Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the below statement in response to Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposal to create a public insurance option in Washington state.

“I applaud Governor Inslee’s leadership to ensure all Washingtonians have access to affordable, high quality health care.

“I have long believed the best way to provide universal health care is to protect the Affordable Care Act and expand coverage by adding a public option to drive marketplace competition. I am proud that Washington state will lead this change by example.

“Despite the Trump administration’s best attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act, it is working. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, over 750,000 Washingtonians gained insurance coverage, more than three million people with pre-existing conditions no longer have to live in fear of being denied health coverage and nearly 72,000 seniors have saved a cumulative $76 million on their prescription drugs. 

“I remain steadfast in my support to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and provide universal health care through a public option. As Governor Inslee works to expand health care coverage and lower health care costs in Washington state, I will continue that fight in Washington, D.C.”

The Governor’s legislation would:

• Give every county access to an affordable health care plan contracted by the state through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
• Standardize public option plans to increase consistency of benefits and transparency in costs.
• Provide high quality plans consistent with the ACA to ensure lower costs won’t result in lower quality.
• Ensure consumers do not spend more than ten percent of their income on premiums.

###