A group of nine bipartisan governors criticized the Trump administration Monday for backing a lawsuit that would eliminate Obamacare’s protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
The statement said the recent action by the Trump administration was “not right” and should be reversed. It is the latest outcry from politicians over the administration’s decision to not defend Obamacare in court.
“The administration’s disappointing decision to no longer defend this provision of federal law threatens healthcare coverage for many in our states with pre-existing conditions and adds uncertainty and higher costs for Americans who purchased their own health insurance,” the statement from the governors says.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich was among three Republican governors to sign the statement. Larry Hogan of Maryland and Brian Sandoval of Nevada also signed it.
Democratic Govs. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania, Jay Inslee of Washington, Steve Bullock of Montana, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and John Hickenlooper of Colorado also signed it, as did independent Gov. Bill Walker of Alaska.
The administration is supporting a lawsuit filed by Texas and 18 other states that argues Obamacare’s protections for people with pre-existing condition will be nullified when the individual mandate penalty is repealed starting next year.
The protections ensure that an insurer cannot deny coverage or charge a higher premium to someone who has a pre-existing condition such as diabetes or cancer.
