WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) issued the below statement on his vote in favor of H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act of 2019:

“Americans want and deserve affordable health care, but the Trump Administration is trying to make it legal to discriminate against Americans with pre-existing conditions – again. Why would we ever want to rip coverage away from people with pre-existing conditions?!

“I voted for this act because I know we must work to expand access to coverage – not take it away.”

On October 22, 2018, the Trump Administration issued new, dangerous guidance on Section 1332 waivers (State Innovation Waivers), allowing states to undermine the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) critical protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Among other provisions, the guidance allows states to promote junk insurance plans that discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions and do not cover essential benefits.

H.R. 986 rescinds the damaging guidance, thereby reinforcing the ACA’s vital protections for people with pre-existing conditions. It also prevents the Secretaries of HHS and Treasury from promulgating any substantially similar guidance or rule in the future.

Related Content

• Norcross voted to condemn the Administration's attacks on our health care system on April 3, 2019.
• Norcross and Senator Menendez visited CAMcare’s Gateway Health Center where they vowed to continue fighting against the Trump Administration’s continued efforts to undermine women’s access to health care on July 9, 2018.
• Norcross announced that two federally qualified health centers in South Jersey will receive $3.3 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Norcross’ statement when the Senate Republicans released their ‘healthcare’ plan on June 22, 2017.
• Norcross’ statement when TrumpCare passed the House on May 4, 2017.
• Norcross’ statement when the CBO score came out for TrumpCare on May 24, 2017.
• Norcross’ statement after the Republican-led Congress failed to pass health care legislation on March 24, 2017.
• Norcross’ health care day of action in January 2017 and his May 2017 press conference with women at a local Planned Parenthood center.

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Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov