US Bill Proposes Barring Foreign Diplomats From Obamacare Subsidies

Legislation entitled "No Healthcare Subsidies for Foreign Diplomats Act", prohibiting foreign diplomats and UN personnel from receiving US tax-payer funded subsidized medical coverage under the Affordable Care Act was introduced in the US Congress.

WASHINGTON, December 11 (Sputnik) — Legislation that would prohibit foreign diplomats and UN personnel from receiving US tax-payer funded subsidized medical coverage under the Affordable Care Act was introduced in the US Congress.

"Foreign diplomats should be allowed to purchase health insurance coverage in the United States, but the cost of that coverage should be borne by their sending States," the bill, introduced Wednesday, stated.

Legislation entitled "No Healthcare Subsidies for Foreign Diplomats Act" also proposes that US taxpayers "should not subsidize the health insurance expenses of foreign diplomats."

The legislation was introduced by Republican congressmen Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Dave Camp, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. It is not immediately clear when or if the legislation will go to a vote.

"Americans' tax dollars should not be used to subsidize foreign diplomats' health coverage. These foreign governments should cover the healthcare costs of the diplomats they send here," Royce said in a statement announcing the legislation.

The Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare," was enacted into law in March 2010, with the aim to provide universal healthcare through the establishment of online health insurance marketplaces and tax-payer funded subsidies.

Obamacare has been at the center of the dispute between the US President Barack Obama and the Republican party, which has vowed to repeal the healthcare law after securing a majority in the House and Senate in November's midterm elections. Republicans consider the law as unconstitutional and a burden on the US economy.