WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Darin LaHood voted no on H.R. 986, the Democrats’ misleading “Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019,” which does nothing to protect individuals with preexisting conditions and ultimately limits choices states have to expand access to care. This legislation would revoke the Trump Administration’s guidance for Section 1332 innovation waivers, which allow states to implement health care solutions that provide individuals with better access to affordable care. The Trump Administration’s guidance states very clearly that it does not allow waivers for policies that may impact coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions.
“Let me be clear - when it comes to our healthcare system, I fully support and have voted consistently in favor of protecting coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions. It’s disappointing that the Democratic majority is, again, misleading the American people through the title of this bill, which fails to address underlying problems we’ve seen in Obamacare and undermines a program that has reduced the cost of premiums,” stated Rep. LaHood. “Instead of putting politics and rhetoric ahead of people, Democrats should work with Republicans to lower the cost of health care, expand access to care, and ensure individuals with preexisting conditions continue to be protected.”
Rep. LaHood is a cosponsor of H.R. 692, the Preexisting Conditions Protection Act of 2019, which ensures individuals with preexisting conditions have access to coverage regardless of changes to the healthcare system.
Section 1332 Innovation Waivers
- Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Section 1332 state innovation waivers allow states to waive specific ACA requirements and implement their own plan to better provides health insurance to individuals
- In October 2018, the Trump Administration updated guidance for Section 1332 state innovation waivers to reduce red tape and eliminate burdensome regulations
- Under this guidance, a state can apply to waive ACA requirements related to health insurance exchanges, premium tax credits, cost-sharing subsidies, the individual mandate, and the employer mandate, and implement a program that better provides access to individuals
- This guidance DOES NOT allow states to waive the preexisting conditions coverage requirement
- As of October 2018, 11 states have been approved or applied for innovation waivers, Illinois is not one of them
H.R. 986 [this bill actually has nothing to do with] Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act
- All H.R. 986 would do is repeal the Trump Administration’s guidance for Section 1332 innovation waivers
- ?Instead of allowing states the option to provide better, more affordable, and more accessible care, this bill perpetuates false information on coverage for preexisting conditions, and implements a top-down, government-knows-best approach to health care
