GOP: Broken promises show health care law to be 'train wreck'

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- The Affordable Care Act is a "train wreck" for the nation, a Republican member of Congress said Saturday in his party's weekly address.

Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, said lawmakers had received a "stack of sad stories" about how the law had created higher premiums and deductibles for consumers, in some cases even causing them to lose coverage.

"Many families are now learning that they may not just lose their plan. But if they like their doctor, they may lose their doctor too," said Burgess, who practiced medicine for 25 years before being elected to Congress. "It's a train wreck for doctors, a train wreck for patients, and most importantly, it's a train wreck for the American people."

Burgess said the law "does not match" promises made by President Barack Obama and that Republicans were attempting to keep the administration "accountable once again for their failed promises."

"Many Americans are now questioning the White House's credibility, and rightfully so," he said. "They are right to expect the president to admit his mistakes and start giving some clear answers."

House Republicans passed a bill this month to allow insurance companies to continue to sell plans that don't meet the laws requirements, The Hill reported.

Obama has announced a regulatory fix for people losing coverage, and on Friday extended the enrollment period from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23 for coverage that would begin next year.