POLITICO Pro Boehner opts for Obamacare over Medicare

House Speaker John Boehner became eligible for Medicare when he turned 65 years old Monday, but he’s not planning to sign up.

Instead, Boehner is going to keep his “expensive” Obamacare insurance plan.


The Affordable Care Act required members of Congress to get off the federal government’s insurance plan and, in most cases, enroll in an Obamacare policy. When members turn 65, they become eligible for Medicare as well.

When asked at a press conference on Tuesday about his health care coverage plans, he paused and laughed.

“I’ll continue to purchase my expensive health care coverage,” he said in an obvious nod to his Obamacare policy.

Last year, Boehner’s office told POLITICO that the speaker bought a policy that cost him $449 per month in premiums with a $1,000 deductible.

Open enrollment for the second year of Obamacare began on Saturday and will end on Feb. 15.

Most Americans — including members of Congress — must enroll in hospital coverage under Medicare. But other parts of the program are voluntary.