Ayotte Statement on Community Health Options Exit

Statement

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte released the following statement today regarding news that Community Health Options, a Maine-based co-op insurance company, would be leaving the New Hampshire market.

"I've heard from families all across New Hampshire that the Affordable Care Act is driving up their health care costs and reducing choice, which we're now seeing as a Maine insurance company is discontinuing coverage in our state. On top of that, we've seen co-op insurance companies established under the ACA fail across the country without any safeguards for the individuals they covered or ways to recoup taxpayer dollars. Community Health Options' exit leaves only one co-op in our state, underscoring the precariousness of this program," said Senator Ayotte. "The thousands of Granite State individuals and families who are impacted by this move deserve better, and I will continue working for true health care reforms that increase flexibility and options for the people of New Hampshire rather than limiting them."

The Affordable Care Act established the Health Insurance Co-Op Program, and as of July 2016, 16 of the 23 approved co-ops have failed.

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