Letters to the Editor for April 18, 2019

Congresswoman’s bill would protect people with pre-existing conditions

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler once again introduced a bill to protect people with pre-existing conditions. A misrepresentation during the last election was that Jaime did not support protecting pre-existing conditions referring to the symbolic Republican votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) under Obama. Now let’s look at her actions to learn the reality. There continue to be challenges of various kinds (legislative and judicial) to invalidate the entire ACA. Jaime understands this part of healthcare law is the right thing to do and must be guaranteed. Jaime was one of the original sponsors of H.R. 1121 — Pre-existing Conditions Protection Act of 2017, which never was voted on (note submitted in 2017). Jaime is one of the original co-sponsors of this new bill introduced in January, H.R.383 — Continuing Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions Act of 2019. Jaime is committed to maintaining that no matter what happens with the ACA, the protection of those with pre-existing conditions remains in place. The ACA has good parts and other parts that are flawed. This was stated from the day it was passed. Hopefully we can get beyond partisan politics and embrace what is good and reform what is flawed.