Earlier this month Anthem, a major health care provider, announced its intention to exit Ohio’s Obamacare market. Anthem’s CEO, Joseph Swedish, said on CNBC that the company’s decision is a consequence of Obamacare’s unsustainable markets.
Though Senate Democrats refuse to abandon the failed law, the reality is that Obamacare’s structural failings are causing the health care market to collapse in many states. In Ohio alone, 18 counties will be left with no health care provider. Nationwide, 60% of counties could have 2 providers or less in 2017. Anthem’s CEO warned of greater potential fallout, saying, “it’s possible without the right kinds of changes with respect to funding levels and other regulations associated with the Affordable Care Act that we may have to exit certain markets because those markets are not sustainable.”
Health care experts like Anthem’s Joseph Swedish are making it clear – Obamacare is imploding. Senate Democrats need to step up to the plate and own the fact that they supported and voted for the dramatic failure that is Obamacare. Now is the time to fix the American health care system and for Democrats to work across the aisle with Republicans to replace Obamacare.
“The American people deserve Senators who will own up to voting for the disastrous failure that is Obamacare and work towards creating comprehensive solutions,” said NRSC Communications Director Katie Martin. “Anthem CEO’s statement is proof the Obamacare fallout is just the beginning. Senate Democrats should stop playing partisan games and offer solutions to rebuild and stabilize American health care markets.”