PALIN REJECTS TRUMPCARE AS IT STANDS AND SKETCHY GENETICS BILL SLIDES THROUGH THE HOUSE ALMOST UNNOTICED

Sarah Palin called Trumpcare a RINO (Republican in name only) plan in an interview with Breitbart. She says she thinks Trump will fix it, but is displeased with the government having its hands in the proposal to the extent it does. She especially criticized the 30 percent penalty the GOP plan proposes for gaps in coverage.

“This 30 percent additional fee will be collected by some in the private sector, which will mean politicians are allowed again to pick the winners and losers, and it makes you wonder who’s lobbying hardest for aspects of this new bill, because obviously there are special interests involved," Palin said.

In other health related news, another plan has met the approval of a House committee that would come with stiff penalties too.

Palin did not mention HR 1313, a health related bill that passed in the House last Wednesday that has a 30 percent penalty of its own. Like many others she many not have known about the "Preserving Employees Wellness Act" as healthcare news has been focused on Pres. Trump's plan for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.

House Republicans fully supported HR 1313, a bill that critics argue would violate the privacy of the rights currently protected under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act and under the Americans with Disabilities Act by allowing employers to conduct genetic oriented screenings such as cholesterol tests. All 22 Democrats opposed the bill. Republicans who favor the bill are potentially giving employers "Big Brother" like privileges into workers' healthcare. The bill circumvents existing laws by placing the l under a company's "health and wellness" programs.

Many companies today offer options for workplace health screenings to encourage workers to stay healthy and have an opportunity to take advantage of lower premiums. Genetics testing has been off limits. If the legislation passes companies would be permitted to require genetic testing and employees who do not participate or who refuse to share their results will be subject to paying 30 to 50 percent more for insurance.