Below is the story I have been sending out in full. I figured some of you may like to read it all the way through. It is something important to keep in mind in the debate of to establish an exchange or not.
To establish or not to establish a state exchange in the State of Idaho is currently the single most important issue the Legislature-and ultimately the people of Idaho, are facing. There are many arguments being made and currently there is a large force trying to push the legislature to establish a state-exchange. With the debate, a lot of information is being presented from various interest groups, and state agencies, and from various lawmakers. The data that is being thrown around is very sterile, dry, and isolated from the realty of the situation that I do not think is being heard-many Idahoans, many families are going to be significantly impacted by what decision the legislature makes. With that I have an important question that is sobering and that I have been asking to bring into focus the reality of this situation and the actual impact it will have on Idaho, not just some misconstrued data. My question is also a story, a story that brings in some relative information while also bringing to light the real impact of Obamacare on Idahoans. A few weeks ago I met a young married couple that came into my office in the capital, a young couple that have been married only a few years and are pushing through the struggles and hurdles of life with energy and spirit like many other couples. They shared with me their personal situation and were frightened about the impacts that Obamacare will have on them. Their concern is right along with my question; what is going to happen to this couple if they cannot afford to buy health insurance as mandated by Obamacare? This couple, so far, have been very blessed both in their financially situation and in their health. They have been diligent of making sure that both their financial and physical health is strong. But this question still looms over them. Their total monthly income is $1950. Their total expenses, which include: a House Payment of $500, their utilities, phone, internet, insurance, and fuel bills of $503, plus their grocery bill of $240, and a small tithe they give to their church combined with a small amount they keep to go on a date and for other miscellaneous bills of $310. This leaves them with just enough to put $300 a month extra towards the house payment and a $100 towards savings so that one day they might be able to afford a second car, or to replace their 30 year old stove. But this is only if no emergency or unexpected expense comes up such as their car breaking down or needing servicing. This is a young couple who are trying to make ends meet and are both struggling through life as a young married couple, who are of good health. They are trying very hard to be self reliant and be productive members of society. They pay taxes, they vote, they volunteer for various community programs, and they contribute to society as a whole-as many young couples strive to do. However, given their circumstances, they have decided that because they are in good health and they really couldn't afford a health insurance bill, they would forgo health insurance until they were in a better financial situation. However, now with Obamacare, they are put into a grave situation. How can they afford to buy insurance as mandated by Obamacare? They cannot. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the average premium rate per month for a couple similar to this one would be around $1000 a month. Look back at their income and their expenses. It is impossible for them to scrounge up an additional $1,000 a month to pay for such an expense. So what are their options? Well, because they cannot afford health insurance they then will be taxed a large amount of $695 a year or $58 a month as a penalty, but as you can see in their budget they cannot afford that either! That tax penalty will only be going up 2.5% each year starting in 2016. So the only other escape available for them is to go from being young, spirited, and a self reliant couple who are trying to grow and make their way through life as a productive member of society, to being forced into the Medicaid program... a program that they do not need because they are of good health. This story is not only a great illustration but it also poses a very serious and concerning question. What do we do with people like this young couple in regards to Obamacare? What is to happen to them? This is the question that I have been asking various department heads, lobbyists, constituents, and many who are for Obamacare but they all fail to give a solid answer. I, like many, am not for destroying the spirit and energy of this young couple. I am not ok with the idea what their options are available if we are to impose Obamacare on Idaho. Therefore, I am opposed to complying with Obamacare.
https://chumly.com/n/1a0747b