MARIETTA:  Flynn Will Improve Healthcare Access

To the Editor:

Each summer in state health insurers file their intended rate increases with the Department of Financial Services, which are reviewed and approved by DFS before being implemented.

Many people may be familiar with the generic notices they receive from their health insurance carrier, which outline the requested percentage rate increase from the carrier.

Over the years, double-digit rate increases have been a standard occurrence and the norm; and now, New Yorkers face a crisis in the making as a result of recent legislation impacting the Affordable Care Act.

As a licensed broker working with individuals and community organizations in the Capital District, and the central, southern, and mid-Hudson Valley regions, I’ve seen the importance of affordable health insurance as a supporting foundation for individual and business success.

Looking to 2019, individuals and employers will be blindsided and undermined by health insurance carrier requests amounting to an average 24 percent increase in monthly premium rates.  This rate increase is the direct result of the legislation repealing the individual mandate.

As individuals, their families and employers learn of this devastating increase in cost over the next four  months, there will be no way to respond.  In addition, this occurrence will only mark the beginning of annual double-digit increases for years to come and the growth in the number of uninsured in New York State.

Facing a growing crisis, we need to take immediate action and support a solution that offers a path forward for our community, our neighbors, and family and friends.  Brian Flynn and his Medicare for All initiative offers the roadmap and call to action we need to embrace and implement.

As a business founder and entrepreneur, Brian knows how essential health insurance is to building successful businesses, and more importantly, healthy communities.  Brian’s Medicare for All plan will provide benefits to all New Yorkers and eliminate barriers like access and cost.

Brian is clearly committed to creating a safety net for everyone.  As we near June 26 and the Democratic primary for the 19th Congressional District, I will be voting for Brian Flynn because he has a health insurance plan that will help Otsego County businesses and community members.

ANDREW MARIETTA

Fly Creek

County Representative

Cooperstown/Town of Otsego