WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, issued the following statement regarding Anthem Blue Cross’s decision to leave Maine’s ACA marketplace:

“I’m deeply disappointed by Anthem Blue Cross’s choice not to participate in our state's health insurance marketplace, which will eliminate coverage options for tens of thousands of Mainers. 

“Anthem was clear that the Trump Administration’s lack of commitment to market stability and lack of clarity about future decision-making made participation too difficult. From putting cost-sharing reductions in limbo, to shortening the 2018 open enrollment period and slashing the advertising budget, to planning to shut down Healthcare.gov during peak hours, the Trump Administration has chosen to undermine our current health care system and Mainers will be harmed.

“I have long advocated for Congress to pass bipartisan fixes to the Affordable Care Act. Instead, Republican leadership has spent the year pushing disastrous ACA repeal plans that would throw millions off of health insurance. We now see that inaction in Congress along with the extreme actions of the Trump Administration have resulted in fewer options for Mainers instead of more affordable, quality health care. It’s time Congress came together to pass legislation to support the individual marketplace.”