PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The head of Rhode Island’s health insurance marketplace is responding to a federal judge’s ruling that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional.
The U.S. District Judge in Texas cited last year’s tax cut bill for eliminating a penalty for not having coverage.
“It was a very big, big victory by a highly respected judge,” President Donald Trump said.
In a statement, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo called the ruling, “dangerous,” and said, “thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Rhode Island has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country, and HealthSource RI offers among the lowest premiums in the country.”
Friday’s ruling comes as Rhode Island’s health insurance exchange holds open enrollment for coverage in 2019, but officials at HealthSource RI say it likely won’t impact you.
“Ever since it was passed in 2010 there has been a lot of court challenges,” HealthSource RI Director Zach Sherman said.
More than 32,000 people have signed up so far for coverage beginning January 2019, according to HealthSource RI.
“This does not change anything about coverage people currently access through HealthSource RI, nor does it change our current open enrollment period,” Sherman said.
Sherman encourages those who need health insurance to sign up before open enrollment ends. You have until December 31st, although officials recommend you sign up before the 23rd.
Anyone interested in finding out more information about open enrollment can visit the HealthSource RI website.