During the health care debate, President Obama promised that those who liked their health care plans would be able to keep them. Critics of the legislation countered, however, that this was an empty promise, because the sweeping changes would nonetheless prompt employers to change health plans.

Score another point for the critics.

The Associated Press reports that, “an early draft of an administration regulation estimates that many employers will be forced to make changes to their health plans under the new law. In just three years, a majority of workers-51 percent-will be in plans subject to new federal requirements.”

The AP story goes on to say that, “some experts believe increased regulation will lead to improved benefits for consumers.” Of course, those added benefits — chosen by government, not individuals or even their employers — will also drive up premiums.

But that’s a separate debate, and Obama shouldn’t be allowed to move the goal posts. Arguing that the federal government will now be forcing people into better — but more expensive — plans is a far cry from vowing, as Obama did in his speech to the American Medical Association, “If you like your health care plan, you’ll be able to keep your health care plan, period. No one will take it away, no matter what.”