U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has filed a lawsuit against the Office of Personnel Management trying to block a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that allows the government to pay for part of the health benefits for members of Congress, saying it is out of the government's legal authority, according to a Law 360 report.
Sen. Johnson sees this exemption as unfair, preferential treatment and an overstepping of power. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Sen. Johnson wrote, "Unlike millions of their countrymen who have lost coverage and must now purchase insurance through an exchange, members and their staffs will receive an employer contribution to help pay for their new plans."
In his op-ed, Sen. Johnson said the OPM named the federal government a small employer, thereby allowing members of Congress to receive coverage through Small Business Health Options Program where employers can purchase insurance for employees.
Sen. Johnson wrote the provision "forces me, as a member of Congress, to engage in activity that I believe violates the law." He also says this provision could create a discord between elected officials and constituents as constituents are seeing their elected officials receive special treatment.
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