BY PETER
SULLIVAN - 03/12/18 03:25 PM EDT 14
A
health insurer in Alaska and Washington State is crediting the Republican tax
law for its decision to participate in ObamaCare markets next year.
Premera
Blue Cross said in a statement Monday that because of a one-time refund the
company is getting under the GOP law, it will be able to make new
commitments.
One commitment,
the company said, is stepping in to offer coverage if any of Washington’s
counties lack an insurer on the ObamaCare marketplace, a problem the state
contended with last year.
The
company also said it is pledging to “ensure continued stability” of the Alaska
ObamaCare market, where it is the only insurer offering coverage.
Democrats,
as well as many insurers, have criticized a separate provision of the tax law,
the repeal of ObamaCare’s individual mandate, as having a destabilizing effect
on ObamaCare markets.
But
Premera offered praise because of its refund.
“This
refund has given us an unexpected opportunity to reach beyond our own company
to further address the critical health care needs of the communities where we
live and work,” CEO Jeff Roe said in a statement. “I am especially pleased to
continue our commitment to the individual market and build stability for
families in Washington and Alaska.”
The company announced
a $250 million investment over five years, which also includes $40 million to
improve services in areas such as addiction treatment and premium rebates
for consumers.
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