As Democrats on Capitol Hill and in the White House scramble to put a positive spin on a decrease of 2 million workers as a result of Obamacare, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is calling the assertion a “popular myth.”
Speaking to reporters in Orlando, Fla., on Tuesday, Sebelius refuted claims that the Affordable Care Act would lead to 2 million fewer workers, saying such a notion was a fallacy.
“There is absolutely no evidence, and every economist will tell you this, that there is any job-loss related to the Affordable Care Act,” the HHS secretary said. “Part-time positions are actually down since 2010, not up. The number of full-time workers continues to increase. I know that’s a popular myth that continues to be repeated, but it just is not accurate.”
Sebelius was referencing findings from a Congressional Budget Office report released earlier this month. The nonpartisan agency found that by 2017, 2 million workers would choose not to participate in the labor force as a result of Obamacare, as the law removes health insurance as an incentive for employment.
The HHS secretary, who has been called to resign by numerous lawmakers, said there is “absolutely no evidence” the Affordable Care Act will affect the country’s employment rates.
CBO projects there will be a decrease in full-time employment by 2.3 million workers by 2021.
Democrats on Capitol Hill have praised both Obamacare and the agency’s findings since their release, saying the law frees workers from “job lock.” Republicans, however, argue the CBO’s report highlights yet another unintended consequence of Obamacare as employers find ways to cut costs — by slashing jobs.
Since the law’s disastrous implementation, employers have cut employees’ hours to avoid providing them with health coverage. Companies are also finding themselves strapped with additional costs as a result of Obamacare, with major businesses like AOL and Delta reporting increased costs in the millions.
Watch Sebelius discuss the CBO’s findings below.
