U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, R-Gainesville, warned a Gainesville audience this afternoon that the Affordable Care Act debate will heat up in the weeks leading to Oct. 1, when Americans can sign up for insurance through health care exchanges.
“If you don’t like ugly politics, turn your TVs off in September,” said Collins, speaking at the Gainesville Civic Center to the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors.
Health care reform’s individual mandate takes effect Jan. 1, with all Americans required to have insurance either through their employee or buying a private plan. The exchanges — dubbed by the government as the Health Insurance Marketplace — have been set up to help allow Americans select a plan.
“I’m going to speak from the Democratic perspective right here. This is their own words: It’s a train wreck, we’re not ready,” Collins said. “These (comments) are from senators, representatives and administration officials who are struggling to get ready by Oct. 1 or any other deadline right now.
“I just believe it’s not good for business. If you don’t believe me, just look at the headline in today’s paper about (UPS Inc.),” he said, adding he believes other companies also could be deciding whether to make drastic health insurance changes.
According to national media reports, UPS is ending health coverage for thousands of employees’ spouses, starting in 2014.
Businesses are finding “their balance is paying $9,000 roughly in (premium) costs per employee or pay a $2,500 penalty,” Collins said. “You’re business people in this room. Which one are you going to chose? Or you can fire people. This is the country we’re in right now.
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