To the Editor:

Connecticut has set an example for the nation in providing affordable health care for its residents.

Access HealthCT, our health care exchange under the Affordable Care Act, is the most efficient and successful state-level health insurance exchange in the country. Enrollment has continued to grow year after year; last year record numbers of Connecticut residents registered, and the rate of uninsured in our state has been cut by nearly half. Almost 3/4 of enrollees have been able to receive financial help.

No one should have to decide whether they can afford to go to the doctor when they are ill, or whether they can pay for their medicine, because they don't have health insurance. Improving access to health insurance also makes economic sense: when people are insured, more can work, providers get paid, and health care works better for everyone.

It was the enthusiastic support of Connecticut citizens that allowed our leaders to create our health care exchange, despite the objections of the Republican-controlled general assembly, which fought against the plans that help and protect their own constituents. More than 100,000 residents who were previously unable to access health care are now able to get the care they need, because of Access HeathCT.

We must continue to speak out in support of affordable health care, and combat the misleading and confusing attacks on the Affordable Care Act. We in Connecticut know the truth. Our state is an affordable health care success.

Edward Randall

86 Great Hill Road, Newtown        April 18, 2018