DNC Issues Statement on Insurers’ Plan to Hike Rhode Island Health Rate

WASHINGTON, May 31 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following statement by Northeast Press Secretary Elizabeth Renda on reports that Rhode Island's commercial health insurers plan to raise premium rates by as much as 10 percent in 2019:

"Time and time again, Donald Trump and his Republican cronies in Congress have sabotaged and attacked the American health care system, and now, Rhode Island families are being left with the bill for their partisan games. Due in large part to 'continuing uncertainty over federal policy actions around the Affordable Care Act,' Rhode Island's commercial health insurers are seeking to raise premium rates by double digits next year, with the state's largest insurer proposing an average individual rate increase of 10.7 percent.

"The Republican Party should be ashamed that their partisan-fueled attacks on the Affordable Care Act are responsible for making it harder for working Rhode Island families to access the health care they deserve.

"It's time for Trump and Republicans in Congress to stop playing games with Americans' health care and start joining Democrats in working to make health care accessible to every family. Quality, affordable health care should be a right for all Americans, not a privilege for the wealthy few."