Vicky Hartzler: We all agree on preexisting conditions
There are many important issues that Congress must address on behalf of our nation. While America’s economy is at record strength, we are still feeling the impacts of illegal immigration and its strain on border security; a nationwide opioid epidemic fueled by this porous border; a lack of dependable broadband access in our rural areas; and a continued need to support our veterans. However, as I travel the district I represent, it is abundantly clear that the No. 1 issue facing Missourians today is the rising cost of quality health care. This must be a primary focus for Congress.
Unfortunately, 2020 is also an election year, and health care has become a political football used to slander candidates with false accusations and half-truths. One of the most common accusations is that Republicans do not support protecting preexisting conditions in health care reform. This is patently false. There are over 300,000 people in my district with preexisting conditions, and it is paramount that their health care coverage be protected. During the last session of Congress, I supported the American Health Care Act, which would lower health care costs for Americans and continue robust protections for those with preexisting conditions. This legislation prohibited insurance companies from denying, rescinding or not renewing coverage due to a preexisting condition. Further, it banned insurance companies from excluding benefits based on a preexisting condition and prevented these companies from raising premiums on individuals with preexisting conditions.
I also cosponsored the Preexisting Conditions Protection Act, which would ban health insurers from discriminating by not accepting patients with preexisting conditions, and require insurers to accept every employer and individual applying for coverage.
If Congress is to come together and solve our health care crisis, the inaccurate accusations pertaining to preexisting conditions need to end. Earlier this year, Democrats in the House passed legislation to reverse President Donald Trump’s policies allowing states flexibility to use Obamacare waivers. These waivers were used to offer insurance products that are more tailored to the needs of individuals. Seven states have already taken advantage of these waivers, and all have seen their average premiums decrease. These waivers in no way allow for the end of coverage for preexisting conditions, yet the Democrats deceptively titled their bill the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act. This disingenuousness only injects more distrust among members of Congress, who should be working together to solve our health care problems.
There is legislation in the House encompassing nearly 50 health care reforms previously supported by both Republicans and Democrats that deserve passage. House Resolution 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, focuses on lowering out-of-pocket drug costs, protecting access to new medicines and cures, and improving price transparency in health care. There are good ideas from both Democrats and Republicans, and this legislation incorporates many of them.
This act would stop the establishment of “pay for delay” agreements, in which drug companies pay manufacturers to keep a generic equivalent off the market. The bill also would make drugs more affordable for seniors by capping out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries and includes a “smoothing out” mechanism that would allow seniors to distribute their out-of-pocket expenses throughout the year, minimizing the cost impact on those with fixed incomes. The bill further would cut out-of-pocket spending for seniors receiving infused drugs such as chemotherapy while lowering the cost of insulin for seniors.
An issue I have discussed with constituents across the district is how other developed countries are unfairly benefiting from American medical innovation. At the same time, we are paying some of the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs. This bill addresses the subsidizing of other countries’ prescription drugs through the appointment of a U.S. Trade Representative negotiator tasked with advocating for the American consumer.
Unlike efforts to confuse and scare the public regarding preexisting conditions, the spirit behind House Resolution 19 is one of bipartisanship and cooperation. Consisting of reforms from both parties, this bill has the potential to bring Congress together and move a bill forward that the president will sign into law. It is my hope that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will bring this measure up for a vote. It would be a much deserved win for the American people.
Republican Vicky Hartzler represents Missouri’s 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
This story was originally published February 26, 2020 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Vicky Hartzler: We all agree on preexisting conditions."