Obama Administration: Expect “Bumps” in Health Care Enrollment
Obama Administration: Expect "Bumps" in Health Care Enrollment
Premiums to Rise for Many Who Bought Least Expensive Policies
(Washington, D.C.) – Obama Administration officials have informed Congress that consumers should expect "bumps" as they go through the enrollment process under the second year of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. It was previously reported that the system – which is being redesigned after the disaster of the first year – may, once again, not be ready on time. So far the website has cost taxpayers nearly $1 billion, plagued by costs overruns and management failures by the administration – yet many may continue to encounter problems, despite years of work on the system.
Website issues would present a frustrating challenge for potentially millions of consumers. According to press reports, many who chose the lowest-priced plan available under Obamacare may face large premium increases in year two, due to the design of the system. Unless these consumers change plans and recalculate their eligibility for premium assistance, they will be forced to pay much more than they did this year.
Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:
"How long will taxpayers have to wait for the supporters of Obamacare to make good on their promises? Nearly $1 billion has been spent on a website that still won't work properly, and billions more have been wasted on state websites that are failing. Consumers nationwide face premium increases as a result of this law – in direct contradiction to the promises about it. And now we learn that the very people this law was supposed to help will face some of the largest rate increases. This is wrong and it is unfair.
The health care law is more unpopular than it has ever been – despite the claims of its defenders that the new system is working. It's growing more unpopular because those who voted for it refuse to admit the mistakes and work on needed improvements. Simply put, it is time to reform the reform."
For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173
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