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McAuliffe Touts Virginia's 'Robust Health Care System,' Despite Many Counties Only Having One Insurer

May 5, 2017

Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D., Va.) on Friday touted Virginia's "robust health care system," despite 27 counties only having one insurer for 2018.

As McAuliffe was attacking Republicans' health care agenda, CNN host John Berman called out the governor for Obamacare having problems in his home state. Health insurer Aetna announced Wednesday that it would not continue providing coverage throughout much of Virginia in 2018, pulling out of the Obamacare exchange.

"In Virginia alone, you know that Aetna just announced that it's pulling out of the individual market, which leaves, what, 27 counties, by one estimate, could only have one choice for 2018," Berman said. "So, you know that as it stands now with no changes, Virginia's in trouble in terms of Obamacare."

McAuliffe evaded Berman's point and said that all is well in his state.

"Well, first of all, John, let me just give you the facts," McAuliffe said. "We have a very robust health care delivery system. We still have eight or nine plans without Aetna, so we're fine in Virginia."

Berman called out McAuliffe for his response, citing how many plans are still available in Virginia

"Twenty-seven counties with just one plan, though, so there will be people who have no choices," Berman said.

McAuliffe then said he agrees that Obamacare needs to be fixed, but did not address Berman's statement.