Rhode Island Gov. Raimondo Issues Statement on Affordable Care Act

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, June 8 -- Gov. Gina Raimondo, D-Rhode Island, issued the following statement on the Department of Justice's decision not to defend the Affordable Care Act:

"Washington's latest effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act is nothing short of unconscionable. Gutting protections for the Rhode Islanders with preexisting conditions could be the difference between life and death for some of our state's most vulnerable.

"Here in Rhode Island, there's no question that the Affordable Care Act--with all its provisions--is working. Since the launch of our health exchange and Medicaid expansion, our uninsured rate has dropped a remarkable 75 percent.

"Today, it's one of the lowest in the country. I believe that no one should have to choose between paying their mortgage or seeking lifesaving treatment. No matter what happens at the federal level, I'll keep fighting until every single Rhode Islander has access to quality, affordable health care."