Unions: Obamacare ‘Could Be Catastrophic’

Labor Says ‘It’s Costing Us More,’ Leader ‘Calling For Repeal’

‘Union Leaders Say Many Of The Law’s Requirements Will Drive Up The Costs For Their Health-Care Plans’

“Labor unions are breaking with President Obama on ObamaCare. Months after the president’s reelection, a variety of unions are publicly balking at how the administration plans to implement the landmark law. They warn that unless there are changes, the results could be catastrophic.” (“Labor Unions Break Ranks With White House On Obamacare,” The Hill, 5/21/13)

• “[S]ome unions’ leaders have grown frustrated and angry about what they say are unexpected consequences of the new law — problems that they say could jeopardize the health benefits offered to millions of their members.” (“Some Unions Now Angry About Health Care Overhaul,” AP, 5/24/13)

“The union plans were already more costly to run than traditional single-employer health plans. The Affordable Care Act has added to that cost — for the unions’ and other plans — by requiring health plans to cover dependents up to age 26, eliminate annual or lifetime coverage limits and extend coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.” (“Some Unions Now Angry About Health Care Overhaul,” AP, 5/24/13)

• DAVE TREANOR, International Union Of Operating Engineers: “We’re concerned that employers will be increasingly tempted to drop coverage through our plans and let our members fend for themselves on the health exchanges…” (“Some Unions Now Angry About Health Care Overhaul,” AP, 5/24/13)
• TREANOR: “Right now, it is costing us more.” (“Some Unions Grow Wary Of Health Law They Backed,” The Wall Street Journal, 1/30/13)

KINSEY ROBINSON, President, United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers: ‘I am … calling for repeal or complete reform of the Affordable Care Act’ “…our concerns over certain provisions in the ACA have not been addressed, or in some instances, totally ignored. In the rush to achieve its passage, many of the Act’s provisions were not fully conceived, resulting in unintended consequences that are inconsistent with the promise that those who were satisfied with their employer sponsored coverage could keep it. … I am therefore calling for repeal or complete reform of the Affordable Care Act to protect our employers, our industry, and our most important asset: our members and their families.” (United Union Of Roofers, Waterproofers And Allied Workers International, Press Release, 4/24/13)

JOSEPH HANSEN, President United Food and Commercial Workers International Union: “It makes an untruth out of what the president said, that if you like your insurance, you could keep it…That is not going to be true for millions of workers now.” (“Some Unions Now Angry About Health Care Overhaul,” AP, 5/24/13)

• HANSEN: ‘[T]he president’s statement to labor in 2009 is simply not true’ “‘If you already have health insurance through your job…nothing in this plan will require you or your employer to change your coverage or your doctor…’ Those were the words spoken by President Obama at the AFL-CIO Convention in Pittsburgh on Sept. 15, 2009. …what also has become increasingly clear with each passing day is that the president’s statement to labor in 2009 is simply not true...” (“Treat Nonprofit Healthcare Fairly,” The Hill, 5/20/13)

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