California is saying no to a provision in the Affordable Care Act that is even too liberal for the Golden State.
States that sign up for federal subsidies via Obamacare must allow individuals a three-month “grace period” if they can’t pay their premiums. If they cancel their policies, the cost is shifted to hospitals and doctors.
The California Department of Managed Health Care is trying to find a way around Section 156.270 of the Affordable Care Act, according to the nonprofit Watchdog.org, a project of the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity covering state and local issues. California law grants a one-month grace period, which officials believe strikes a proper balance between maintaining a system that is economically feasible while still being understanding of unforeseen circumstances that could strike policyholders.
“When even California has stricter rules (than Obamacare) for a giveaway, that should tell you something,” state Sen. Ted Gaines, a Republican, said, according to Watchdog.org. “This three-for-one freebie is so bad that even the number one Obama cheerleader state had to break ranks. I’m not shocked anymore by any ridiculous Obamacare example. I’m surprised it’s not four-for-one or six-for-one.”
“California is usually leaning to the left, but Obamacare has gone so far that even the left coast is coming back a little to the center,” Rep. Louie Gohmert, Texas Republican, said.
California is drafting language for the law. Afterward, it is required to allow a 45-day public comment period before it can be enacted, Watchdog.org reports.
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The White House did not respond to the nonprofit’s requests for comment on the “three-for-one” loophole.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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