OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington has joined another multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration, this time over a new rule they say will strip health coverage from thousands of state residents.
State Attorney General Nick Brown says the rule makes it harder to enroll in or keep health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
“The Trump administration seems determined to undo the progress we’ve made in the past 15 years to help people get medical treatment when they need it,” Brown said. “People in Washington deserve the health care coverage they’re entitled to under the law, and I will continue fighting to protect that access.”
He claims it was pushed through with limited public input and could cause nearly 2 million people nationwide to lose their coverage.
The AG’s Office says the rule would lead to tens of thousands fewer people using the state’s Health Benefit Exchange, cutting millions of dollars in revenue.
The rule also eliminates federal recognition of gender-affirming care, forcing Washington taxpayers to pick up an extra $1 million annually.
Brown and attorneys general from 19 other states are asking the court to stop the challenged portions of the rule before it takes effect on Aug. 25.
