WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) expressed disappointment following the administration’s latest delay to its signature health care law. On the final day for Americans to enroll in a plan to guarantee coverage beginning Jan. 1, the administration quietly changed the website allowing individuals an extra day to an already delayed deadline. The original deadline to enroll for plans beginning January 1 was Dec. 15, which the administration pushed back eight days on November 22.
“As Americans across the nation are gathering to celebrate Christmas with loved ones, right on cue the administration has quietly and unilaterally changed its health care law once again," said Upton. “This latest delay marks the third major change since Secretary Sebelius testified on December 11 when she was asked point blank what changes were in store over the holidays, and she was mum. And yet, another day, another delay. Sadly, millions of Americans will be without coverage January 1 because of this law. Countless more must endure the uncertainty of not knowing if they will be able to afford the rate shock or if their application was properly processed and care will be available in the new year. While the holiday surprises have become commonplace, the latest extension is another disappointment for the ‘most transparent administration in history.’ As we celebrate Christmas and prepare to ring in the New Year, we continue to ask what’s next?"
