on how the new rule should take effect a decision that Capitol Hill sources expect by fall, at the latest. The administration has clammed up in advance of a ruling, sources on both sides of the aisle said. If the issue isnt resolved, and massive numbers of lawmakers and aides bolt, many on Capitol Hill fear it could lead to a brain drain just as Congress tackles a slew of weighty issues like fights over the Tax Code and immigration reform. The problem is far more acute in the House, where lawmakers and aides are generally younger and less wealthy. Sources said several aides have already given lawmakers notice that theyll be leaving over concerns about Obamacare. Republican and Democratic lawmakers said the chatter about retiring now, to remain on the current health care plan, is constant. Rep. John Larson, a Connecticut Democrat in leadership when the law passed, said he thinks the problem will be resolved. If not, I think we should begin an immediate amicus brief to say, Listen this is simply not fair to these employees, Larson told POLITICO. They are federal employees. Republicans, never a fan of Democratic health care reform, are more vocal about the potential adverse effects of the provision. Its a reality, said Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas). This is the law. Its going to hinder our ability with retention of members, its going to hinder our ability for members to take care of their families. He said his fellow lawmakers are having quiet conversations about the threat Posted by: Jay Carney 2013-06-13 |
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