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Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf promised that he will continue to fight for people with pre-existing conditions and ensure that they will have access to affordable, quality health care. The governor noted that Republicans are again trying to undermine the protections for those with pre-existing conditions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the law, health insurance companies “may not impose any pre-existing condition exclusion” and “may not establish rules for eligibility…based on health status, medical condition, claims experience or medical history.”

Gov. Wolf wants to expand access to affordable, quality health care

On Thursday, Wolf said, “The conversation right now going on in Washington over pre-existing conditions is a real attack on Pennsylvanians. I will not support or promote any health care bill that attacks or jeopardizes anybody with pre-existing conditions.” Additionally, the governor emphasized that his goal is to do more for Pennsylvania and expand access to quality and affordable health care. In a separate statement on Wednesday, Wolf noted that the federal government’s newly-released proposed guidelines are “another attempt to roll back vital consumer protections pre-existing conditions, lifetime caps, and essential health benefits.” His administration believes that the proposed guidelines, if adopted, would support the increase of health insurance plans that lack critical coverage or comprehensive benefits.  It will not request for a waiver to allow health insurers put the stability of the insurance market at risk.

Pennsylvania’s “uninsured rate is at all-time low”

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman also stated, “The Wolf Administration has taken numerous steps to ensure that Pennsylvanians have access to comprehensive coverage under the ACA and consumer protection and education remains our top priority.” In addition, Altman said Pennsylvania’s” uninsured rate is at an all-time low.” Health insurers under ACA are “offering competitively priced plans and more coverage options for the 2019 open enrollment.” Furthermore, she emphasized, “The Wolf administration will never pursue a waiver or take any other step that would jeopardize protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions or otherwise undermine Pennsylvanians’ access to truly comprehensive health insurance coverage with critical consumer protections.”