Wisconsin Senate Democrats: Wisconsin Lt. Governor Puts Health Protections in Jeopardy

MADISON, Wisconsin, Oct. 29 -- The Wisconsin Senate Democrats issued the following news release:

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Top Walker official admits GOP would end pre-existing condition coverage guarantee

During a recent interview on Upfront with Mike Gousha, Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch admitted the Walker administration can't ensure coverage protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions if Republicans overturn the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A memo prepared by the non-partisan Wisconsin Legislative Council confirmed that if federal protections for pre-existing conditions are eliminated, state law can't guarantee coverage for individuals under private self-insured plans.

"For the past eight years, the Walker administration has made it their mission to undermine the health care marketplace, limit access to coverage and protect the profits of wealthy insurance executives," said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). "Lt. Gov. Kleefisch's recent comments demonstrate what Wisconsin families already know. Coverage protections for the 2.4 million Wisconsin residents with pre-existing conditions are in jeopardy under the Walker administration."

While the ACA provides much-needed relief to Wisconsin families, Republicans have continuously attempted to undermine the Affordable Care Act, repeal patient protections and drive up costs. Under direction from Gov. Walker, Wisconsin is currently included in a lawsuit to eliminate ACA pre-existing condition coverage. Democratic efforts to strengthen state level protections have been repeatedly blocked by majority party Republican lawmakers who have sought to boost Gov. Walker's political ambitions.

"Republican politicians can't be trusted when it comes to protecting health care for residents," said Shilling. "Individuals with pre-existing conditions and Wisconsin families struggling to manage serious illnesses shouldn't be denied coverage through no fault of their own. When push comes to shove, Republicans have shown they will always side with insurance companies over the health and well-being of families."