Ad unfairly attacks Peters over Obamacare

If you live in Michigan you’ve probably seen the outrageous ad attacking U.S. Rep Gary Peters for his support of Obamacare.

The ad is funded by a big business-funded group called Americans for Prosperity.  It features a mother of five by the name of Shannon Wendt.

Wendt says her insurance company cancelled her health policy because it didn’t comply with the Affordable Care Act.

She says her family’s “new plan is not affordable at all” and that the law is “destroying the middle class.”

The ad is compelling drama. There is only one problem: It isn’t true.

“In fact, her case is an example of how middle-class families can benefit from the law — if they choose to do so,” according to FactCheck.org, which studied the ad’s claims.

Someone viewing the ad could not help but be moved by the plight described in the ad. It is a shame that such misleading claims can sway something as important as a U.S. Senate race. Peters is the Democratic candidate to replace retiring Carl Levin.

FactCheck.org, the bronze or silver plans would provide better benefits at less cost than the plan Shannon Wendt currently has. Her family would qualify for subsidies under the law and her children could be covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program, a joint federal-state health care program that provides insurance at little or no cost for children of moderate-income families who are not eligible for Medicaid.

While the Republican National Committee did not pay for this ad, “they certainly push a similar message,” notes Chuck Austin, founder of Senior News and Advocacy. “With 7 million people buying ACA policies, it is hard to believe many people have been priced out of the market.”

Lots is at stake in this year’s Senate election in Michigan. Citizens are going to have to pay close attention if they want to avoid getting hoodwinked.