Obama's 'Misinformation' on Health Care

Meredith Jessup | August 28, 2009 2:35 PM

You know, I'm so glad the president has called for "an honest debate" on health care reform, and "not one dominated by willful misrepresentations and outright distortions." It makes it

so much more satisfying to call him out when he "willfully" misrepresents and distorts things.

During his weekly address last weekend, Obama tried put to rest the "rumor" that his health care plan would cover illegal immigrants:

Let’s start with the false claim that illegal immigrants will get health insurance under reform. That’s not true. Illegal immigrants would not be covered. That idea has never even been on the table.

Au contraire, Mr. President! The Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports that not only has the coverage of illegal aliens been on the table, but it still is on the table. According to CRS:

Under H.R. 3200, a 'Health Insurance Exchange' would begin operation in 2013 and would offer private plans alongside a public option…H.R. 3200 does not contain any restrictions on noncitzens—whether legally or illegally present, or in the United States temporarily or permanently—participating in the Exchange.

Hm. Interesting. CRS also notes that the bill lacks any provision that would require people requesting coverage or service to provide a proof of citizenship. So as it's written--and already approved by the House--HR 3200 would indeed cover illegal immigrants.

Be informed! Full CRS report on the "Treament of Non-Citizens in HR 3200" found here.