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Federal Employees (Like Congress) Will Be EXEMPT From Obamacare's Skyrocketing Health Costs

Most polls show American want Obamacare repealed--one of the reasons is the steep increase in prices for health insurance especially for middle and upper class Americans. There is one group of high wage earners who wont have to pay those steep premium increases, congressional and other federal employees.

The Office of Personnel Management, under heavy pressure from Capitol Hill Democrats, will issue a ruling saying the government can continue to make a 75% contribution to the health care premiums of members of Congress and their aides no matter what their income. Two days ago A White House official confirmed the deal to Politico and the NY Times, saying he proposed regulations will be issued this week.

The executive action is meant as a work-around the Obamacare contains a provision known as the Grassley Amendment which said the government can only offer members of Congress and their staff plans that are "created" in the bill or "offered through an exchange" After all since they are forcing the people into the system, they should be forced into the same system.

Government-subsidized premiums will disappear at the end of the year under a provision in the health care law that nudges aides and lawmakers onto the government health care exchanges, which could make their benefits exorbitantly expensive.

Why is this being done as an executive action not as a legislation? Democrats fear the wrath of their constituents.

Democrats, in particular, would take a public hammering as the traditional boosters of Obamacare. Republicans would undoubtedly attempt to shred them over any attempt to escape coverage by it, unless Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) give Democrats cover by backing it [and they both announced they wouldn't back a legislative attempt to protect federal employees]

There is concern in some quarters that the provision requiring lawmakers and staffers to join the exchanges, if it isn't revised, could lead to a "brain drain" on Capitol Hill, as several sources close to the talks put it.

The problem stems from whether members and aides set to enter the exchanges would have their health insurance premiums subsidized by their employer — in this case, the federal government. If not, aides and lawmakers in both parties fear that staffers — especially low-paid junior aides — could be hit with thousands of dollars in new health care costs, plus, lawmakers — especially those with long careers in public service and smaller bank accounts — are also concerned about the hit to their own wallet

The administration is making the ruling so Congress doesn't have to pass a bill which will that fix the problem and enrage voters. Heritage Foundation's Rob Bluey wrote :

The Administration's strategy appears to be one of deliberately flouting the law, in the belief that it can get away with it because Congress will be the beneficiary and the American public won't catch on to what they are doing.

Is this what America is becoming? Instead of a constitutional republic where all people are treated equally are we becoming an oligarchy where the ruling class does not have to pay for the legislation abhorred by, and shoved down the throats of the citizens of the country?

ALL Americans should be disgusted by this action, even those who support this oppressive legislation.

Federal Employees (Like Congress) Will Be EXEMPT From Obamacare's Skyrocketing Health Costs
http://yidwithlid.blogspot.com/2013/08/federal-employees-like-congress-will-be.html

John Hames