Scott Walker’s Long History of Undermining Protections for Pre-Existing Conditions

MADISON, Wisconsin, Sept. 12 -- The Wisconsin Democratic Party issued the following news:

When it comes to health care, Scott Walker must think Wisconsin voters have a verrry short memory. Yesterday, Walker spent his latest Twitter rant claiming to be a strong defender of Wisconsinites' health care.

But if he's such a champion for health care, then why do we keep seeing headlines like these:

WPR: Health Care Official: Striking Down ACA Would Create 'Chaos'

Journal Sentinel: States' request to immediately suspend Affordable Care Act dismays Wisconsin health insurers

That's right. Scott Walker is still actively working to sabotage health care in Wisconsin. And here's why everyone in Wisconsin should care:

The lawsuit targets the most popular provision in the ACA: protections for pre-existing conditions. Right now, insurers are prohibited from denying coverage or charging more for certain conditions.

Walker's lawsuit, if successful, would gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions. And when you look at his record, it shouldn't surprise you that Walker is once again attacking pre-existing conditions:

* Walker repeatedly cheered on GOP efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act throughout his time as governor, which would have repealed protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

* Just last year he enthusiastically supported the Graham-Cassidy bill, which undermined protections for pre-existing conditions, calling it a "winner all the way around."

* Walker toyed with the idea of seeking a waiver from federal requirements to protect people with pre-existing conditions.

* When he ran for President, he pledged to repeal the Affordable Care Act "on day one."

When you combine that with his refusal to expand BadgerCare, and his delayed implementation of market stabilization policies, it's clear that affordable health care is not a priority for Walker.

Or you could just look at his tweets. Walker did not tweet about "pre-existing conditions" even once before 2018. Now he wants us to think he cares? Get real.

"Scott Walker has spent his career refusing to stand up for people with pre-existing conditions. There's no reason Wisconsinites should trust him on this issue now" said DPW Spokesperson Alex Japko. "With this lawsuit, Walker is still fighting to undermine health care protections in Wisconsin. It's time Wisconsin elect a governor who will stand up for affordable health care, instead of suing to rip it away."