Three Cheers For BACON!

 

Liberating.  The decision to not seek another term can be liberating for a member of Congress.  The last year or two in office may allow a member to pursue bi-partisan legislation that would be too difficult in our black or white political world.  This is not universal.  Some Congressmen or Senators simply slink off to obscurity.  I would rather focus today on a Congressman who has carved out some space in the center-right of his party, Don Bacon (R-NE).   Congressman Bacon announced in June that this will be his final term.    

Don Bacon is leading a bi-partisan group of four Congressmen who have focused their attention on the need to address the cost and delivery of health care in our country.  Yes, they would like to explore meaningful reforms of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) but they understand the immediate need to extend the enhanced premium tax credit subsidies.  Please note that this is bi-partisan and that the focus is on improvement not destruction.  Mr. Bacon’s partners in this endeavor are Congressmen Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). 

After extolling the need for common ground and the need to listen to both sides, Congressman Bacon has the following on his website: 

Principles to Temporarily Extend and Reform Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits: 

Temporary: A two-year extension of APTCs 

Income Cap: An income cap phased out between $200,000 and $400,000. 

Reform: Guardrails to prevent improper payments of APTCs

Prevent “Ghost Beneficiaries”: Requirements that ACA marketplaces confirm recipient eligibility with the Death Master File 

Crack Down on Fraud: Establish a “preponderance of evidence” standard of proof to determine when an agent or broker should be allowed to continue operating in the ACA marketplaces. 

Enhance Delivery Clarity: Requirements that marketplaces better notify recipients the value of APTCs they are receiving from the federal government 

Congressman Bacon was interviewed on TV yesterday. I listened to him discuss his proposal and his willingness to negotiate the specifics.  This is someone who recognizes both the current and long-term problems and is ready to work towards a real solution.  I think that people of good will could build on this foundation. 

I can quickly name a couple of other members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, who could help in this effort.  The question is whether they would first need to announce that they are ready to retire and go home. 

Dave 

Health Insurance Issues With Dave

Picture – Ain’t No Bacon Here – David L Cunix