Senator Talks Obamacare

Some students don't care about healthcare or health insurance. Most won't even think about it until their 26^th birthday. State Senator Andy Sanborn thinks that with the current political climate students shouldn't wait to start exploring their options for health coverage. 

On Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bradford Room of Centre Lodge, the Plymouth State University Republicans hosted Senator Sanborn of New Hampshire's Ninth District to speak about the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The two main points Sanborn hammered home were personal freedom and personal responsibility when it comes to healthcare. He feels that the ACA takes away both. 

"At its core, [Obamacare] was to help everyone find health coverage that was more affordable," said Sanborn. He feels that this hasn't happened, and the lack of transparency is a problem with today's government. "At its core, my job as your representative is to solve problems," said Sanborn. 

"The President said, 'If you like your health insurance plan, you can keep your health insurance plan...if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor,'" said Sanborn. A big sell of the ACA was that nothing would change for those who already had health insurance coverage. It was formed to make health insurance affordable for those who didn't have it. "That isn't really what happened," said Sanborn. 

Those with health insurance policies they liked and doctors they were comfortable with thought they had no reason to worry, Sanborn among them. "I had a policy and doctor I liked. The Federal Government didn't include my policy," said Sanborn. "The Federal Government didn't include 15 million policies." 

This is the exact opposite of what Sanborn feels should be present: a free market and personal freedom. "They are telling me I need to go and buy a government policy," said Sanborn. "I don't believe this is how the American Society was created."

Obamacare gives everyone making less than 138% of the federal poverty level ($15,000) free health insurance. People making between 138% and 400% of the federal poverty level receive a rebate when they purchase their insurance. If a person makes more than 400% of the federal poverty level, they are on their own. Obamacare also kicks in an expansion of Medicaid. "Where the heck is the money coming from to pay for all this?" asked Sanborn. 

The Senator said that 17 new taxes have been created as a result of Obamacare. "They're taxing the insurance. You have to buy insurance, and by the way, we're taxing you for it," said Sanborn.

He disagrees with the ACA, but doesn't believe the political will exists to repeal it. Sanborn is focusing instead on where to go from here. "As Republicans, we have an obligation to fix our problems," said Sanborn. He feels that the level of transparency needs to improve and people need to have a way to find out how much procedures will cost and have a way to compare those costs. This way, they can find the best deal for them. 

Sophomore Dan Cheever, President of the PSU Republicans, felt that even though most students aren't concerned about health insurance right now, being informed is important. "You don't really know what you will be paying until you turn 26. It's tough at our age. So, I think an event like this can really be eye-opening," said Cheever.

He feels the "Meet the Candidate" series the PSU Republicans have sponsored is a great way to inform students. "Everyone is welcome to their own opinion. We have ours and we want to share it," said Cheever. "This one was on a specific issue, but the main point is to inform."

There are no more "Meet the Candidate" events planned currently, but Cheever is pleased with the results of the few that have happened. "There a lot of opinions out there, but truly educating yourself can really open doors," said Cheever.