Statement on Blue Cross Blue Shield’s announcement that it will offer 2017 health plans in Pinal County

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick gave the following statement today in response to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s announcement that it will continue to offer health plans in Pinal County, Arizona’s health insurance marketplace in 2017:

“When Arizona faces a challenge, our focus must be on action rather than acrimony. That's why I reached out directly to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona on Aug. 18, noting that the company is a leading provider in our state and has played a key role in bringing down the uninsured rate in Arizona. I urged Blue Cross to ‘take action and participate in a solution that would help thousands of Arizonans.’ So today, I applaud their decision to do just that. I also spoke directly with the CMS administrator multiple times in recent weeks, including yesterday, and I urged CMS to prioritize efforts to ensure that all Arizonans have access to quality, affordable health care. While others may aim to politicize these issues, my aim is to find solutions that strengthen Arizona.”

BACKGROUND

Kirkpatrick asks Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to ‘take action and participate in solution for Pinal County’ (Aug. 18, 2016)
Kirkpatrick letter to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona CEO (Aug. 18, 2016)
Kirkpatrick slams Aetna’s apparent retaliation over merger rejection (Aug. 17, 2016)
Kirkpatrick statement on Aetna’s decision to leave Arizona’s health insurance marketplace (Aug. 16, 2016)
Kirkpatrick letter to Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (July 8, 2016)
Kirkpatrick letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell (May 20, 2016)