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Ways & Means Republicans Oppose Protection for People with Pre-Existing Conditions

July 12, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Republican members of the Ways & Means Committee unanimously voted against a measure to protect individuals with pre-existing conditions from discrimination. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Tax Policy Subcommittee, offered the amendment to prevent health care plans from taking away pre-existing condition protections during a committee markup of 11 health-related bills.

"Today, Republicans yet again turned their backs on the millions of Americans who have pre-existing conditions," said Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA). "What happens to that child who was born with severe diabetes? Prior to the current law of the land, she either wouldn't be able to get insurance or would be charged a higher premium simply because of a health condition that is no fault of her own. Mr. Doggett's amendment would have simply reaffirmed existing protections for people with pre-existing conditions, something that the vast majority of Americans believe is the right thing to do."

The Affordable Care Act prevents insurance companies from discriminating against the estimated 130 million Americans who have a pre-existing condition. As part of its ongoing effort to undermine the current health care system, the Trump Administration is refusing to defend this portion of the law in federal court, threatening the future of pre-existing condition protections.

"The Trump Administration has made clear its determination to remove protections for the millions of Americans who suffer from pre-existing conditions," said Rep. Doggett. "With their vote, Republicans rejected an opportunity to defend those with pre-existing from having insurance protection denied. If Trump and his enablers in Congress have their way, we will be going to be back to fine-print plans that take away rights and block, deny, or limit people with pre-existing conditions."

Full text of Congressman Doggett's amendment is available HERE.

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