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Need help understanding this about Boehner and his attempt to get Insurance on the DC exchange:
How was John Boehner, who I'm assuming is a resident of Ohio (8th district) able to sign up for health insurance on the DC exchange? This perked my curiosity after reading Steve Benen's post about the Speakers experience. http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/boehner-proves-the-wrong-point
With that in mind, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) wrote a blog post yesterday, highlighting his own personal experience when he “sat down to try and enroll in the DC exchange.”
As it turns out, his willingness to “keep trying” was a good idea. Boehner, who is not yet eligible for Medicare, “called the DC Health Link help line,” and a “few hours later,” the process was complete. He’d signed up for health insurance.
Oddly enough, the Republican House Speaker didn’t offer any details about his new health care plan. One would assume that if he’d experienced “sticker shock,” or been stuck choosing a plan that cost far more than his current coverage, Boehner would have mentioned it. Indeed, he would have been eager to mention it, since it would advance his larger political goals.
So why was Boehner silent on this point? Probably because he was able to save some money on an affordable plan – despite being a 64-year-old chain-smoker.
Bold face mine.
Like many Americans, my experience was pretty frustrating. After putting in my personal information, I received an error message. I was able to work past that, but when I went to actually sign up for coverage, I got this “internal server error” screen. […]
Despite multiple attempts, I was unable to get past that point and sign up for a health plan. We’ve got a call into the help desk. Guess I’ll just have to keep trying…
As it turns out, his willingness to “keep trying” was a good idea. Boehner, who is not yet eligible for Medicare, “called the DC Health Link help line,” and a “few hours later,” the process was complete. He’d signed up for health insurance.
Oddly enough, the Republican House Speaker didn’t offer any details about his new health care plan. One would assume that if he’d experienced “sticker shock,” or been stuck choosing a plan that cost far more than his current coverage, Boehner would have mentioned it. Indeed, he would have been eager to mention it, since it would advance his larger political goals.
So why was Boehner silent on this point? Probably because he was able to save some money on an affordable plan – despite being a 64-year-old chain-smoker.
The Speaker provides a screen shot:
it's my understanding that the federal site directs you to a state site. If a state isn't participating you stay on the federal site.
Does he claim DC residency? If so, how can he claim to represent Ohio's 6th district? Does he have dual residency? Is that possible for a speaker of the house?
If anyone from Ohio could explain, I would appreciate it -- or for that matter -- anyone in general. I don't understand how someone from out of state -- Especially a state like Ohio, I've read that they are entering the Medicaid expansion, but I am not sure if they are planning on a state exchange. I'm under the impression that's not going to happen anytime soon.
It's my understanding that states with no exchange are required to the federal website.
I hope this makes sense. Thanks in advance!
Raine
8 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
I appreciate that article very much. This was interesting:
That is true. As long as their constituents have access to “in-person support sessions” like the ones being conducted at the Capitol and congressional office buildings by the local exchange and four major insurers. Or can log on to a special Blue Cross and Blue Shield website for members of Congress and use a special toll-free telephone number — a “dedicated congressional health insurance plan assistance line.”
It seems safe to assume that this was a political stunt. (another suspicion I had) I did want to understand why he was using the DC exchange. It appears he really didn't have to do that at all.
While millions of Americans have been left to fend for themselves and go through the frustrating experience of trying to navigate the federal exchange, members of Congress and their aides have all sorts of assistance to help them sort through their options and enroll.
Lawmakers and the employees who work in their “official offices” will receive coverage next year through the small-business marketplace of the local insurance exchange, known as D.C. Health Link, which has staff members close at hand for guidance.
“D.C. Health Link set up shop right here in Congress,” said Eleanor Holmes Norton, the delegate to the House from the nation’s capital.
Insurers routinely offer “member services” to enrollees. But on Capitol Hill, the phrase has special meaning, indicating concierge-type services for members of Congress.
Lawmakers and the employees who work in their “official offices” will receive coverage next year through the small-business marketplace of the local insurance exchange, known as D.C. Health Link, which has staff members close at hand for guidance.
“D.C. Health Link set up shop right here in Congress,” said Eleanor Holmes Norton, the delegate to the House from the nation’s capital.
Insurers routinely offer “member services” to enrollees. But on Capitol Hill, the phrase has special meaning, indicating concierge-type services for members of Congress.
You rock PoliticAverse.
