Oct. 12, 2017: Statement of Betsy Ryan on On President Trump’s Executive Order and its Erosion of Affordable Care Act Coverage Protections


“My greatest concern is for healthcare consumers as the Trump Administration takes steps to systematically dismantle the law that provides healthcare coverage to 32 million Americans, including about 800,000 New Jerseyans. Those individuals and families may not realize that these actions could eliminate important protections for those with pre-existing health conditions, or requirements for minimum levels of covered services in insurance plans. Amid all the political chaos and noise, healthcare consumers could be left with bare-bones coverage that is practically worthless when they or their families really need it. They will pay the price from their own pockets, and the healthcare system that we all depend on will be threatened by the growing burden of unpaid care. The President’s actions also sow a growing level of unease and uncertainty throughout the health insurance market, and that means higher premiums for all of us – individuals, families and employers.

“Poll after poll shows that the American people want a bipartisan effort to keep the Affordable Care Act but fix some of its shortcomings. New Jersey’s healthcare community urges our elected leaders to listen to their constituents and work constructively to repair the ACA and preserve healthcare coverage and consumer protections.”