Couldn’t Happen To A More Deserving Bunch

Every single Republican in Congress voted to repeal health care reform without any alternative plan in place. Democrats and actinides have been quite aggressive in challenging Republicans about their health care plans – most have given excuses, one didn’t know the government paid for her healthcare and one claimed not to be a federal employee. A few GOP freshman actually put their money where their mouths are and turned down the Congressional plan.

But talk to some of the 16 freshman lawmakers who have declined their government health benefits, and you’ll hear a different side of the story — about tough out-of-pocket expenses, pre-existing conditions and support for health reforms that would help those who struggle with their coverage. As they venture into the free market for health insurance, these lawmakers — many of whom swept into office fueled by tea party anger over the health care law — are facing monthly premiums of $1,200 and fears of double-digit rate hikes.

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“I can simply, honestly say that this is going to impact my wife and I to a fairly serious degree, like it would any average American out there,” said first-time Rep. Joe Walsh of Illinois.

Walsh’s wife has a pre-existing condition and will need a procedure in the coming months, but because he declined federal benefits, they’re paying for it out of pocket. Meanwhile, Walsh is contributing to a health savings account to cover his expenses.

“It’s a cost we will feel, a cost I will have to pick up. I won’t turn down benefits because I have something to fall back on or because I’m independently wealthy,” he said.

I’m now in favor of taking away the health care benefits of every member of Congress. Let them see what regular people go though. Maybe they’ll actually try to solve problems.