From reduced access to physicians to saddling American households with more than $20,000 in new taxes over the next 10 years, Obamacare just isn’t working.
In Colorado specifically, Colorado HealthOP—Colorado’s largest nonprofit health insurer—recently announced it’s closing, leaving nearly 112,000 Coloradans forced to find a new insurer for 2016.
This is a stark contrast to what Michael Bennet said in 2009 when the ill-conceived healthcare bill was still being debated, “We should begin with a basic principle: if you have coverage and you like it, you can keep it…We will not take those choices away from you.”
Now, with those choices being taken away from Coloradans, Michael Bennet has done nothing.
In fact, a measure that aims to replace Obamacare with a single-payer model in Colorado won approval to appear on the 2016 ballot. When asked by media if he supports the effort, Michael Bennet refused to answer the question.
From his voting record, false rhetoric, and stonewalling, it’s clear that Michael Bennet does not care about finding a solution to help Coloradans, he cares about protecting Obamacare at all costs.
BACKGROUND:
BENNET: “We Should Begin With A Basic Principle: If You Have Coverage And You Like It, You Can Keep It. We Will Not Take That Choice Away From You.” BENNET: “We should begin with a basic principle: if you have coverage and you like it, you can keep it. If you have your doctor, and you like him or her, you should be able to keep them, as well. We will not take those choices away from you.” (Sen. Michael Bennet, Congressional Record, 6/11/09, p. S6488)
In October 2015, Colorado’s Health Insurance Co-Op Created By ObamaCare Collapsed, Forcing The Cancellation Of 112,000 Insurance Policies. “The least expensive insurer, Colorado HealthOP, will not be allowed to provide coverage in 2016. The insurance division decided to shut down the cooperative this month after a federal program provided unexpectedly low reimbursements to cooperatives. The division concluded the cooperative lacked adequate reserves. That will leave 112,000 co-op members scrambling to find new policies when the open enrollment period for coverage under the ACA begins Nov. 1. About 83,000 had enrolled through the state health exchange and 29,000 outside the exchange.” (David Olinger, “Colorado Residents Face 10 Percent Increase To Buy Health Insurance,” The Denver Post, 10/23/15)
In April 2013, Michael Bennet Touted Colorado HealthOP As “A Unique, Consumer-Driven Solution” And Said “Greater Access To New Options Will Help Individuals, Families And Employers Choose Plans That Better Suit Their Specific Needs.” “‘Colorado HealthOP is a unique, consumer-driven solution,” said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado. “Increased competition in the health insurance marketplace – particularly as the marketplace comes online in October – can only benefit Colorado. Greater access to new options will help individuals, families and employers choose plans that better suit their specific needs.’” (Colorado HealthOP, “Colorado HealthOP Approved To Offer Consumer Operated And Oriented Health Insurance Beginning October 1,” Press Release, 4/29/13)
Bennet: “I Fought Hard For The Inclusion Of A Public Option In The Legislation To Expand Patient Choice And To Help Hold Insurance Companies Accountable For Providing Affordable, Quality Coverage.” (Ed Sealover, “DBJ Interview: What Bennet Will Do For Business,” Denver Business Journal, 11/3/10)
Bennet: “Including A Public Option In Our Final Health Care Reform Legislation Will Make That Bill Far More Effective.” (Senator Michael Bennet, Op-Ed, “Save The Public Option,” [The Huffington Post](, 2/16/10)
Bennet Voted For The Cloture Motion To Begin Debate On ObamaCare. (H.R. 3590, Roll Call Vote #353: Cloture Motion Agreed To 60-39, 11/21/09, Bennet Voted Yea; CQ Summary, Accessed 9/16/15)
Bennet Voted For Cloture On ObamaCare. (H.R. 3590, Roll Call Vote #395: Motion Agreed to 60-39, 12/23/09, Bennet Voted Yea)
Bennet Voted For The Senate’s Version Of ObamaCare. (H.R. 3590, Roll Call Vote #396: Passed 60-39, 12/24/09, Bennet Voted Yea)
Bennet Voted For The Final Health Care Reconciliation Bill. (H.R. 4872, Roll Call Vote #105: Passed 56-43, 3/25/10, Bennet Voted Yea)