Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) released the following statement regarding the American Health Care Act:

“It’s no secret that the Affordable Care Act is collapsing under its own weight. According to media reports, only one-third of counties in the United States have one insurer in the Obamacare marketplace. Kansans deserve a better healthcare system, one that is patient-centered and creates competition to drive down the high cost of medical needs.

To that end, I have been working with my House colleagues to create a much more affordable healthcare system. While the American Health Care Act is not perfect, it is another step in offering Kansans more choices and freedoms by repealing penalizing taxes and regulations – encouraging insurers to stay in their respective markets and enter new markets.

As for those with pre-existing conditions, the AHCA specifically states, in Section 137(b), that it will not limit access to coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Thus, legally, insurance companies cannot deny folks coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Most importantly, in states who do not seek a waiver, health insurers will not be allowed to charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions. In states that ask for and receive a waiver, folks who have been continuously covered for one year, and do not go without coverage for more than 63 days, will not be charged higher premiums due to their preexisting conditions. The bottom-line is that if you stay covered, you cannot be charged more under the law. 

The current healthcare system is not working – as noted by the countless Kansans who have called, emailed, written and met with me since Obamacare went online in 2013. While this legislation is a start, it is far from reaching the President’s desk, and in the coming weeks, I will continue to listen to your thoughts regarding this important issue and share them with my colleagues to ensure they are heard in Congress.”

Items to Note:

• House Republicans included an extra $8 billion dedicated to lowering premiums or other out-of-pocket expenses on top of the $130 billion available to states through the AHCA’s Patient and State Stability Fund.
• In Kansas, the AHCA will close the coverage gap for the 50,000 folks just above Medicaid eligibility who did not receive tax subsidies.
• Once the American Health Care Act is fully implemented in 2020, premiums will begin to decrease – allowing families and individuals to save money.
• Lastly, the American Health Care Act includes Congresswoman Jenkins’ language, from the Restoring Access to Medication Act, to allow individuals and families to use the funds in their Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account to purchase over-the-counter medications.