As we approach the looming implementation of the President’s health care law, efforts to stop this law in its tracks continue in the House of Representatives. My concerns surrounding the real impacts of this law on hardworking American families have only grown since it was forced through Congress three years ago. And the American people have questions about the law, too. According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll, “more than six in 10 Americans say they do not have the information necessary to understand the changes the law will bring.”
In less than two weeks, on October 1st, enrollment is set to begin for the state health insurance exchanges established under the law. These federally-run exchanges are not even live yet, but we are already seeing major technical difficulties. The Wall Street Journal reported that due to a glitch, “the government’s software cannot reliably determine how much people need to pay for coverage” when enrolling.
There are also major privacy concerns. A new program that sends health care law “navigators” or assisters into communities to help enroll individuals in the exchanges is a breeding ground for fraud. These individuals receive little training and do not have to go through a background check, but are tasked with handling Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. Safeguards to adequately protect Americans’ privacy are not in place. These are not promising signs of what Americans will face under Obamacare.
I voted against Obamacare before it was signed into law, and today I voted again to defund Obamacare before more American jobs are lost and health care costs climb any higher. The House passed, with my support, H.J. Res. 59, a resolution funding the federal government through December 15th. This legislation also includes a provision barring the use of federal funds to implement Obamacare’s programs.
Instead of placing more burdens on American families and businesses, the entire law should be repealed and replaced with patient-centered alternatives that reduce costs, allow Americans access to affordable health care, and increase choice in the health care system. I am a strong supporter of proposals that allow for the purchase of health insurance across state lines and allow individuals and small businesses to join large pools to get more competitive rates. I also support proposals that provide tort reform to cut down the high cost of defensive medicine, allow full tax deductibility of health insurance premiums, and provide for portability of health insurance and protection against pre-existing condition exclusions.
As the legislation heads to the Senate, they have to justify why a law that will raise health care costs and restrict access for Americans should move forward. I urge Harry Reid and the Democratic leadership to finally consider the negative impacts this law will have on the American people and pass this bill defunding Obamacare for good.
Bob Goodlatte represents the Sixth District in Congress.
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