Those with pre-existing conditions discuss health-care bill

May 05--Ken and Lisa Janke are among millions of Americans who have pre-existing medical conditions and could face higher insurance costs if the American Health Care Act is signed into law.

The bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday and now goes before the Senate.

Janke said he was born with epilepsy. Despite not having a seizure for more than 20 years, he had more difficulty getting health insurance and was charged higher deductibles before the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, became law. His wife has diabetes.

If the new health-care bill passes in the U.S. Senate, he could face similar spikes in care that he had before. He fears he'll lose his home.

"If somebody that already has pre-existing conditions and is on health insurance ... what's going to happen is the health insurance is going to raise their premiums compared to those who don't have pre-existing conditions," said Janke, 49, of Hopewell Township. "People aren't going to be able to afford any of the bills that they make at the hospital or the doctor's office because they won't be able to afford it. They'll be in the poorhouse."

According to the Commonwealth Fund, a nonpartisan research foundation, a federal ban on pre-existing condition exclusions would remain if the American Health Care Act would pass. However, those with pre-existing conditions could still be charged higher premiums or have fewer treatments covered by insurance.

The new health-care bill would also cut and restructure Medicaid, low-income health insurance.

Michael Wengryn, 38, of South Beaver Township has Medicaid coverage. While he has concerns about the Affordable Care Act because of its pricing, he said he voted for President Donald Trump last year partly because he wanted to see his health costs go down.

He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in August but has had symptoms over the past five years. Before he qualified for Medicaid, more than half of his disability income went toward his own medical costs. He said hasn't been able to work as a diesel mechanic because of his poor eyesight and limited mobility.

"I can't work anymore. I can't drive. I'm screwed," he said.

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