Senate Democrats facing reelection in 2014 are scrambling to distance themselves from their prior promises that anyone who wants to keep their healthcare insurance can do so under Obamacare.
According to CBS News, over two million Americans have already received cancellation notices from their insurance companies due to Obamacare, despite President Barack Obama promising at least 23 times that Obamacare would not force anyone out of their current insurance plan.
Now, Senate Democrats up for reelection in 2014 who echoed similar promises are running for cover.
In 2009, Sen. Jeanne (D-NH) Shaheen said the following on the floor of the U.S. Senate: “One common myth that we’ve heard is that health reform is a government takeover of our healthcare system. This is simply not true… Under the current legislation, everyone will have the freedom to keep their healthcare plan if they like it.”
Now, however, Shaheen says she is surprised to learn that millions of Americans are being kicked off their insurance plans due to Obamacare.
“We knew that they would need to sign up again, but obviously I don’t think anybody thought people would be kicked off their insurance plan,” said Shaheen.
Similarly, Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC), speaking on the floor of the U.S. Senate, promised in 2009: “If you like your insurance and doctors, you keep them.”
Hagan is up for reelection next year.
Senate Republicans are already pouncing on the issue, which is sure to be a centerpiece of the 2014 midterm elections.
On Wednesday, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced the “If You Like Your Health Care Plan You Can Keep It Act,” a bill whose title is a verbatim quote from President Barack Obama.
Obamacare will cost U.S. taxpayers $2.6 trillion over its first ten years.