A group of GOP senators will reintroduce the Protect Act, which would ensure Americans with pre-existing conditions are not denied healthcare coverage or charged more due to a pre-existing condition.
Among the Republicans who plan to reintroduce the measure are U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Todd Young (R-IN).
“Millions of Americans who have a pre-existing condition should never have to worry about being denied coverage of treatment for them or their children,” Sen. Tillis said.
If enacted, the Protect Act would amend the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to guarantee the availability of health insurance coverage in the individual or group market, regardless of pre-existing conditions, and prohibit discrimination against patients based on health status, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.
“There is bipartisan consensus in Congress for codifying these protections into law, but have repeatedly been blocked for political purposes,” said Sen. Tillis. “The Protect Act is an important first step towards protecting Americans with pre-existing conditions and pursuing patient-centered reform that will provide all Americans with the affordable and quality choices that work best for their needs and their budget.”
Sen. Ernst noted that as she has met with Iowans, health care has consistently been a top-priority topic. “Iowans want to see lower costs, choice in deciding what’s best for their families, and protections in place for those with preexisting conditions,” she said. “We must always ensure protections for Iowans with preexisting conditions — like my nephew with autism, and my brother and my sister who both have Type 1 diabetes — regardless of how policies may change at the federal level.”
According to a two-page Protect Act information document, the measure does not strike down, weaken nor change any provision in Obamacare. Rather, the bill demonstrates the commitment of Republicans to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions, regardless of the future of Obamacare, according to the document.
“Families should not have to worry that a pre-existing condition will stand in the way of getting health coverage,” said Sen. Portman. “This is a basic principle for good health care that I will continue to support and fight to ensure that it remains the law of the land.”
The senators who introduced the bill have made it clear that they are willing to work in a bipartisan way “to reform our broken healthcare system and ensure Americans have access to quality and affordable health care,” the summary document states.
Sen. Capito, for instance, said she would “continue working with my colleagues toward common sense solutions that result in better health care, affordable coverage, and expanded options for all West Virginians, including those battling the disease of addiction.”
Sen. Burr added that the measure will give Americans “peace of mind” by ensuring they have affordable and quality choice of healthcare coverage. “I’m pleased to join my colleagues on this important bill that prioritizes patient-centered health care,” he said.
“When it comes to health care, there is bipartisan agreement that we must protect people with pre-existing conditions,” added Sen. Young. “Families should never have to worry about being denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, and our legislation will ensure they are protected.”