Connecticut Gov. Malloy Issues Joint Statement on Health Insurance Rate Increases

HARTFORD, Connecticut, July 20 -- Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, D-Connecticut, issued the following joint statement on proposed health insurance rate increases that the Connecticut Insurance Department attributed to "ongoing uncertainty in Washington that threatens to destabilize the health insurance markets, particularly for individuals":

Governor Malloy said, "President Trump has been determined to undermine affordable health insurance in America, and as a result, middle class families and businesses in our state and across the country will pay the price. Next year, over a hundred thousand Connecticut residents will pay more for insurance because the president and his Republican allies in Washington have relentlessly and pointlessly attacked the Affordable Care Act, causing uncertainty in the healthcare exchange marketplace and increasing insurance premiums.

"Connecticut has been a leader in the expansion of affordable health insurance, and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to stabilize the market in order to ensure every Connecticut resident has access to quality, affordable health care."

Lt. Governor Wyman said, "Today we are seeing the consequences of President Trump's continued attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. These efforts are aimed at eliminating protections for our customers, driving instability into the market, pushing premiums higher, making coverage less comprehensive, and shifting more out of pocket costs to our residents. Despite these actions, Connecticut will continue to work to drive down health care costs and make coverage more affordable. I'm proud of the progress we have made at Access Health CT in recent years and will not stop advocating for stability, lower costs and high quality health care for the people of Connecticut."