Congressman Joe Morelle Acts to Strengthen Protections for People with Pre-Existing Conditions, Lower Cost of Prescription Drugs

Press Release

Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and reduce healthcare costs for millions of families across America. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act passed by the House of Representatives would expand health coverage for vulnerable Americans, increase protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, and lower healthcare costs like prescription drug prices.

"In the middle of a historic global health crisis, Donald Trump is moving to deny health insurance to millions of Americans. It's unconscionable, and I won't stand for it," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "That's why today, my colleagues and I took action to strengthen the Affordable Care Act by lowering costs and expanding protections for vulnerable families, especially those with pre-existing conditions. Now more than ever, we must ensure healthcare is accessible and affordable for every American."

As President Trump and his administration repeatedly move to repeal protections guaranteed under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including asking the Supreme Court to strike down the legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act would instead build on the ACA and lower the cost of care. Specifically, the legislation:

Strengthens protections for people with pre-existing conditions

Reverses the Trump Administration's expansion of junk health insurance plans that do not provide coverage for essential medical treatments and drugs and that are allowed to discriminate against people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Curtails the Trump Administration's efforts to give states waivers to undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions and weaken standards for essential health benefits.

Negotiates lower prescription drug prices

Delivers the power to negotiate lower drug prices so that Americans no longer have to pay grossly inflated costs for prescription medication. Last year, Rep. Morelle highlighted a report from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform which found that the cost of diabetes medication in the 25th Congressional District is up to 21 times higher than the cost of the same drugs in Australia, averaging over $450 per month.

Lowers Americans' health coverage costs

Dramatically expands the ACA's insurance affordability subsidies to cover more middle-class families. Many enrollees will see their premiums cut by half or more, and for the first time, no one will have to pay more than 8.5 percent of their income for a silver plan in the ACA marketplaces.

Expands coverage

More than 4.8 million Americans have been cruelly excluded from coverage because states have refused to expand Medicaid. This legislation takes new steps to push those states to act, while funding critical federal and state efforts to increase health coverage enrollment and educate consumers on their rights.

Combats inequity in health coverage faced by communities of color

Expands more affordable coverage to vulnerable populations and fights the maternal mortality epidemic by requiring states to extend Medicaid or CHIP coverage to new mothers for a full year post-partum.

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