Enchantment State News

The governors of Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, and Oregon have collectively opposed a federal proposal to alter the regulatory framework governing state health insurance marketplaces. The group addressed a joint letter to Peter Nelson, Director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the withdrawal of the Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Proposed Rule.

The rule, put forward by the Trump administration, aims to limit states' regulatory control over health insurance markets. Concerns raised by the governors highlight potential confusion for consumers, restricted enrollment options for low-income families, and overall disruptions to local healthcare systems.

Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois expressed concerns about the proposal, stating, "Once again, it is clear that the Trump Administration will stop at nothing to restrict access to health insurance for Americans. This proposed rule will cause confusion, make it harder to enroll, and limit healthcare access for the most vulnerable Illinoisans."

Key issues identified in the letter include the ability of states to set open enrollment periods and determine eligibility, the elimination of special enrollment options for low-income families, and increased consumer costs due to changes in premium adjustments.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico commented on the potential impact, "The ACA marketplace has provided stable, affordable coverage for New Mexico families working hard to move up the economic ladder, ensuring continuity of care as incomes change. This proposed rule threatens to disrupt that progress, shift costs to New Mexicans, create unnecessary administrative barriers, and limit access to essential health services, ultimately hurting working families across our state."

Governor Jared Polis from Colorado warned about rising premiums and reduced access, noting, "The rule being pushed could raise premiums and make it harder for Americans to continue to see their doctors and get the coverage they need."

Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized the risks to Maryland's progress, stating, "This proposed rule would jeopardize the progress we've seen in Maryland, causing significant disruptions and limiting Marylanders access to healthcare options."

The governors have collectively urged the Trump administration to reconsider this approach, arguing for state flexibility in managing health insurance marketplaces to foster continued healthcare progress.