Health Insurance Companies Need to Be Held Accountable

Health insurance is supposed to be there for us, like a safety net. But lately, in Maine and across the U. S. , people are feeling that net slip away. They see it in delayed appointments, unexpected bills, and the fear that their doctor might suddenly be out of network. This isn't just a Maine problem. It's happening all over. Insurance companies often leave areas when profits drop, calling it a "market adjustment. " But for the people left behind, it feels like abandonment. In one Western county, the only Affordable Care Act insurer left overnight. Families had to drive hours to check their coverage or find specialists far away. In Maine, a near-breakup between Anthem and Northern Light Health left thousands worried. Would their insurance still cover their hospital, cancer center, or therapist? This uncertainty caused real stress. It showed that insurers can leave communities with little warning, leaving patients to deal with the fallout. A solution could be a 20-year reentry ban for insurers that leave a region or major health system. This isn't about punishment, but responsibility. It would force insurers to commit to the people they serve. Critics worry about reduced competition, but the damage is already done when an insurer leaves. This rule would protect competition by keeping insurers engaged. Rural Maine feels this instability the most. Nearly half of rural hospitals operate at a loss. When insurers leave, they're not just leaving spreadsheets; they're leaving neighbors, veterans, and grandparents. These are the people who have kept Maine going for generations. They deserve reliability, not retreat. Maine has a history of bipartisan governance. A 20-year reentry ban reflects values from both sides. It ensures insurers act responsibly, protects patients from sudden shocks, and prevents chaos. It won't solve every problem, but it will give Maine solid ground. Families will know their care won't disappear overnight, and hospitals won't be abandoned. We can build a system where insurers stay because it's the right thing to do. Where older adults get the help they need, patients don't fear sudden disruption, and stability defines health care. Maine deserves a system as steadfast as its people.