Republican congressman Mike Rogers says more than a thousand major corporations,unions and other groups have obtained waivers to the new national health care law, so they will not be immediately mandated to carry health insurance or pay a fee instead. He says they shouldn't be the only ones with that option.
“If its fair for McDonalds, if it’s fair for an SEIU chapter, if its fair for Pepsi to get a waiver, it’s fair for everybody to get a waiver if they meet the criteria of their health care premiums going up.”
The mandates that kick in in 2014 are a key part of the health care reform law. Rogers says its not fair to allow some to opt out of the mandates. While small businesses, individuals and others who fear their health insurance costs will go up will be forced to take part.
“They’ve set the established precident…yes in fact they agree…premiums are going up…people are losing their health care….unless they grant these waivers.”
The Obama Administration has not commented on Rogers bill. The law already allows consumers to apply for hardship waivers if they are uninsured. Low income families can obtain tax credits to offset the cost of health insurance.
