Coats: O-Care problems deeper than website

The problems surrounding the ObamaCare rollout and the potential for millions to lose insurance next year are proof that the individual mandate should be delayed, Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) said Saturday.

In the Republican weekly address, Coats argued that the problems with ObamaCare run much deeper than website glitches as he called for a one-year delay for requiring individuals to have health insurance.

{mosads}“The President told us that Obamacare is more than a website,” Coats said. “I agree. It is more than just a website and the problems run far deeper than a few technological glitches.”

Coats seized on reports this week that millions will have their health plans cancelled with ObamaCare rolled out, as the reports said 50 to 75 percent of those who buy health plans individually could receive cancellation letters next year.

“The administration knew this would happen. This week, the public learned that for at least the past three years, the Obama administration has known that millions of Americans will not be able to keep their health care plans,” Coats said.

“But the president has continued to promise repeatedly, ‘If you like your health care plan, you’ll be able to keep your health care plan, period,’” he said.

The cancellation problem was only the latest to hit ObamaCare since its rocky rollout that began on Oct. 1.

Coats said that the White House should agree to delay the individual mandate so people do not have to pay a penalty next year if they don’t have health insurance.

He and other Republicans have called for a one-year delay until 2015, which would push one of the key features of the law until after the mid-term elections.

Coats alluded to GOP attempts to repeal the law — and their hopes to take back the Senate in 2014.

“By delaying the mandates until 2015, Americans will be able to weigh in on the health care law’s fate,” he said.

“But as premiums increase, paychecks fall and individuals face tax penalties in the coming months, people are rightfully outraged and they want their voices heard. Americans deserve the opportunity to decide whether they want to keep ObamaCare or replace it with real solutions — solutions that bring down the cost of care and protect the vulnerable.”