Obama’s broken promise on health care premiums

When he ran for president, Barack Obama promised to reduce health insurance premiums by $2,500 for the typical family. Instead, costs have increased more than $3,000. The impact of that broken promise is felt not only by families, but also local governments.

Workers’ compensation costs for the city of Tulsa have reversed a two-year downward trend even though the number of claims requiring payment has dropped sharply. The increase is due to rising medical costs.

The result of that jump in workers’ comp payments can be seen in reduced general appropriations for other needs, higher property taxes, or both. What’s true of Tulsa is true of other cities across Oklahoma and state government as well. All could face higher workers’ compensation costs.

Obama’s broken promise means areas like education, transportation or public safety may get shorted, and taxpayers may otherwise make up the difference — while also paying more for their own health care.

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