Kelsey, Durham File Bill To Block Obamacare State Exchange

  • Thursday, January 15, 2015
Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) and Rep. Jeremy Durham (R-Franklin) on Thursday filed legislation that would prevent individuals and businesses in Tennessee from being assessed fees under Obamacare if the U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of the plaintiffs in the case of King v. Burwell.  The Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments on the case in March which, in effect, challenges the administration’s regulations on citizens in states which did not set up state healthcare exchanges in conjunction with the federal act.

 

“This bill will stop the IRS from penalizing Tennesseans for not signing up for Obamacare,” said Senator Kelsey.  “It also prevents Tennessee from operating any Obamacare exchanges in the future.”

 

He said, "Plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that the section of the law authorizing the government to distribute tax credits and assess penalties applies only when states choose to run their healthcare exchanges.  The law does not explicitly state that the tax credits and penalties apply when the federal government runs the exchange.  Tennessee is one of the 25 states that have chosen to force the federal government to run its exchange.  Senate bill 72 would prohibit Tennessee from running the exchange in the future if the plaintiffs receive a favorable ruling the case.  A decision on the case is expected by in June after the Tennessee General Assembly has adjourned. 

 

Rep.

Durham said, “The Supreme Court could overturn half of Obamacare, and this bill will prepare our citizens for that.”

 

A draft of the bill is available at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/109/Bill/SB0072.pdf

 
Living Well
Siskin Hospital Launches Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program
Siskin Hospital Launches Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program
  • 7/8/2025

Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, in collaboration with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, has launched a new physical therapy residency ... more

The Salvation Army Of Chattanooga Gears Up For Its Annual Beat The Heat Program
  • 7/3/2025

The Salvation Army of Chattanooga is kicking off its annual Beat the Heat Program. Beat the Heat begins July 1 and lasts until the end of August each year, and is dedicated to helping those in ... more

Red Bank Announces Expanded Classes For Active Older Adults
Red Bank Announces Expanded Classes For Active Older Adults
  • 7/3/2025

Beginning in July, Red Bank’s Active Older Adult (AOA) popular Qi Gong, Chair Yoga and Music Jam classes will expand to every Wednesday. The new schedule for the weekly classes is: • Monday ... more