Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today reinforced his position to oppose the Administration's health care law, upon reading the news that a university in Ohio will be forced to drop its student health insurance plan because of new requirements imposed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
"I'm not surprised by this development," said Dr. Benishek, a doctor who has treated patients for nearly 30 years. "President Obama said this law would increase access to care and make it more affordable. As we see today, that's simply not true. Businesses and institutions are dropping their coverage, and people are saying they can no longer afford to pay their rising premiums."
Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Ohio, announced on May 15, 2012, that it will discontinue its student health care plan, rather than comply with the mandates on religious institutions. The university also cited that the health care law increased the maximum coverage amount for student policies, which would in turn double the premium cost for students.
"One of the reasons I came to Washington is because I understand the importance of local access to health care. As a doctor in the Upper Peninsula for nearly three decades, I've dedicated most of my adult life to treating patients. Trust me, I understand when people say they are frustrated with this law--whether it's rising premiums or the cuts made to Medicare. I also believe we need to honor the promises of Social Security and Medicare, while working today to find real solutions for future generations," added Dr. Benishek.