House republicans believe they may have the votes needed to repeal and replace Obamacare and pass the American Health Care Act. That's exciting news for western New York republicans.
Congressman Chris Collins said:
"This bill will end the Obamacare nightmare that Western New Yorkers have had to endure for too long. By increasing competition and giving people the power to make their own choices with their own health care."
Democrats say the AHCA would be a huge problem for anyone with pre-existing health conditions. Saying Insurers could deny them coverage. Governor Andrew Cuomo says the bill would:
"Force millions of New Yorkers to lose coverage, and slash Medicaid by hundreds of billions of dollars."
Congressman Brian Higgins took to the House floor Wednesday, to talk about how people with pre-existing conditions would be affected.
“If you have a dad with a kid who's stuck with childhood cancer, the dad could buy a policy but that policy would not have to cover his kid's cancer treatments. That, Mr. Speaker, is a deliberate intent to deceive the American people,” said Rep. Higgins.
The bill was proposed earlier this year, but due to a lack of votes, the bill was never voted on.
The American Medical Association believes millions of people will lose their healthcare coverage if this bill is passed.
According to a Poltifact article, there is already a New York State law that prevents health insurance agencies from charging differently based on pre-existing conditions.
