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78 Republicans Vote for Rep. Wild’s Amendment to Stop the Rising the Cost of Healthcare Premiums

May 13, 2019
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Susan Wild applauded the overwhelming bipartisan support of her amendment to stop the rising cost of healthcare premiums. The amendment added a provision in H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act, to prevent the administration or any future administrations from enacting any rules or policy changes that would increase premiums. The amendment was agreed to 301 to 112 – with a total of 78 Republicans voting in favor.

"As the Representative of a district with as many Republicans and Independents as Democrats, I can tell you; healthcare is not a partisan issue. When my constituents gather around their kitchen tables, they aren't talking about party or ideology, they're talking how they're going to afford their premiums this month," Wild said. "If the overwhelming bipartisan support of my amendment is any indication, it is possible for us to work together to put a stop to the skyrocketing cost of healthcare."

H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act reverses the Trump Administration's effort to allow states to waive life-saving protections for people with pre-existing conditions and expand Americans into junk insurance plans that discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, do not cover essential benefits and swindle hard-working families.

Wild's amendment would help put a stop to the rising cost of premiums by prohibiting the Administration—and future administrations—from taking any further action that would result in higher premiums for Americans who need comprehensive coverage.

  • This Administration has unilaterally made health care more expensive and less accessible for the American people by taking actions that run contrary to the spirit and purpose of the ACA. That's results in higher premiums and reduced enrollment:
  • In 2017, the Administration stopped cost-sharing payments that helped reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income Americans. This action alone increased premiums by 20% and raised costs for families not receiving subsidies.
  • In 2018, the Administration also issued new Section 1332 guidance—allowing states to raise health care costs for people with preexisting conditions.
  • This 2018 guidance also gave a green light to insurance companies to expand junk plans that don't cover essential health benefits. We know that pulling healthy people out of the pool only makes insurance premiums more expensive for those with pre-existing conditions. Now, the people most affected face higher premiums, less choice, and uncertain prospects for the future.
  • Also in 2018 the Administration slashed funding for consumer enrollment assistance and outreach. The goal- reduce health care enrollment, the result, higher premiums.
  • Just last month, the Administration finalized a rule that would increase limits on total out-of-pocket costs for millions. The Administration moved forward with this, even though the rule itself noted "all commenters on this topic expressed opposition to or concerns about the proposed change."
  • This Monday, the Administration released a notice seeking comment on a proposal that would reduce eligibility for Medicaid and cut premium tax credits for millions.

In addition, the House began voting on the first bills in House Democrats' sweeping agenda to lower prescription drug prices – with two bipartisan bills to lower the price of prescription drugs, by removing some of the barriers to generics coming to market.