W.H. rejects labor’s bid for Obamacare exemption

[FarCenter]

The Obama administration on Friday told labor union leaders that their health plans would not be eligible for tax subsidies under Obamacare next year.

A White House official said the Treasury Department has concluded that such an exemption is not possible under the Affordable Care Act. The labor unions have been asking that their union plans, known as Taft-Hartley plans, be eligible for premium subsidies the way plans on the new insurance exchange will be.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/09/white-house-labor-obamacare-exemption-96793.html

[PoliticAverse]

1. An example of the problem of tax policy causing health insurance to be linked to specific jobs.

[TheDeputy]

2. Where is the President's support for Unions?

I am getting killed on healthcare costs. This is just bullshit. I am starting to think that I was sold a big pile of shit.

On edit: got a little emotional there. I need to calm down. Still not happy with what is going on.

[liberal_at_heart]

3. This is exactly what I am talking about. Obama does not stand up for labor.

this makes me want to puke.

[PeteSelman]

4. Has this administration ever done anything for labor?

Because I can't think of a single thing. This is just another kick in the teeth. Disgraceful.

[liberal_at_heart]

5. kick.

[Brickbat]

6. K&R.

[liberal_at_heart]

7. kick.

[MrsKirkley]

8. I can't understand why eligibility for subsidies isn't based on income alone.

Many low income workers in the service industry can't afford medical care because their deductibles are too high. Without changes, Obamacare won't help these people at all.

[liberal_at_heart]

11. You don't have to be low income to have a hard time paying your premium. Our premium is $925/month.

[Ms. Toad]

9. Not sure what is wrong with the plans

but apparently they don't meet the standards.

White House officials did discuss how to make the plans eligible to enter the exchanges, which would require several changes to how many of the plans operate today. Many of the union plans, as they exist, do not accept all applicants — just one of the reasons they wouldn’t qualify to offer their insurance on the exchanges.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/09/white-house-labor-obamacare-exemption-96793.html#ixzz2ev8MDDvm

[louis c]

10. Labor has sure done more for Obama than he has for us

Still, reality being what it is, he's all we've got that stands between us and the Repukes that want to destroy us.

In a Parliamentary System of Government, a "Labor Party" could muster 15% to 20% of the votes that could possibly translate into 50 to 70 seats in Congress.

We would then hold the balance on many economic issues.

But, alas, I dream of a different system that will never be.

[nadinbrzezinski]

12. What the US needs is a granger rebellion

That is what ultimately pushed towards SS.

Most Americans have no clue, and that is not accidental.

[tritsofme]

13. Members of these plans already receive tax subsidies through the exclusion of employer based

coverage. There is no legal way for the administration to do what they are asking.