On the recordJuly 20, 2017
Mr. Speaker, many health insurance executives say they are raising premiums and leaving exchanges because of uncertainty and the threat of not paying the cost-sharing reductions and not funding them. Brad Wilson, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina told The Washington Post in May: ``The failure of the administration and the House to bring certainty and clarity by funding CSRs has caused our company to file a 22.9 percent premium increase, rather than one that is materially lower.'' We need a bipartisan solution to stabilize exchanges. We need to stop threatening not to pay the CSRs. I introduced the Marketplace Certainty Act, which provides stability by permanently funding and expanding eligibility for these subsidies. This is pragmatic, commonsense legislation to stop premiums from skyrocketing, keep insurers in exchanges, and help people struggling to afford healthcare. I urge Republicans and Democrats to put people over partisanship and solutions above ideology by working together, by sponsoring my bill, and helping American families afford healthcare. ____________________





