Unsustainable Component of ObamaCare Scrapped

Citing cost concerns, the Obama administration said Friday it has halted a long-term care insurance program that was part of the massive health care law passed in 2010.

Called the CLASS Act (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports), the program was canceled by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius after a 19-month effort to find a way to make it financially viable.

In a letter to Congress, Sebelius wrote, "Despite our best analytical efforts, I do not see a viable path forward for CLASS implementation at this time."

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 18, 2011) – State Rep. Mike Ritze said today that the failure of a long-term care program under ObamaCare highlights the legislation’s many weaknesses.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius cancelled the Community Living Assistance Services and Support program on Oct. 14, citing the fact that the statute required her to ensure the program could be solvent for 75 years and that she could not do so.

“The long-term care program is being scrapped for the time being, because there is a requirement that it be sustainable and affordable to move forward,” Ritze (R-Broken Arrow) said. “First, the individual insurance mandate is struck down because it is unconstitutional. Now, this program, which was supposed to create health care savings, has failed. A majority of Americans already didn’t like ObamaCare, but at this rate we’re going to see some of its supporters distance themselves from it.”

Ritze said the best course for the federal government is to get out of the health care industry, because regulation does more harm than good.

“The best way  for government to help is to get out of the way,” Ritze said. “With the government already involved in 50 to 60 percent of medical care before ObamaCare kicks in, is it any wonder that the industry is suffering? It’s time for the free market to provide solutions.”

Ritze, a physician and surgeon, said he plans to reintroduce legislation to nullify ObamaCare.

“I was the House author of legislation to opt-out of the ObamaCare mandates,” Ritze said. “I have also introduced legislation for the complete nullification of ObamaCare, as lawmakers in 12 other states have done.”