[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 133 (Tuesday, October 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1412-E1413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING HEALTHSOURCE RI FOR EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE

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                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2013

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to report that 
HealthSource RI officially opened for business today, allowing 
individuals, families and small businesses across the Ocean State to 
begin enrolling in their health insurance plan of choice. While a 
majority of states opted not to operate a health insurance exchange of 
their own, Rhode Island chose to be a leader in creating a state-
driven, integrated marketplace that will provide quality, affordable 
health insurance coverage for its citizens.
  We have come a long way since passage of the Affordable Care Act, and 
it has been no small task to reach this critical juncture. I would like 
to commend the leadership, vision and collaboration of Lieutenant 
Governor Elizabeth Roberts, former Health Insurance Commissioner 
Christopher Koller, current Health Insurance Commissioner Dr. Kathleen 
Hittner, HealthSource RI Director Christine Ferguson, and countless 
others who have worked tirelessly under the auspices of Governor 
Chafee. I would also like to thank our health care partners throughout 
the community who have contributed their resources and expertise to 
this endeavor.
  While many challenges remain in our mission to increase access to 
health insurance coverage for thousands across the state, it is one 
worthy of our best efforts. HealthSource RI will allow individuals and 
small businesses to shop for insurance based on transparent, 
competitive pricing. The online tools make it easy-to-use, and their 
staff is ready to field questions and concerns from Rhode Islanders who 
are shopping for health insurance. All Americans deserve high-quality 
health care, and the state exchanges will enable them to tap into those 
services.

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