Government

Obama Voices Support for States Opting out of Individual Mandate

WASHINGTON (The Blaze/AP) — In a concession over his divisive health care overhaul, President Barack Obama offered Monday to let unhappy states design alternative plans as long as they fulfill the goals of his landmark law.

Obama made the remarks while addressing the country’s governors in Washington, D.C.

About half the states are suing to overturn Obama’s health care law, targeting its unpopular requirement that most Americans carry health insurance or face fines from the IRS. Obama told the governors that if any of them have better ideas, they’re welcome to propose it and see if it works.

First they would have to convince Washington that their approach covers at least as many state residents, provides equally affordable and comprehensive benefits, and would not increase the federal deficit.

“If your state can create a plan that can cover as many people as affordably and comprehensively as the Affordable Care Act does, without increasing the deficit, you can implement that plan and we’ll work with you to do it,” Obama told the governors.

Obama’s offer is not as sweeping as it may sound at first. In fact, the law already allows states to propose their own framework for health care. But under the law, states cannot offer their plans until 2017. The president said Monday states could submit their ideas three years earlier, in 2014.

Liberal-leaning states like Vermont would be able to experiment with a coverage-for-all approach similar to Medicare while Republican-leaning states would be able to propose plans that don’t rely on a government mandate to buy insurance. One alternative would be to automatically enroll people in health coverage.

The idea to move up the date for state experimentation did not start with Obama. Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Massachusetts Republican Sen. Scott Brown have already proposed it in legislation. But the president gave it a prominent endorsement.

“I think that’s a reasonable proposal, I support it,” Obama said Monday. “It will give you flexibility more quickly, while still guaranteeing the American people reform.”

The health care law‘s big push to cover the uninsured won’t come for another three years. Starting in 2014, many middle-class households will be able to buy taxpayer-subsidized private coverage through new state based insurance markets. And more low-income people would be signed up for Medicaid. The law will expand coverage to more than 30 million now uninsured.

But Obama didn’t just offer compromise to Republican governors. He challenged state chiefs over their treatment of unions.

Obama said all stakeholders must have a role in discussions about state budgets and employees should not lose rights as governors look to cut spending. His comments come as Republican governors in Wisconsin and Ohio back bills that would end collective bargaining agreements for public employees.

Obama said he understands the fiscal challenges facing cash-strapped states and says everyone should be prepared “to give something up.”

“We’re not going to attract the best teachers for our kids, for example, if they make only a fraction of what other professionals make,” Obama said. “You‘re not going to convince the bravest Americans to put their lives on the line as police officers or fire fighters if you don’t properly reward their bravery.”

—

Associated Press writers Julie Pace and Philip Elliott contributed to this report.

Comments (128)

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  • hownowbrownmao
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:43pm

    O.K. Blazers, who on the R ticket tells NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH except Ron Paul? Do you see how fast Trump told CPAC Paul had no chance? Paul is the only one who isn”t B.S.ing and you know what, the chickensh#t R party is scared to death of him, can you imagine stopping all useless federal spending and getting EVERY U.S. serviceman out of that filthy catbox we call the middle east? I would venture a guess Israel might all of a sudden make nice if Uncle Sam took a powder, or they would stop whining about Iran and DO SOMETHING.

     
    • hauschild
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:22pm

      I’m leaning Paul without question at this point, and I thought he was kinda whacko during the last debate.

      For me, it‘s Palin first and if she doesn’t run, Paul. Palin’s got a direction and vision which is paramount, while Paul has tons of common sense.

      NO: Neutered Gingrich/HuckleBarryBee,Romnoid or any other yahoo that will screw the pooch once they’re elected and make conservatives look worthless again.

      Report Post »  
  • stinkybisquit
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:42pm

    If you look at the details, to opt out of a FEDERAL mandate, the the state would have to have a mandated health plan of equal or higher quality (therefore equal or higher cost); so, you’d eventually be forced to buy either a state plan or a federal one. What choices!

    Report Post »  
  • hauschild
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:34pm

    So, the Boy-Child now thinks the health care system isn’t such a great idea. Are you freaking kidding me????

    It’s astonishing, really, how utterly stupid this dude is?!?! He can read the hell outta a teleprompter, thereby “organizing” the masses, but ask him a common sense question and he’s clueless. Yup – typical liberal; book smart, but that‘s as far as it goes because they’re unreasonable and irrational.

    Report Post »  
  • sleazyhippo
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:31pm

    Have you seen our “Stand in the Blaze” Tees for only $25.00 plus tax that can be ordered by clicking at the “Blaze Store” button at the bottom of the page? Snazzy brown shirts that wear well and look great on women and men – a wholesome LIKE for that Easter gift list!!!

    Report Post » MONICNE  
  • EdgeOfForever
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:30pm

    I think Lord Barry knows his law will die in the Supreme Court so he is trying to save face now. Republicans, don’t fall for it. Let the Supreme Court shoot it down. It IS unconstitutional.

    Report Post » EdgeOfForever  
  • Make the Stupid People Shut Up
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:11pm

    This Guy really is the Peter Principle on steroids
    The only Hope the Dems have for 2012 is to impeach him LOL

    Report Post » Make the Stupid People Shut Up  
  • wash1776
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:10pm

    How magnanimous of this miserable hypocrite now that it has been called unconstitional in the courts twice. He is just looking for points toward the next election. Do not be fooled by this lying communist.

    Report Post »  
  • glennisright.com
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:09pm

    By supporting the opt out he is admitting that Obamacare was a bad bill and that all of his cost saving projections were wrong.

    http://www.glennisright.com

    Report Post » glennisright.com  
  • rightwingheroes
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:08pm

    The Office Of The President Of The United States Of America.

    Community Organizers need not apply. Thanks.

    Report Post »  
  • code green
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:08pm

    Since when is Obumma been in favor of States Rights???? He is too busy ignoring the Constitution all together, for that.
    What a joke . What a fool he thinks we are .

    Report Post »  
  • Silversmith
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:07pm

    This bill is not just about insurance. This thing has far reaching provisions for banking, security, immigration and more. The whole thing needs to go! Too large to be called any one thing, this bill is a disaster on MANY fronts. It threatens everyones freedoms.

    Repeal and Replace.

    Silversmith

    Report Post » Silversmith  
  • ilovethiscountry
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:06pm

    @CNSRVTVJ

    I agree. I shouldn’t eat while I am watching and listening to Obama. It makes the food taste bad.

    Report Post »  
  • yubba
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:05pm

    Last I heard Obama care was unconstitutional what part of that don’t he understand, front, back ,middle.Once you decide to follow the rule of law maybe we listen to you, but I dought it, your lordship.

    Report Post »  
  • OBAMA IS INELIGIBLE TO BE PRESIDENT
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:05pm

    Further notes on the Governor of Hawaii ( another loser) : Abercrombie put his foot in his mouth. Didn’t he hear that Tim Adams, the Hawaii Senior Elections Official, already stated for the record that there was “no birth certificate on file for Barack Obama” in Hawaii and that “it was the best kept secret” with all the elections personnel – since they wanted to keep their jobs! He went to both hospitals and there were no records of his birth as well. He had absolute access to these records because it was his job to verify the citizenship people in order for them to vote.

    There is Absoute PROOF that Obama was born in Kenya. Read the book: “OBAMA – INELIGIBLE TO SERVE – LIES, CRIMES and DEADLY AMBITION” (at Amazon). In this book there are Legal Facts that explain WHY Obama is NOT ELIGIBLE under the U.S. Constitution. There are also transcripts of testimony that state Obama was born in Kenya, Statements made by the Kenyan Ambassador confirming he born there, articles in Newspapers are quoted, and numerous other accounts by many people all stating Obama was born there, including his own Grandmother and other family members. Everyone has to get their facts first, then argue — if they can after they read the book. Obama is a fraud — and is perpetrating the biggest HOAX on the American people in history. (If anyone does not understand the legal cases and what they say — this book will explain the cases and the concepts in clear, understandable terms.) America must wake up!!!

    Report Post » OBAMA IS INELIGIBLE TO BE PRESIDENT  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:00pm

    Obama is campaign mode again. Getting ready for 2012. Spouting off that he’s ready to negotiate with the Republicans. When everyone knows that he will never come to the center. He is trying to appease us with rhetoric while firming up his leftist base. But one thing we can say about Obama is that he has brought out the true agenda of the liberal socialist demos.

    Report Post »  
  • Its Gonna Getcha
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:55pm

    Why should the States of the United States of America have to prove anything to this guy, this guy who lied his ass off so people would vote for him? The States are not on the hook. Go home Obama.

    Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
  • Beware of Romans
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:54pm

    Obama will continue to trick people into thinking he is now become a moderate. he relies on this deception to get re-elected in 2012. Rest assured, if he succeeds, he will introduce a global bank tax, a global carbon tax, and soon almost all your hard earned money will go to the government.

    Welcome to Communism Sheeple.

    Report Post » Beware of Romans  
  • beckwill
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:53pm

    We‘re not attracting the best teachers NOW so what’s it matter? also, would states be able to submit proposed healthcare budgets that leave out some parts so as to make it appear as if it wouldn’t increase the deficit like Obama and the dems did?

    Report Post »  
    • chickenlittle
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:12pm

      Not going to be able to attract the best teachers at a “fraction” (!) of the wages of other professions????

      *********

      So where’s the “teacher shortage” now??? Will they still have to teach the socialist agenda under federal control? Do teachers (including bad ones) get tenure after three years? Can we have merit pay for the good ones and get rid of the bad ones??? Can we… huh? huh?

      Report Post » chickenlittle  
  • DashRipRock
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:53pm

    Sounds like this man

    does not know the meaning of

    EVERYONE

    Report Post »  
  • rmblount
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:52pm

    Thanks letting us decide your Kinghship, mighty nice of you.

    Report Post »  
  • Steve Martin
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:51pm

    Repeal the whole law!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » Steve Martin  
  • kraphtsman
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:50pm

    The President’s statement conveniently ignores a very important fact. As it currently stands, O’Bamacare (aka The Affordable Health Care Act) is unconstitutional, and has been vacated by a federal court ruling. He has no authority to waive any requirement he speaks of…. since he has no such authority to enforce ANY provisions contained in this unconstitutional piece of legislation .

    What an arrogant jerk !

    Report Post »  
    • teahugger
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:03pm

      My thoughts exactly! His disregard for the law is staggering.

      Report Post » teahugger  
    • abseas
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:12pm

      The rule of law doesn’t matter to commies. Just read the teleprompter and tell the folks anything that you think might sound good to them. In the meantime, continue on with your own agenda of domination and ‘state capitalism.’ (Communism) Do it carefully enough and maybe they won‘t notice until it’s too late for them. It’s been proven in the past to work pretty well. Hopefully, the American people will prove them wrong this time. Warn your friends and neighbors. Don’t get sucked in!

      Report Post »  
    • randy
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:28pm

      EXACTLY!
      Who the hell does he think he is!!!
      2012 can’t get here soon enough

      Report Post » randy  
  • GODSAMERICA
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:50pm

    “If your state can create a plan that can cover as many people as affordably and comprehensively as the Affordable Care Act does, without increasing the deficit, you can implement that plan and we’ll work with you to do it,” Obama told the governors
    How about a plan that no one has insurance and has to pay the full medical expenses out of their own pocket would be more affordable than what he has planned.

    Other than that, I wonder why he would be so willing to let the states opt out of his “rob the people plan”? Could it be that because the majority of the people that work for the states are union people who I’m sure is already exempted for being union?

    Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:46pm

      I will only warn this much; if Obama is appering to compromise on this, then there is something more in the wings waiting to be sprung upon us.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • dmforman
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:03pm

      I was thinking the same thing SnowLeopard when I heard this on the news. What’s next may be even scarier.

      Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:49pm

    The fed-med-dead bill has funding for Obama’s civilian national security force , right ?
    Guess why ?
    Obama just dared the R states to do what they want, he still has the enforcers

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • El Paco
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:09pm

      No, he said “You can do what you want as long as it achieves MY goals.”

      Me-monster??

      Report Post » El Paco  
    • okbroomrider
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:33pm

      Right on Big Buddy! Come on 2012!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:39pm

      His enforcers are still there with the IRS, and also he has stated the governors may appear to do what they wish, just so long as the governors plans merge and go along with the fed’s health care plans and all others.

      In short, do as I say, act as I say, and follow the plan as I say and all will be fine. It is the unspoken threat behind the words we need to pay attention to.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Angelacw
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:03pm

      Since when do state Govenors answer to the President? I thought it was supposed to be the other way around.

      Report Post »  
  • Hisemiester
    Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:48pm

    This spawn has no idea of what he says from one day to the next. It makes my view of him as a marionette puppet more and more real. He just opens his mouth and Satan speaks.

    Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:52pm

      Actually the R governors should respond with :
      ” We’d rather wait for 2012 results”

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:03pm

      Well Congress passed a law declaring Day Light Savings Time

      So now everyone in the nation has to be late for work one day out of the year and an hour early for work another day out of the year.

      So why doesnt Congress pass a law called

      AMERICA SAVING TIME

      and move out yearly Calendar ahead one year
      So we can vote these Idiots out of Office

      THIS NOVEMBER?

      Report Post »  
    • leftiesaredangerous
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:04pm

      The better system WAS ALREADY in place. It needs desperate improvement, but it was ridiculously better than “Obamacare”.
      Nobody but his far left cronies and blind liberal followers CARE what he’s willing or unwilling to do. Oh my, his arrogance is matched only by Charlie Sheen.

      Let me be clear; 2012 can’t come fast enough.

      Report Post »  
    • J.C. McGlynn
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:07pm

      If I could go to another state to get a health plan out side of Pa. I could get it for $350 a month instead of $550 a month. Would that be considered lowering the cost?

      Report Post » J.C. McGlynn  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:14pm

      ” In a concession over his divisive health care overhaul, President Barack Obama offered Monday to let unhappy states design alternative plans as long as they fulfill the goals of his landmark law.”

      Bah ha ha! Thanks for your permission to design alternative plans, Marxist in Chief, but we don’t need it – and we especially don’t need to fulfill the unConstitutional Obamacare law.

      ““We’re not going to attract the best teachers for our kids, for example, if they make only a fraction of what other professionals make,””

      If the private sector wants a certain caliber of teacher, they will pay for it themselves, privately. Or there will be those who will be willing to teach for free (but not for very long).

      And like all things economic, when the supply of teachers goes down, their price will go up.

      Fundamentally speaking, it must be said, education is NOT a right. Like with health care where it is the doctors who incur the cost of business, teachers also incur the cost of business, and we do not DESERVE their services.

      ““You‘re not going to convince the bravest Americans to put their lives on the line as police officers or fire fighters if you don’t properly reward their bravery.””"

      This is true as far as it goes, but if the private sector is suffering from a bad economy – especially if it’s caused by government – then there are only so many brave officers and fire fighters whom we will be able to properly reward.

      At any rate, it‘s not Obama’s call. These are State matters, and he needs to butt out.

      Report Post »  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:20pm

      So now Obama says it’s O.K. for States to opt out. The only reason he supports it is because he doesn’t want to go down in history as the Liberal President that had national health care and 3 years later had it taken away.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • cnsrvtvj
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:24pm

      The great divider speaks again. He is such a petty little man. He did forget to bash Fox News today though. I’m Geussing the telepromter was acting up.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – Tea Party News

      Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:26pm

      Blah, blah, prepared statement, blah, blah, lie, lie, blah, lie, um, er, lie, um, um, uh, blah, lie, er, lie, platitude, er, uh, lie, blah, um, lie, blah, blah, lie, lie, lie, blah, um, blah, er, um, uh, lie, thank you.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • DESCENDENT
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:27pm

      Follow the money and power. Our focus is on the wrong thing. Barack Obama and the Office of the President is irrelevant. The Federal Reserve and those behind it are undermining the constitution and the Free World to form a “New World Order” with one World Government controlled by one World Bank. Those behind the FED are also orchestrating ALL of the global unrest and economic instability that we are currently witnessing. Bringing down the FED should be our main focus…Watch: The Obama Deception

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwaLw&feature=related

      “A constitution of government once changed from freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.”
      John Adams

      “A private central bank issuing the public currency is a greater menace to the liberties of the people than a standing army. We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.”
      Thomas Jefferson

      Report Post » DESCENDENT  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:30pm

      I missed the analysis because I was doing my own research on-line and purchasing Gold coins over an 800 number. In the middle of all this the doorbell rang; my Gun arrived FedEx with my diet pills and first selection of freeze dried survival food. The headline misleads the reader.That happens a lot in here.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Marylou7
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:30pm

      Yeah, DASHRIPROCK, I like your idea. Very good!!

      Report Post » Marylou7  
    • BecksTheMan
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:32pm

      He knows Obamacare is toast and is trying to hook as many willing states as possible and hoping to appease the states that want nothing to do with Obamacare. It needs to be thrown out as well as individual state politicians who are determined to impose this on the states whose best interest they are supposed to be representing.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:36pm

      He does know what he is doing now, he is trying to shift the light from the activities of the union back to the battle over health care. In making the apperance of willingness to compromise upon the law, he is trying to show he is more able to be flexible and make compromises than the right and those of the conservative governors…this is a case of smoke and mirrors.

      He will never compromise upon those traitorous ideals and agendas he holds; he knows now that the people of the land are awakening, and his agenda is now getting out of control. His last stand will be a scorched earth to take down as much of the land as possible.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:37pm

      we cant afford it. nuff said.

      Report Post »  
    • rodamaa
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:46pm

      maybe the response should be “The law has been determined to be unconstitutional.” If you want to talk let’s take it to the Supreme Court then we will talk.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 3:47pm

      @CHEEZ

      I agree and let the SCOTUS .. take up the case of FL and the other states stating that it is unconstitutional .. he is just trying to do an end run around the ruling … before he loses.

      Report Post »  
    • TurnRight
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:12pm

      The New “Tricky Dick”.

      Report Post »  
    • ablisterin
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:18pm

      I think several states have tried this crap before and none of them have worked out well. That‘s why we’ve decided only a NUT would try to implement gov’t healthcare nationwide. If it don’t work on a small scale what makes someone think it will work nationwide, I live in TN and Tenncare has been a flop. What about romney-care? I hear it’s worked out fantastic.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:39pm

      See the middle digit, Obama?? By 2014, Obamacare will have been declared unconstitutional, and America will have either survived this power grab or not. In the meantime, the People’s business is to DEFUND your Marxist laws and executive orders– all of them, so help us God.

      Report Post »  
    • BehindBlueEyes
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:47pm

      The skinny guy with the big ears knows that by 2017 (if his master plan is allowed metastasize) there will be no viable options to chose from.

      Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
    • Ezekiel
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:50pm

      If he spoke for Satan, I would think that he would be a little more convincing. He is just a man that claims he knows God but, I never hear a love for Jesus.

      Report Post » Ezekiel  
    • jbl8199
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:52pm

      @Heismiester I couldn’t have said that better myself

      Report Post » jbl8199  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:58pm

      Say, Ezequiel, if he hadn‘t convinced so many we wouldn’t be in this mess.

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:06pm

      potus said he understands the fiscal challenges facing cash-strapped states and says everyone should be prepared “to give something up.”

      I say he give up his freedom and enter the cells in gitmo NOW!!!!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Thinkingboy
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:13pm

      He obviously has no idea why brave people put their life on the line. It is not about the money. Police, firemen, and soldiers definitely aren’t the best paid, yet they work longer, tougher hours, do more dangerous work, and are often far from home. It’s about protecting the man next to you and serving the community and nation. If money was the reason they did their job, they wouldn’t be brave, they’d just be willing to make risks for a high return.

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:09pm

      We don’t need your support Obama.

      We simply AREN’T GOING TO DO IT.

      We don’t need your permission.

      You’re not a King.

      You work for us.

      We tell YOU what YOU can and can’t do, not the other way around.

      Get that through that railhead of yours.

      Ron Paul 2012

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:31pm

      Everything is so calculated like a chess match! Can anyone just think about the constituents for 10 seconds without trying to out maneuvre the other party! Makes me want to clench my teeth until they crack!!

      Report Post »  
    • stinkybisquit
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:59pm

      Great. We get either Obamacare, or Romneycare.

      Report Post »  
    • butler180
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:45pm

      This is a red herring. Prez Obama has no intention of doing what he said he would consider.
      Liar Liar pants afire

      Report Post » butler180  
    • mimitweetin
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:51am

      Too bad the Governors don’t need support advice or approval of their own plan. The don’t even need a plan! The Tenth Amendment is a beautiful thing! If the states pass legislation nullifying Obamacare there isn’t a damn thing this Commie can do about it whether he likes it or not!

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:03am

      That’s right, nullification is the answer.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
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