The Whidbey Examiner: U.S. Rep Rick Larsen seeking comments on Affordable Care Act

By Patricia Guthrie 

Have you benefited from the Affordable Care Act? If so, Second District U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen wants to hear from you.

Larsen and other Democratic lawmakers are preparing for a showdown over the Affordable Care Act, the national comprehensive health care plan passed under President Obama.

More people in Island County have health benefits because of the law, said Larsen, who represents portions of Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties and all of Island and San Juan counties. The number of Island County residents without health insurance dropped from 13 percent to 5 percent, according to information released by Larsen’s office.

Larsen said he needs examples of how the insurance aided individuals and families to “help beat back Republican efforts to take away health care” from the 537,000 Washingtonians who gained coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

He said he’s also concerned about the nearly 3 million Washingtonians with a preexisting condition and millions more whose benefits may be at risk.

“I am willing to work with anyone – Republican or Democrat – who is serious about lowering health care costs or improving quality of care,” Larsen said in a statement. “More than ever, Republicans in Congress need to hear from individuals and families in Island County who benefit from the Affordable Care Act.”