Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Northern Virginians Deserve Better

Over the past 19 months a Republican Congress and Administration have continued to chip away at Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) with U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) toeing the party line. Cutting subsidy payments, shortening the enrollment period to sign up, eliminating funds to nonprofits that assist with enrollment and ending the employer mandate have meant higher costs for families. Already high, premium costs are predicted to spike next year. Cigna and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, both of which offer plans in Virginia under Obamacare, have filed for increases with the Virginia Bureau of Insurance. CareFirst requested a 64 percent increase; Cigna an average premium hike of 15 percent.

Jennifer Wexton, candidate for the 10th Congressional District and currently State Senator (33rd District) has a proven record of working with legislative colleagues in Richmond for affordable healthcare. She worked to expand Medicaid to those Virginians needing care that is expected to bring more than $10 billion back to Virginia’s economy. Underlying Wexton’s effort is her belief that access to affordable healthcare is a right for all Americans. Northern Virginians have a skilled champion ready to work on our behalf. Vote for Jennifer Wexton in November.

Sharon Canner

Reston