Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) responded to the Department of Justice’s newly filed brief in Texas v. United States, in which the Administration asks the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to strike down protections for people with pre-existing conditions along with every protection and benefit of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As the Administration works to limit access to health care and protections under the ACA, Underwood continues to offer solutions to help improve the ACA and lower healthcare costs for the American people.
“This weekend marks two years since House Republicans cruelly celebrated their vote to eviscerate protections for pre-existing conditions take away health care from hard-working Americans. While that effort thankfully failed, this briefing is the latest example of the Trump Administration’s relentless attack on Americans’ access to health care, including undermining protections for people with pre-existing conditions,” said Congresswoman Underwood. “Illinoisans made it clear that they want a Congress committed to defending the quality, affordable health care their families rely on, as well as safeguarding protections for people with pre-existing conditions, bans on lifetime and annual limits on coverage, and other lifesaving protections for health care. Yet, the Administration is now doubling down on their shameful health care sabotage. We deserve better.”
Since its full implementation in 2014, the ACA has provided critical protections for the 130 million people in the U.S. with pre-existing conditions, including the 5,471,600 Illinoisans with pre-existing conditions. If the courts agree with the Trump Administration’s position, the following provisions would be struck down:
- Protections for people with pre-existing conditions;
- The ban on lifetime and annual limits on health coverage;
- The Medicaid expansion covering 15 million Americans;
- Health insurance affordability tax credits assisting 9 million Americans;
- Bans on discriminatory insurance practices that force women to pay more for coverage;
- Young adults’ ability to remain on their parents’ insurance until age 26, and more.
In February, Underwood introduced legislation that would help protect Americans with pre-existing conditions by overturning an Administration rule that expands limited duration insurance, commonly known as “junk plans.” The legislation has been passed by the Energy and Commerce and Education and Labor Committees.
