Is there a special exemption in the health insurance law for the president, vice president, members of Congress and some senior staff? Sen. Chuck Grassley says yes. From his press release:
Senator Chuck Grassley today said he will offer an amendment during Senate debate on the health care reconciliation bill this week to apply the reform legislation to the President, Vice President, cabinet members and top White House staff.
“It’s pretty unbelieveable that the President and his closest advisors remain untouched by the reforms they pushed for the rest of the country. In other words, President Obama’s health care reform won’t apply to President Obama,” Grassley said. “Last December, the effort to apply any new law to administration political leaders was rejected by the Senate Majority Leader. But there’s no justification for the double standard, and I’ll continue to work to establish fairness.”
I take exception with Sen. Grassley on one key point. The President, Vice President, and House Speaker should have no rules and regulations placed on their health insurance or medical care. These positions are the foundational leadership of this country, no matter which political party holds power. These officials represent our line of succession. On September 11, 2001, we came face to face with the reality of what might — heaven forbid — occur again in this country. These three office holders must have access, at a moment’s notice, to whatever medical care is needed in order to ensure stability in times of crisis. This insurance and care carve-out doesn’t make them special people; it is the position that must be protected and secured. Beyond these three offices, however, the law should apply as it does to every other American. On that point, Sen. Grassley is correct.
I suspect some will disagree with me. Feel free to poke holes in my argument. I think it’s a discussion we should have in this country if we are going to be saddled with this law. Make no mistake — I believe the law should be repealed.
