Rep. Schrier Oversees Floor Debate, Votes to Protect Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) today voted in support of H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act. The bill rescinds damaging guidance on Section 1332 waivers issued by the Trump Administration in 2018, which allowed states to weaken the Affordable Care Act's critical protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions.
"The Administration's guidance is yet another attack on the ACA and Americans' access to health care," said Rep. Schrier. "As someone with a pre-existing condition, I understand the limbo and uncertainty that families across this country are facing. To have to wonder whether your health insurance is going to cover your asthma, diabetes or hypertension is absurd. We must bring back some certainty into the health care system, and this bill helps to do just that. It will make sure insurance actually insures!"
In October 2018, the Trump Administration issued new, dangerous guidance on State Innovation Waivers, allowing states to undermine the ACA's protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Among other provisions, the guidance allows states to promote "junk" short-term or association plans that discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions and often do not offer essential benefits.
During the debate of H.R. 986 on the House floor, Rep. Schrier presided as Speaker Pro Tempore for the first time.
Rep. Schrier continued, "It was an honor to oversee the debate on the House floor as Speaker. It was especially meaningful for me to oversee the debate on this bill in particular, which will help protect people like me and many of my patients. And ensure we will get health care, even those of us with pre-existing conditions, which was a key pillar of the ACA."