Brooks signs on to health care bill

Feb. 18--ANDERSON -- Rep. Susan Brooks has signed on as co-author of legislation that would maintain insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Brooks, R-5th District, is one of 42 co-authors on the resolution that was introduced by Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, which reaffirms guaranteed healthcare access, ensures that enrollees cannot have benefits excluded from a plan due to a pre-existing condition, and that patients will not pay more based on how healthy or sick they may be.

The provisions of the resolution will not take effect until the Republican-controlled Congress repeals the pre-existing conditions portion of the Affordable Care Act.

Brooks serves on the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Brooks has maintained through the discussions about health care that any repeal or modification of the Affordable Care Act must include insurance coverage for people suffering from pre-existing conditions.

Brooks read into the Congressional Record after the introduction of the resolution that she met with an Anderson woman concerned about her daughter's ability to have healthcare coverage in the future.

"This bill protects her daughter, and the countless other Hoosiers who have pre-existing conditions, from astronomically high premiums and lost benefits based on how healthy or sick they may be," Brooks said in her remarks.

Brooks spokeswoman Kristen Johnson said from the beginning a priority for Brooks has been to include pre-existing coverage in any new health care legislation.

"This is a good first step," Johnson said.

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.

"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," Walden said in a press release. "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.

"This is the first step toward keeping our commitment to protecting vulnerable patients from being treated unfairly," he said. "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."

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 640-4863.

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