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Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration argued in court to strike down the entire Affordable Care Act, including eliminating protections for pre-existing conditions.

“Protecting coverage for people living with pre-existing conditions isn’t a partisan debate – it’s life or death for millions of Americans,” said Dingell. “Every American has the right to quality, affordable healthcare. Too many Americans worry about going to the doctor because they don’t know if they can afford treatment if they are diagnosed. We must work together to strengthen coverage and lower healthcare costs. Our work is laid out for us. Improving healthcare for all Americans will improve the economy and make our communities healthier and happier.

Dingell continued, “For years, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agreed that people with pre-existing conditions deserve access to quality, affordable healthcare. Not high premiums or junk plans that don’t cover necessary care. We cannot go back to the days when people with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart issues, asthma, or a sinus condition – let alone cancer – could not buy or afford health insurance because they had a pre-existing condition. Almost every day, I am stopped by someone who is scared, worried, and concerned. Instead of moving backwards, we must strengthen the Affordable Care Act and expand access to healthcare for every American.”

Tuesday, Dingell – a member of the Health Subcommittee – put her support behind legislation to protect people with pre-existing conditions, reverse the Trump Administration’s health care sabotage, and take new measures to lower health insurance premiums for families. The Undo Sabotage and Expand Affordability of Health Insurance Act expands assistance and support for Americans purchasing health insurance coverage through healthcare exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. The bill is being introduced by Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott, and Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal.

Dingell is a passionate advocate for improving healthcare. Last month she introduced Medicare for All which is bold legislation to guarantee healthcare coverage and establish a single payer system. Dingell consistently fought back against efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Last Congress, Dingell worked with Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) on bipartisan legislation that removed the gag clause that prohibited pharmacists from telling a consumer when less expensive options to pay for prescription drugs may be available.  

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