© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Head Of Connecticut’s Health Care Exchange Cautions On Market Uncertainty

Chion Wolf
/
WNPR
Access Health CT CEO Jim Wadleigh is concerned the two remaining insurers in the state exchange could drop out.

The U.S Senate recently rejected a number of Republican plans to repeal, replace, or just overhaul the Affordable Care Act. But the health care debate is far from settled.

Jim Wadleigh, CEO for Access Health Connecticut -- the state’s health care exchange -- said he's now concerned that the two remaining insurers offering exchange plans, Anthem and Connecticare, could leave, and tens of thousands of people would lose coverage.

That could lead, Wadleigh said, to more people seeking regular care not from their doctors, but from their closest hospital, which costs a lot more.

“Customers going to the hospital, using the hospital as their primary care physician -- because by law, hospitals cannot turn away individuals,” Wadleigh said. “They may wait until much later in their illness, so by the time they do go to the hospital, it’s harder to resolve those issues, which then translates into much higher costs into the system.”

Wadleigh said in order to avoid that, carriers need certainty from the Trump administration and Congress that there will not be cuts to vital payment subsidies for low-income customers.  

Trump has threatened to end the crucial payments unless the Senate returns to its "repeal and replace" effort.

“We all would say that the Affordable Care Act, as created, has not been perfect, and there are lots of opportunities for improvement,” Wadleigh said. “I think we are seeing the beginnings of bipartisan conversations -- in early September -- to talk about ways to improve that health care.”

Anthem and Connecticare have until September 8 to declare whether they'll participate in the state health exchange next year.

Patrick Skahill is a reporter and digital editor at Connecticut Public. Prior to becoming a reporter, he was the founding producer of Connecticut Public Radio's The Colin McEnroe Show, which began in 2009. Patrick's reporting has appeared on NPR's Morning Edition, Here & Now, and All Things Considered. He has also reported for the Marketplace Morning Report. He can be reached at pskahill@ctpublic.org.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content