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This R&D provides information on UnitedHealth’s recent decision to leave thirty-four of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) health insurance exchanges due to mounting losses.  The insurer says that it will lose $650 million this year, partly due to the fact that those using the exchanges are most in need of care versus those that receive insurance from an employer.  This sicker risk pool was not offset by enough younger, healthier customers so UnitedHealth has taken a financial hit.  Critics of the ACA say that UnitedHealth’s departure from the exchanges will lead to fewer options for exchange customers and that it is further proof that the ACA is not working for a majority of Americans. Defenders of the law say that UnitedHealth’s exit will not adversely affect the ability of Americans to purchase health insurance over the short-term or long-term.

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