House Leadership Offers Health Care Solutions as Trump Administration Doubles Down on Undermining Quality Affordable Coverage

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Statement of Diane Felicio, interim director of Community Catalyst, in response to the announcement that the Department of Justice will now join Texas and a number of other states in seeking to end consumer protections and financial assistance to make health insurance affordable. At the same time, the House leadership has introduced the Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions and Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2019, which would make health insurance more affordable and strengthen consumer protections.

“The divide between health care supporters and opponents has never been clearer. After health care emerged as the top issue for voters in last fall’s election, the Trump administration has doubled- and tripled-down on sabotaging protections for those living with pre-existing conditions and driving uncertainty and chaos into our health care system.

“Last night, the Department of Justice (DOJ) sided with an extreme judge to say that the entirety of the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional and vowed to no longer defend the law in federal courts. Today, in contrast, Democratic leadership in the U.S. House will unveil a plan to lower the costs of care and expand consumer protections.

“Speaker Pelosi and Chairs Pallone, Neal and Scott will introduce the Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions and Making Health Care More Affordable Care Act of 2019. This bill makes real reforms to help America’s families afford their health care and protect their access to comprehensive coverage. It takes direct aim at the Trump administration’s latest sabotage efforts: stopping the Trump administration from enforcing new rules expanding junk insurance plans. Furthermore, the legislation would restore funding for outreach and enrollment efforts, navigators and consumer assistance programs to help consumers explore their health insurance options and find a plan to meet their needs.

“Today’s introduction of legislation to expand access to quality affordable coverage is a welcome step forward for millions of people. We urge all three committees of jurisdiction to advance this legislation and continue to make our health care system better, and fairer, not strip it away from those who need it the most.”

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About Community Catalyst
Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers, and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, courtrooms, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org. Follow us on Twitter @healthpolicyhub.