Senators Introduce Protect Act to Ensure Affordable Coverage for Americans With Pre-Existing Conditions

WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The office of Sen. David Perdue, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) joined Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and other senators in introducing the Protect Act, legislation that protects Americans with pre-existing conditions, ensuring that Americans have the peace of mind knowing that they and their loved ones will never be denied health care coverage or be charged more because of a pre-existing condition.

The Protect Act amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to:

- Guarantee the availability of health insurance coverage in the individual or group market, regardless of pre-existing conditions;

- Prohibit discrimination against patients based on health status - including prohibiting increased premiums for patients due to pre-existing conditions; and

- Prohibit insurance companies from excluding coverage of treatments for a beneficiary's pre-existing condition.

"Obamacare is running off the rails, and we have to do something to make sure people with pre-existing conditions are protected no matter what," said Senator Perdue. "Right now, the insurance packages being offered to most Americans are so expensive that they can't afford them. Premiums and deductibles have skyrocketed and priced people out of the market. In Georgia, 96 counties of 159 have just one carrier. Democrats claim they are covering pre-existing conditions with the so-called 'Affordable Care Act,' but if you can't actually afford insurance, you're not protected from anything. President Trump is ready to work with Congress and get this done for the American people, and this bill is a good first step in that process."

"I strongly believe that no hardworking American should ever have to go to bed worried about being denied coverage or treatment if they or their children have a pre-existing condition, which is why I'm introducing the Protect Act," said Senator Tillis. "The American people have two distinct choices when it comes to the future of their health care. The one-size-fits-all approach being pushed by Democrats is a government takeover of our health care system and would eliminate choices for families. The American people deserve better. The Protect Act is an important first step towards protecting Americans with pre-existing conditions and pursuing patient-centered reform that will provide all Americans with the affordable and quality choices that work best for their needs and their budget."

Other co-sponsors of the Protect Act include Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Barrasso (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Kennedy (R-LA), Todd Young (R-IN), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Richard Burr (R-NC).

Read more about the Protect Act here (https://www.tillis.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/498180f6-31a1-42c1-bdb3-9a6d9c721b74/the-protect-act.pdf).