U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist., is supporting a bill that would protect people with pre-existing health conditions and reduce health care costs.
“Too many families in Kansas are struggling to get the health care they need or are faced with skyrocketing costs,” Rep. Davids said in a news release. “At my recent town hall in Olathe, eight out of 10 questions were about health care. That’s why I’m co-sponsoring this sweeping legislation to stabilize and improve the Affordable Care Act, protect people with pre-existing conditions, and lower health premiums for Kansas families.”
On Monday, the Trump administration attempted to not only end protections for people with pre-existing conditions, but to eliminate all protections and benefits provided by the Affordable Care Act.
“I am thrilled to see House Democrats offer a plan to solidify protections for pre-existing conditions, increase affordability, and expand healthcare coverage,” said Laura Robeson, a Prairie Village mother and health care advocate. “It is particularly important because last night, my heart sank with the news that the Trump administration and the DOJ are backing a court ruling that would completely dismantle the ACA. It would be devastating for my family and for my son, whose life depends on protections for pre-existing conditions. This plan offers an urgent solution to protect and strengthen the ACA.”
“This administration’s attacks on the ACA and people with pre-existing conditions could result in millions of people being kicked off of their coverage and going without the vital care they need. I’m committed to working with people from either party who want to lower health care costs and protect those with pre-existing conditions,” Rep. Davids said.
If the Affordable Care Act is struck down, 130 million people will lose coverage for their pre-existing conditions, and the uninsured rate will increase by 65 percent, according to Davids.
The bill would improve affordability and reduce premium costs for consumers; expand affordability for working families; and protect comprehensive coverage for small businesses and workers. It also has several other provisions.
The bill is H.R. 1884, ‘‘Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions and Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2019.’’
The bill was introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone, D-New Jersey, and has 78 co-sponsors, according to information on the Library of Congress website.