Ernst Statement on White House Meeting on Health Care Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) issued the following statement after her meeting at the White House this afternoon on health care reform:

“We had a productive meeting this afternoon, and discussions will continue to take place over health care reform. The reality in Iowa is that continuing the status quo simply isn’t an option because ObamaCare is unsustainable.

“Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Aetna have both pulled out of the Iowa individual market altogether, leaving only one statewide carrier. Additionally, news reports indicate that the sole carrier, Medica, is very concerned about its ability to continue to serve Iowans in the individual market. Should they leave too, 72,000 Iowans will be left without an option to purchase health insurance next year, all because of ObamaCare. That’s unacceptable.

“While traveling across Iowa on my 99 county tour, I hear from Iowans who are looking for affordable, and patient-centered health care solutions; their feedback is critical. As with any reform, we must ensure that it is done thoughtfully and carefully, but also with close attention to how it will affect insurance availability in 2018 and beyond.”