Raimondo Commits to Protecting the Affordable Care Act, Signs Executive Order
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Gina Raimondo took executive action today to protect Rhode Islanders’ access to affordable health insurance coverage. Since she’s been in office, Governor Raimondo has met countless Rhode Islanders–including many with preexisting conditions–who have health insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Trump administration’s ongoing attempts to undermine the ACA put Rhode Islanders at risk.
The executive order Governor Raimondo signed today charges state agencies, including the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), HealthSource RI (HSRI) and the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner with taking all necessary actions to protect access to quality healthcare, maintaining affordability and ensuring the public is informed and educated about their options.
«It is important to take a step back and recognize why this is so significant. We have the fourth highest insured rate in the country, meaning the vast majority of Rhode Islanders have protection from the unforeseen. They know if they get sick or are in an accident, they don’t have to choose between financial ruin and getting necessary treatments,» said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. «No matter what happens in Washington, I am committed to defending Rhode Islanders’ access to high-quality, affordable health coverage.»
As part of the order, the state will look to strengthen protections in state law for people with preexisting conditions, prescription drug coverage and maternity coverage. Rhode Island will also continue to guard against predatory health plans that discriminate based on pre-existing conditions and do not cover essential health benefits.
«The state is committed to protecting access to healthcare to ensure a future where more, not less, Rhode Islanders have health insurance,» said HSRI Director Zach Sherman. «Individuals and families who depend on the Affordable Care Act for health coverage should rest assured that because of the state’s protective actions, they will continue to see quality, low-cost options this Open Enrollment.»
The Affordable Care Act has been incredibly successful in Rhode Island. Today, more than 95% of Rhode Islanders are insured, and Rhode Island has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country. Since the launch of HealthSource RI and Medicaid expansion, Rhode Island’s uninsured rate has been cut by nearly two-thirds. In total, more than 100,000 Rhode Islanders have coverage because of the ACA.
«We cannot afford to lose the gains we’ve made as a result of the ACA,» said Health Insurance Commissioner Dr. Marie Ganim. «The Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner will continue to work with the Governor and the General Assembly to protect Rhode Island from any attempts to dismantle crucial consumer and market stability protections.»