DNC ​Spokesperson Vedant Patel released the following statement following reports that Washington's health insurers plan to raise premium rates an average of 1​9​ percent in 2019:

“Time and time again, Donald Trump and his Republican cronies in Congress have sabotaged and attacked the American health care system, and now, ​Washington​ families are being left with the bill for their partisan games. Due in large part to​ 'a great deal of uncertainty in individual markets across the country, fueled by the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act,' ​Washington​’s commercial health insurers are seeking to raise premium rates next year by an average of ​19 percent. The Republican Party should be ashamed that their partisan-fueled attacks on the Affordable Care Act are responsible for making it harder for working ​Washington​ families to access the health care they deserve. It’s time for Trump and Republicans in Congress to stop playing games with Americans’ health care and start joining Democrats in working to make health care accessible to every family. Quality, affordable health care should be a right for all Americans, not a privilege for the wealthy few.”