Annapolis, MD—Today, as the Maryland Insurance Administration hears arguments about proposed rate hikes —some as high as 90 percent—from Maryland health insurers, Democrats are calling on Larry Hogan and Maryland Insurance Commissioner and Republican Candidate for Baltimore County Executive Al Redmer to reject these exorbitant rate hikes that were caused by the GOP and Trump when they eliminated the ACA’s individual mandate.
“Maryland families should not pay for Donald Trump’s sabotage, so it is time for Al Redmer and Larry Hogan to stand up for Marylanders by rejecting these exorbitant rate hikes,” said Maryland Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Matthews. “While Maryland families continue to see their health insurance premiums spike under Hogan, Ben Jealous’ Medicare-for-All plan is a better deal for Marylanders that could produce thousands in savings for Maryland families each year.”
Maryland families are already paying for Trump’s sabotage. In May, Kaiser Permanente proposed a 37.4 percent premium increase, citing “the impact of eliminating the individual mandate penalty.” Earlier this month, following Trump’s most recent act of healthcare sabotage, University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business senior associate dean of research said, “so much uncertainty put in the market at this point of time is very unnerving.”
Under Governor Hogan, healthcare premiums have gone up 120%, and he opposed efforts to lower prescription drug prices. Ben Jealous’ Medicare-for-All plan is a better deal for Maryland and will build a new model to cover all Marylanders and get healthcare costs under control.