After reading the article in the Independent last week titled “Anthem Blue Cross Pulling Out of Santa Barbara,” it is clear to see that the Affordable Care Act is failing right before our eyes.
Anthem Blue Cross is pulling out of California’s individual markets, which will affect over 44,000 people throughout Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties. Since these counties will only have Blue Shield health care available to them now, it is common sense that premiums will increase due to lack of competition in the health-care marketplace.
Congressmember Salud Carbajal, as he always does, points the finger at the president and the Republicans for this failed health-care law. What he fails to mention is the ACA (Affordable Care Act) was a terrible law with numerous flaws. Since the ACA was implemented, we have seen premiums skyrocket and rising deductibles, which are hurting middle-class families throughout the Central Coast.