Rep. Delgado Issues Statement on Lawsuit to Against Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following statement:

Today, as the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals hears oral arguments in Republicans' Texas v. U.S. lawsuit, Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) responded to Republicans' latest efforts to strike down protections for 133 million Americans with pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits provided by the Affordable Care Act. If successful, this lawsuit would take away health care from millions of Americans and raise costs on millions more.

"This lawsuit jeopardizing the protections set forth in the ACA could not be any further from what we ought to be doing when it comes to solving the health care crisis," said Rep. Delgado. "While Republicans go to court to destroy protections for people with pre-existing conditions, I've joined my colleagues to vote against this lawsuit that raises health care costs for millions and undermines the Affordable Care Act's protections. It's unacceptable that despite being the wealthiest country in the world, the United States is the only developed country without universal health care--and in addition to strengthening existing protections, I introduced the Medicare-X Choice Act to move us closer to universal coverage and add a public option to increase choice and lower costs for millions."

If the Trump Administration gets its way, the health and financial well-being of New York families will be devastated by this lawsuit attacking health care access:

* 8,398,900 - Number of men, women and children in New York who have pre-existing conditions and will lose their protections.

* 607,000 - Number of New Yorkers who could lose all health care coverage, a 41% increase in the uninsured rate

* 147,000 - Young adults in New York under age 26 who could lose the ability to remain on their parents' insurance.

* $4,000 - Amount of a new "Age Tax" that insurance companies could charge New Yorkers over the age of 50.

* 6,432,000 - Number of New Yorkers who could face reinstated lifetime and annual limits on coverage.

* 129,114 - Number of New Yorkers who will pay more for coverage without access to health insurance affordability tax credits.

* 348,566 - Number of New Yorkers seniors who could have to pay more for their prescription drugs.

Rep. Delgado has prioritized lowering health care costs and lowering the cost of prescription drugs in NY-19. This spring, Delgado introduced The Medicare-X Choice Act which uses the existing health care system, and gradually reinforces it, by providing more options for the public of all ages. Medicare-X would be offered through individual and family coverage plans and the Medicare provider network would be expanded to include pediatricians, children's hospitals and others. The Act will ensure Essential Health Benefits like maternity, newborn care, and pediatric services are covered. The bill also allows for prescription drug negotiation through Medicare Part D.

In May, Rep. Delgado announced the creation of his 19th Congressional District Health Care Advisory Committee, including patients, providers, and health care advocates from every county in the district. The group provides input to Representative Delgado on addressing the skyrocketing costs of health care and health care legislation before the House.