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Senate Republicans Vote to Undermine Protections for People with Pre-Existing Conditions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 2, 2017

Contact: Colin Seeberger, colin.seeberger@younginvincibles.org, 214.223.2913

Senate GOP Votes to Undermine Protections and Access to Affordable Coverage for People with Pre-Existing Conditions

[WASHINGTON]–Today, Senate Republicans voted 51-49 to pass their tax bill, which includes a provision to eliminate the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) individual mandate. This provision would hurt people with pre-existing conditions that Congress and President Trump have promised to protect.

Reid Setzer, Government Affairs Director of Young Invincibles released the following statement following the vote:

“Senate Republicans just broke a fundamental promise to protect people with pre-existing conditions by repealing the individual mandate. In order to ensure that all people with pre-existing conditions have access to quality, affordable coverage, everyone needs to participate in the same system. Individuals who earn too much to qualify for premium tax credits, but who need comprehensive coverage only available on the marketplace, would be particularly exposed to costs they cannot afford as premiums skyrocket.

Repealing this provision could also drive more consumers to buy short-term plans off the marketplace, threatening their financial security. Short-term plans can have annual and lifetime caps, and are not required to cover pre-existing conditions or include essential health benefits.

31 million young adults have pre-existing conditions. Jeopardizing their financial security in a rush to pass a tax bill that gives huge breaks to corporations and the wealthy is wrong. Congress should abandon this disastrous bill.”

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