Upton Co-Sponsors Legislation to Protect Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released the following statement after co-sponsoring H.R. 1121, the Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act of 2017.

"As I've traveled across Southwest Michigan this week, listened to folks during tele-town halls, and participated in public forums, I've heard a clear message: We need to guarantee our healthcare system works better for all Michiganders. This is why I am committed to protecting patients living with pre-existing conditions. It's only fair. We want to make sure we're helping folks across the country get - and keep - healthcare coverage, regardless of how healthy or sick they may be. As we continue listening and engaging in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, it's important that as we repeal and replace Obamacare, we're always doing right by patients and protecting our most vulnerable. I remain committed to patient-centered healthcare reforms that increase access to quality, affordable care for folks here in Michigan and across the country."

The Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, aims to guarantee access to coverage, prohibit pre-existing condition exclusions, and ban premium rating based off of health status. Specifically, it would amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit application of pre-existing condition exclusions and to guarantee availability of health insurance coverage in the individual and group markets.

On Monday, Upton met with several constituents in his St. Joseph/Benton Harbor District Office to discuss healthcare reform. On Tuesday, he participated in a panel discussion at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker, M.D. School of Medicine on healthcare issues. Upton has also held two tele-town halls this month where healthcare issues were heavily discussed.

Read this original document at: http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398759