Obamacare Update - One Year Later

As we approach the one year anniversary of the launch of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, it is appropriate to review how continued implementation of the law is affecting the American people and our health care system. Many problems persist a year after the law debuted with disastrous technical glitches, dropped coverage for millions of Americans, loss of doctors, hundreds of new regulations, increased premiums, and other broken promises.

Many Nebraskans have told me their health care costs increased dramatically after implementation of the law last year. Forced minimum coverage requirements mean Americans have fewer options to find plans which meet their unique health needs and budgets. These mandates were so restrictive, nine insurance companies decided to not offer health insurance on the individual market in our state at all.

Last year, a Manhattan Institute study found Nebraskans would pay up to 74 percent more on the individual market for health insurance after the implementation of Obamacare. Last week, we found out rates would increase again. The Nebraska Department of Insurance announced some individual plans would increase by as much as 19 percent due to the Obamacare mandates.

While many of the technical problems which plagued the infamous Obamacare online exchange last year have been ironed out, many risks remain. Security experts have repeatedly warned Americans’ personal information is vulnerable to hacking and theft on the online system which is not adequately safeguarded.

This month, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the Obamacare website was hacked, although they maintain no personal information was accessed. Even so, the incident is deeply troubling as Americans prepare for another round of Obamacare open enrollment during which millions of Americans will share their information and shop for insurance through the online exchange.

Millions of tax dollars are at risk during the open enrollment period as well. As I learned during a Committee on Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing last week, eligibility for tax credits is automatically extended unless Americans log back on to the online exchanges and update their information. Because the Obama Administration continues to delay reporting requirements for the employer-mandate, it will be very difficult for the Internal Revenue Service to confirm those receiving tax credits are in fact eligible.

House Republicans have offered hundreds of potential solutions to these and other problems with the health care law. I am hopeful a new Congress and continued opposition to the disastrous consequences of Obamacare will encourage all sides to work together to reduce complexity, decrease costs, and increase access to care for all Americans.