(Above: Rep. Martha Roby shares constituent’s ObamaCare horror stories on the floor of the U.S. House)
WASHINGTON – After asking constituents to send her their ObamaCare horror stories last week, Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, this morning took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and detailed some of the stories to her colleagues.
Roby began by recounting some of the promises that President Barack Obama has failed to deliver on.
“If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor, period. If you like your healthcare plan, you will be able to keep your healthcare plan, period. No one will take it away no matter what,” Roby said, quoting the president. “Mr. Speaker, we now know this wasn’t true.”
She then offered proof from Alabama’s second congressional district.
“Allison Strickland, a wife and homeschooling mother of four writes: We are a family of six with one income, and our premiums doubled from $420 to $940 a month. We are already under great financial strain, and this is not helping relieve any of the tension. At this point, we are unsure about what we are going to do. With four growing children we know insurance is vital, but at what cost to the daily needs of our family? We are very disappointed in the Obama administration.”
“Sean Cunningham of Montgomery writes: I am a married father of two beautiful little girls. My jaw dropped when I found out my family’s premium was going from $400 a month to $722. I called Blue Cross first thing Monday morning, but I was told I needed to contact healthcare.gov for assistance. After six hours with them on the phone trying to apply for a subsidy, I did manage to find out that there was a cheaper premium. I could choose the ‘blue-saver bronze at a rate of $545 per month, which was still an increase over the plan I liked. The other problem? My individual deductible would be $6,350. And my family deductible would be $12,700. I fail to see anything affordable about this.”
“Chris Dukovich of Montgomery was notified that my policy was not ACA compliant. Paying $390 for family coverage. Just found out comparable plan, silver, would be $704. My out-of-pocket went up, so did deductibles and co-pays. We make too much money and will not qualify for, nor do I want, a subsidy.”
“Lee Hayswhite of Montgomery: Our premium went up to $1,374 a month.”
“Angela Zacchini of Greenville: Our family of four is paying $417 a month and it is going to $765 a month.”
“Jim Harroll of Prattville: My doctor retired and told me that he was not going to deal with the changes in the Affordable Care Act. So I could not keep my doctor. Both of my adult daughters got letters indicating their policies were canceled due to not meeting all the requirements of the new law. New policies being issued will be will 33 percent more expensive. One has a specialist doctor who is now going to charge patients a costly fee upfront each year and pay for services rendered. All of these effects are negative to my family.”
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