Providence, RI – As Tea Party Republicans continue holding government funding hostage in an attempt to undermine Obamacare, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) yesterday visited the contact center for HealthSource RI in Providence to hear about how the new Obamacare insurance marketplace is helping Rhode Islanders. Hundreds of Rhode Islanders have signed up for insurance through HealthSource RI since it opened on Tuesday.
“I’m grateful for the hard work of all those at HealthSource RI who are helping Rhode Islanders sign up for affordable insurance,” said Whitehouse. “Our state is already being held up as a national model for these insurance exchanges, and I thank all those involved. As the debate over funding the government continues, I’ll keep fighting to protect this program from Tea Party attacks.”
“The contact center has been an important source of information for Rhode Islanders seeking to learn more about the high quality affordable health insurance options now available through HealthSource RI,” said Christine Ferguson, Director of HealthSource RI. “We are thankful that Senator Whitehouse was able to stop in to talk to the employees who are so critical to our success. We also thank the Senator for his longstanding support of HSRI, as well as his commitment to ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have access to health insurance.”
HealthSource RI provides a range of health insurance options for individuals and small businesses. Many people will qualify for federal subsidies to help cover the cost of coverage. Rhode Islanders should visit www.healthsourceri.com for more information.
When Senator Whitehouse arrived yesterday, a family who had signed up for health insurance through HealthSource RI was returning to thank the staff there by bringing them coffee and donuts. He also heard reports that the staff at the contact center had received hugs from folks who found out how affordable their insurance plans were going to be.
Yesterday’s visit came during a short trip back to Rhode Island for Senator Whitehouse. He will return to Washington, DC today to resume his work to end the government shutdown and protect the programs that Rhode Islanders care about.
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