Are you unable to afford your new health insurance premiums now that Obamacare might be going away? Well, according to Rep. Jason Chaffetz, you should trade in your iPhone.
The GOP’s replacement plan for Obamacare has been met with plenty of hate from both sides of the aisle, but in an interview this morning, Chaffetz pointed out that people just aren’t focusing on how the new law will give us all more choices.
“Americans have choices, and they’ve got to make a choice. So rather than getting that new iPhone that they just love and want to go spend hundreds of dollars on that, maybe they should invest in their own health care,” Chaffetz told CNN. “They’ve got to make those decisions themselves.”
GOP Rep. Chaffetz: Americans may need to choose between "new iphone… they just love" and investing in health care https://t.co/5Hxwn2uOl5
— New Day (@NewDay) March 7, 2017
As a member of the House Judiciary Committee with a $174,000 base annual salary — and high-end health insurance provided by the government — Chaffetz should be reminded that an iPhone costs a fraction of the $5,277 per year the average family spends on coverage, according to the Kaiser Foundation.
Suggesting that an iPhone is a luxury item instead of a necessity is also ridiculous. Smartphones have quickly become the primary way most Americans access the internet, which is now a necessity if you want to operate in the digital world.
Chaffetz does makes Apple a priority in his own life, though. Federal Election Commission filings reveal he spent $738 of his campaign donors’ money at the Apple Store.
Later in the day, Chaffetz walked back his comments a few steps, saying “people need to make a conscious choice and I believe in self-reliance.”
Obviously, Chaffetz doesn’t understand that just because you can’t afford health insurance doesn’t mean you’re financially irresponsible.
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
24 responses to “Poor people should give up iPhones for healthcare, congressman says”
If someone is looking for a subsidy for health care, that I pay for with my premiums and crappy coverage… You’re damn straight I don’t want them buying an iPhone, or paying for cable, or anything else that is optional. Why should I subsidize that?
Because healthcare is FAR more expensive than a phone, so it’s not as though it’s “one or the other.” AND many people actually need smartphones for their jobs. It’s not a luxury anymore, it’s just expected that people will be able to call/email/connect any time of day.
Smartphones for jobs does not mean they need iPhones. iPhones are one of the most expensive smartphones there are. And from my own experience, any employer requiring its employees to have a smartphone is in charge of providing/reimbursing it. People who can’t afford their healthcare but spend money on expensive iPhones really don’t have their priorities straight. Self-reliance is a valuable quality. Financial responsibility is too.
what job does one need a smartphone for?
This is a red herring. Cell phones are a luxury even if they are a Nokia Hershey bar phone. For that matter any phone is a luxury.
No, they’re aren’t. The way society works now means that having a phone, being able to be reached any time of day, is a necessity.
Society works by able bodied people working to buy things they need and want. If someone buys a phone, or pays the phone bill before their kids eat or get medicine have no right to participate in our society. Our society guarantees the right to life, liberty and the PURSUIT of happiness. That’s it. Not a nice to have. You can add up all kinds to fluff that are cheaper than health care, that doesn’t mean you have the right to spend your money on them and expect us to pick up the tab for your needs. Make choices. Buy a 50 pound bag of beans instead of 5 pounds of filet mignon. Some actually need help and deserve it, don’t cheapen that by saying that a smartphone is a basic human need.
A smartphone is a basic need in the United States today. People are expected to be reachable through phone, text, email and other services at all times of the day. For many people who can’t afford home internet, a smartphone is the only way they can even access the internet at all.
If you want someone else to pay for your healthcare, you have no business buying some of the most expensive commodities on earth… priorities.
A smartphone isn’t all that expensive (compared to a computer, or healthcare premiums, or a car, etc.), and in many ways it’s necessary to be a member of society. People are expected to bring their own devices to work, they’re expected to have internet access at all times to reply to emails, and many people are expected to be on-call and that requires a cell phone.
For their price, smartphones are some of the absolute best things someone can buy, allowing them access to huge amounts of data and rapid contact with almost anyone. Smartphones aren’t a luxury anymore, they’re a necessity.
He’s got a point, really.
“We will sell your 22 inch rims, low profile tires, and your blasting stereo and speakers and put that money toward the “common good”
WHAT! Really.
This is purely one of the most idiotic statement, filled with some of the most neanderthal level stereotypes I’ve ever seen. How the hell did a statement like this make it to this site.
Foolishness.
What Tallest Skill posted was pure logic, what you posted was pure crap.
“I’d get rid of Lone Star cards–no cash for Ding Dongs or Ho Ho’s, just money for 50 pound bags of rice and beans, blocks of cheese, and all the powdered milk you can haul away. If you want steak and frozen pizza”
— Also known as “if you’re poor or unfortunate, I get to control what you eat. Nothing enjoyable for you!”
“then get a job”
— This is great advice for people who might have medical conditions preventing them from working. Should they just starve? Should they settle for the cheapest things our society has to offer?
“Before you write that I’ve violated someone’s rights, realize that all of the above is voluntary.”
— You’re not violating any rights, you’re just being a wildly selfish, controlling person who thinks that “our money” is more important than someone else having a good quality of life. Learn some compassion.
I am sure you read Tallest Skill’s post, but it’s clear you didn’t understand one word.
Remember MCI? How is it that poorly run business like GM, Chrysler, and the gamblers at the big banks get bailouts and still keep their fat bonuses? Because angry ignorant petty people like you do not realize they are being played for fools.
Buster, I really enjoy the cult cast and you being on it, but I have to say this article has a ton of bias in it.
“Suggesting that an iPhone is a luxury item instead of a necessity is also ridiculous.”
An iPhone is completely a luxury item. They are the highest end in the consumer smartphone market. If someone truly “needs” a smartphone, there are plenty of cheaper Android options or older, cheaper iPhones. Chaffetz specifically referred to “that new iPhone”
“Obviously, Chaffetz doesn’t understand that just because you can’t afford health insurance doesn’t mean you’re financially irresponsible.”
I think you’re very much mischaracterizing his argument there. If someone is struggling to afford their health insurance, who can honestly say it’s financially wise of that person to spend their money on a luxury item? Why the hell should my taxes make healthcare cheaper for others so they can afford a new iPhone? Maybe instead people can spend money on the truly important things like healthcare and then use what they have left on luxury things. That’s why it’s called disposable income.
Concur, Shannon. Total bias. Riddle me this – why is it wrong for Chavez to say this, but the Liberal Patriarch – Barrack Hussein Obama – can say the exact same thing, using almost the exact same words – and not be lambasted? Total Liberal bias. Buster Hein must be from California. Please tell me they are getting closer to being their own Socialist Country. Please?
a iphone is a luxury. there is no rational reason that a good smart phone is so expensive!
not a luxury when all your friends have one…just overpriced slabs
Just FYI, Mr. Obama said basically the same thing when the ACA was introduced. It’s about priorities.
He’s right. Flip phone will do just fine.
I heard Obama say the exact same thing on the radio today. Being responsible for yourself includes paying for your needs before your wants. It is not anyone else’s responsibility to pay your way, especially when you spend your money on TVs and Cell Phones before you handle your health. Your an adult…grow up.
And let the asshole war begin.