Roby Op-Ed: Hold the President to His Vow

Statement

Remember when President Obama said over and over again that if you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan?

Well, it turns out that wasn't true, as thousands of Alabamians and millions across the country are facing health insurance cancellations or skyrocketing costs. To make matters worse, the disastrous roll out of the Obamacare website has made it nearly impossible for those affected to search for alternatives.

I don't know why the president repeatedly misled the country about the true implications of his healthcare law. This is the kind of Washington political doublespeak people are so fed up with -- and this time it is hurting people in a very real way.

We have to do more than complain about it. My responsibility as a member of Congress is to make it right by acting to protect Americans from these rate hikes and plan cancellations.

That's why I'm co-sponsoring the "Keep Your Health Plan Act," which will allow health care plans currently being offered to continue next year, just like the president promised. The bill also ensures that Americans choosing to maintain their health plans will not face a tax penalty under Obamacare.

The "Keep Your Health Plan Act" won't fix every problem with Obamacare, but it will offer real choices and peace of mind to Americans affected by these changes.

Time is of the essence, and I'm optimistic Congress will take this bill up as soon as this week. There is talk of similar legislation in the Senate. House and Senate members from both parties recognize the basic unfairness that has occurred here, and good faith efforts to remedy the situation are underway.

However, even though Republicans and Democrats support fixing this problem, we are fighting an uphill battle because this is President Obama's signature law.

That's why I need your help. I'm asking Alabamians who have been impacted by Obamacare to share their stories. If your rates increased, if the plan you like got cancelled or altered, if you won't be able to see your doctor, tell me about it. Tell me your story so I can be your voice in Congress and push for change.

The more we highlight specific examples that demonstrate the real-life consequences of Obamacare, the more pressure we can put on the White House to accept common-sense, bipartisan reforms.

Over the last few weeks, a great many Alabamians have called, emailed or sent letters about the negative impact Obamacare is having on their families. Now it's your turn, and I'm listening.

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