Press Releases
Huizenga Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Protect Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions
Washington,
August 6, 2019
Tags:
Health Care
On Friday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) joined Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02), and the author of the legislation, Congressman Denver Riggleman (VA-05), in introducing H.R. 4159, the Protecting Patients with Pre-existing Conditions Act. This legislation will amend the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to guarantee coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions even if the Affordable Care Act is struck down in court. “No matter what happens to Obamacare in the court system, I believe no one should be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition,” said Congressman Huizenga. “This common-sense legislation ensures people with pre-existing conditions can get coverage and maintains important safeguards to prevent costs for individuals with a pre-existing condition from skyrocketing.” “I am proud to introduce this bill which guarantees health coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions,” said Congressman Riggleman. “I campaigned on reforming our healthcare system in a way that lowers costs while ensuring coverage for people with preexisting conditions. This bill goes a long way towards that goal.” “As Chairwoman of the Suburban Caucus, I hear from constituents every day about how important it is to protect people who have preexisting conditions,” said Congresswoman Wagner. “All Americans deserve and depend on access to quality and affordable healthcare. I am proud to join my colleague Congressman Riggleman in introducing the Maintaining Protections for Patients with Preexisting Conditions Act, legislation that guarantees coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions. I have always supported coverage for those with preexisting conditions and have worked tirelessly with my colleagues to craft legislation that provides these basic protections. We will continue to fight for affordable care and protections for vulnerable populations.” “As we work to increase access and lower the cost of healthcare, protections for patients with pre-existing conditions continues to be a priority,” said Congressman Newhouse. “I agree with the people of Central Washington who believe we must continue to protect our most vulnerable populations, and I am proud to join my Republican colleagues to ensure patients are guaranteed coverage and not subjected to higher pricing, regardless of their health conditions.” The Protecting Patients with Pre-existing Conditions Act is a response to cases in federal courts that threaten to repeal the entire Affordable Care Act - including its coverage of pre-existing conditions. More specifically, the legislation amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by adding provisions from the ACA in order that they remain law even if the ACA is struck down. The pre-existing conditions provisions include:
|