WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), along with 42 cosponsors, today introduced H.R. 1121, the Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act of 2017.
Chairman Walden first signaled his intent to introduce the bill while speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper in January. The bill introduced today reflects feedback from the patient community.
“The push to rebuild our health care system is all about patients, which is why we are making this commitment to protect patients living with pre-existing conditions - it’s only fair," said Chairman Walden. “House Republicans are committed to patient-centered reforms that increase access to quality, affordable care and guarantee that all Americans are protected from unfair, higher premium costs simply due to how healthy or sick they may be."
The Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act aims to reaffirm guaranteed health care access, ensure that enrollees cannot have benefits excluded from a plan due to a pre-existing condition, and that patients will not pay more based on their health care status.
“This is the first step toward keeping our commitment to protecting vulnerable patients from being treated unfairly. As we continue to repeal and replace Obamacare, it is my goal to send a clear message to patients: your concerns have been heard, and we are fighting for you," Chairman Walden added.
This bill is a continuation of the step-by-step process to rebuild our health care system. The Energy and Commerce Committee will continue to advance solutions to protect patients, stabilize health care markets, and promote continuous coverage incentives to help Americans get - and keep - coverage.
