WASHINGTON –Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today introduced legislation with Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Steven Horsford (NV-4), and Gwen Moore (WI-4) that would help protect Americans with pre-existing conditions by overturning an Administration rule that expands limited duration insurance, commonly known as “junk plans.” In August, the Administration finalized a rule that expanded short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans that do not have to offer patient protections like coverage for pre-existing conditions or essential health benefits like maternity care, prescription drugs, and hospitalization that the Affordable Care Act requires.
“A pre-existing condition shouldn’t be some kind of scarlet letter Americans have to wear around their neck as they try to get the quality, affordable healthcare everyone deserves,” Congresswoman Underwood said. “I’m one of the 300,000 people in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District who have a pre-existing condition, so this is personal: no insurer should ever have the option to discriminate against us.”
Immediately following introduction, Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Anna Eshoo (CA-18) announced there will be a hearing next week on the legislation. Underwood is on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions subcommittee of the Education and Labor Committee.
