As Congress nears a historic vote on the repeal of ObamaCare, it would be a good idea for us to take a moment to remind ourselves why this legislation needs to be repealed. Let’s just take a quick 1-2-3 look back at MHPC’s objections to ObamaCare:
1) It costs too much
Tarren wrote back in May 2010 that the 10-year cost of ObamaCare would be $938 billion. Now, we know ObamaCare will cost more than $1 trillion, and some are saying the full cost of 10-year implementation is as much as $2.3 trillion. Obviously, with our national debt hovering somewhere around $14 trillion, cost is a huge problem.
2) It’s Unconstitutional
The most egregious of the (many) flaws in ObamaCare is that it’s illegal, according to the U.S. Constitution. We aren’t alone in this belief either – more than half of the states have joined Florida’s lawsuit against ObamaCare on the grounds that the Individual Mandate (forcing you to buy health insurance) is a violation of your Constitutional rights. Of course there are other Unconstitutional parts of the bill as well, in fact it has the potential to violate at least 7 amendments, but the Individual Mandate is our main objection.
3) No one likes it
You know there is something wrong with legislation when no one likes it. Back in May, 85% of Mainers said they thought ObamaCare would cause their health care costs to increase (they’re right). Mainers have a good perspective too, because they’ve been forced to foot the million dollar bills for Dirigo for years. Nationally, as much as 75% of the population isn’t happy with ObamaCare.
Other Problems
- It’s a job-killer, or job-destroyer or job-crusher or however you want to say it. The Congressional Budget Office said it will cost Americans 1.6 million jobs.
- Skyrocketing Medicaid costs will put Maine on the hook for at least another $68 million in Medicaid costs as a result of ObamaCare.
ObamaCare is bad news for Maine, and for our country. Make sure you let your elected officials know how you feel about it, especially those ones who will be voting on it in the coming days.
Yes, I’m talking about Mike Michaud (202-225-6306) and Chellie Pingree (202-225-6116).