Rep. Carbajal Statement on Anthem Blue Cross Exit From California ACA Exchanges

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 -- Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., issued the following statement after the announcement that Anthem Blue Cross will discontinue many health insurance plans through Covered California, including in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties:

"Anthem Blue Cross of California regrettably announced this week that they plan to end coverage for people on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual health insurance plan in most of Southern California, including on the Central Coast, next year. Those affected will need to find a new insurance plan during the open enrollment period beginning this November. If you have any issues during the open enrollment period, please contact my office.

"President Trump's continued threats to "let Obamacare fail" by not making Cost Reduction Sharing (CRS) payments that keep insurance premiums down and not enforcing the individual mandate, have frustratingly helped destabilize our insurance markets. Insecurity among insurance companies lead to higher premiums, on the Central Coast specifically, rates are expected to go up by 6%.

"Now, more than ever, Congress must to work across the aisle to improve healthcare system and bring down costs for all Americans. That is why I have joined with a bipartisan, equally divided group of my colleagues in the 'Problem Solvers Caucus' to craft smart, bipartisan legislation that would stabilize the insurance markets and also keep out-of-pocket payments down.

These proposals include mandatory funding for CRS payments and creating a permanent reinsurance program, which expired last year. I am also the proud co-sponsor of H.R. 1307, to create a public option under the ACA and provide much needed competition between private industry to bring down healthcare insurance costs.

"I am glad to hear that the Chairman of the Senate Health Committee, Senator Alexander, will hold bipartisan hearings next month on ways we can strengthen the individual market after misguided attempts to repeal the ACA. This is a step in the right direction."