Senate Dem: ‘I Just See A Huge Train Wreck Coming Down’

“Democratic senators, at a caucus meeting with White House officials, expressed concerns on Thursday about how the Obama administration was carrying out the health care law they adopted three years ago.” (“Democratic Senators Tell White House Of Concerns About Health Care Law Rollout,” New York Times, 4/26/13)

·         SEN. BEN CARDIN (D-MD): “…said he told White House officials on Thursday that he was concerned about big rate increases being sought by the largest health insurer in his state.” (“Democratic Senators Tell White House Of Concerns About Health Care Law Rollout,” New York Times, 4/26/13) 

·         SEN. JEANNE SHAHEEN (D-NH): “We are hearing from a lot of small businesses in New Hampshire that do not know how to comply with the law...” (“Democratic Senators Tell White House Of Concerns About Health Care Law Rollout,” New York Times, 4/26/13) 

SEN. MAX BAUCUS (D-MT): ‘I just see a huge train wreck coming down,’ ‘People are going to be really confused,’ ‘you've hired a contractor… that's going to be money down the drain’ “I'm a bit Johnny One-Note on implementation of the law, especially with respect to signups and exchanges, et cetera, and am very concerned not enough is being done so far. Very concerned. … I understand you've hired a contractor. I'm just worried that that's going to be money down the drain because contractors like to make money more than they do like to do anything else. That's their job. They've got to worry about their shareholders and whatnot. And also, all the other agencies are all involved. People are going to be really confused. And maybe give some thought to one-stop shopping somehow, so you go to one location -- a business person -- one location, get the answers. I just tell you, I just see a huge train wreck coming down.” (Finance Committee, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 4/17/13)

SEN. JAY ROCKEFELLER (D-WV): “I'm of the belief that the ACA is probably the most complex piece of legislation ever passed by United States Congress… it worries me, because it is so complicated. And if it isn't done right the first time, it'll just simply get worse.” (Finance Committee, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 4/19/13)

“…House Democrats have raised concerns in a closed-door meeting with HHS’s Mike Hash that the administration needs to step up its efforts to get the public informed about the health law, according to sources who were in the room.” (“House Democrats Voice Health Law Implementation Concerns To HHS,” Politico Pro, 4/26/13)

·         REP. LLOYD DOGGETT (D-TX): “It’s a big task and I’m concerned about it…” (“House Democrats Voice Health Law Implementation Concerns To HHS,” Politico Pro, 4/26/13)