Warner, Kaine on healthcare premium increases

U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine released the following statement after insurers filed initial rates that would lead to major premium increases for Virginians in 2019.

“These proposed price increases are a painful consequence of the Trump Administration’s efforts to sabotage the health insurance market and dismantle the Affordable Care Act. After a series of unsuccessful attempts to repeal the ACA, President Trump and Republicans in Congress settled for taking actions that will increase premium costs for American families, something even Trump’s former HHS Secretary admitted this week. Now, their irresponsible games are hurting Virginians by making it harder for families to afford health care. We hope our colleagues will take this seriously and pass bipartisan legislation to stabilize the market and make sure Virginians have affordable options for health insurance in 2019.”

Over 400,000 Virginians rely on the individual marketplace for health insurance coverage.