Health Care Delayed is Health Care Denied

February 9, 2012

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports, "a state Senate subcommittee has bowed to the reality that no legislation will be approved in this General Assembly session to create a state exchange for health insurance benefits."

Progressive Point: Virginia families and business owners demand and deserve affordable health care solutions which makes the General Assembly's refusal to create a state health care exchange incomprehensible. Conservatives in Richmond are putting politics before people and bowing down to the will of insurance companies. This refusal to act is denying Virginia federal dollars and the flexibility to create a health insurance marketplace designed for Virginians' needs.

Virginians want a state exchange that is overseen by the consumers receiving the care, not by a biased industry more interested in making a buck. Small business want an exchange because it will save them money help them create jobs. Delaying the exchange's creation putting roadblocks in front of Virginians seeking affordable health care is moving our Commonwealth in the wrong direction.

Get the Facts:

• Virginia's health benefit exchange will enable more than 500,000 Virginians to acquire heath care


• Virginia's health benefit exchange will save Virginians money by reducing the cost of uncompensated care for the uninsured by more than $800 million


• Virginia's health benefit exchange will provide options to ensure sufficient choice of providers and information on provider availability


• Virginia's health benefit exchange will protect consumers by requiring insurers to submit justifications for premium increases and making such justifications public


• Virginia's health benefit exchange will help consumers by making the process of deciding on a health care plan easier


• Virginia's health benefit exchange will help small business by providing a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) to meet their unique needs.