Coalition Rallies in Support of "One City, One Market" DC Health Exchange

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

The coalition supporting the the DC Health Benefit Exchange (HBX) rallied yesterday on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building. The coalition -- which includes the Metro Washington Council -- urged support for the “Better Prices, Better Quality, Better Choices for Health Coverage Amendment Act of 2013,” which will be voted on today by the DC City Council. The bill would ensure a single market for health insurance, guaranteeing "quality, affordable health care for every city resident," said Health Committee Chair Yvette Alexander. After months of discussion, collaboration and consensus by community, healthcare, labor and business leaders and residents from across the District, the DC Health Benefit Exchange (HBX) Authority has unanimously approved a set of rules that will govern the sale of health insurance in the District, including strong consumer protections, investments in improving the health of DC residents, and a transparent and competitive insurance marketplace designed to force insurance companies to compete. - report/photo by Chris Garlock