Collins Column: People

Statement

Three years ago, before I was elected to Congress, President Obama told some of the colleagues I work with now that his healthcare law might have some imperfections. While he was reiterating his famous promise, "if you like your healthcare plan, you can keep it," he said that "some stray cats and dogs" might have gotten into the legislation to confuse things.

So that brings us to "stray cats and dogs," "glitches" and "fumbles" that the president is willing to talk about.

But what about people?

President Obama is feeling political heat, but I am here to work for the people--real people feeling the real impact of Obamacare. Here are a few of their stories.

Theresa from Commerce wasn't initially opposed to Obamacare. Like most of us, she's open to ideas that hold the promise of helping others. For the last twelve years, Theresa has been on a plan that provides no deductible and reasonable co-pays. As a 54-year-old on a fixed income, this works for her.

Theresa just found out that her plan will be terminated at the end of this month. Alternative coverage will cost her at least $5,000 more a year and will not provide as many benefits as her current plan.

Then, there's the Geyer family of Gainesville. This family of four started a small business from nothing two decades ago. Blessed with good health, the Geyers have enjoyed coverage through a health policy with a $466 monthly premium and a $5,000 deductible.

After they learned that their plan was being cancelled, the Geyers were among the lucky few who got in to the exchange website to shop for insurance. They found that the option nearest their current coverage had a $7,000 deductible and significantly higher premiums. They won't qualify for government subsidies because of their small business' success, so the Geyers are taking a careful look at how to budget for these increases as they raise their two teenage boys.

Then, there's the story of the West Jackson County Fire Department. The Fire Department's insurer informed them that premiums for their 2014 renewal would cost about 125 percent more across the board, with some employees facing an increase of 270 percent. Chief Stephens estimates that change would result in one quarter of some firefighters' pay going directly to health insurance costs.

Thankfully, the Department found a temporary solution that raises their premiums by only 9 percent for the coming year. While this manageable increase will allow the Department to keep personnel and add three full-time firefighters Jackson County needs, Chief Stephens says this will only "hang over us all year while we work on our 2015 budget."

Turn on your TV or read a national newspaper and you might be convinced that this is all just a political fight. It is not. Stories like these are what guide me as I consider my votes and the legislative solutions I can offer. They're the reason I work for you.

Source