On the recordMay 16, 2019
Mr. Chairman, Democrats are doing everything that we can to lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs, so I strongly support the act that is on the floor today. It contains two bills that I authored. First is H.R. 1010, which prohibits the expansion of these junk insurance plans. Junk insurance plans are the ones that do not cover preexisting conditions. You can often be tricked into buying one of these plans and find out it doesn't even cover the trip to the hospital. In fact, I asked Secretary Azar, in committee, about this. I asked him: You are aware that these junk plans do not cover preexisting conditions? He said: That is correct. The bill also contains another section that I authored, the ENROLL Act, to restore funds to our independent navigators who are helping American families choose the right health insurance options for them. Agents and brokers are important, but they are no substitute for independent navigators who are trusted in the community. We have got to pass these bills today to lower healthcare costs for families all across the country and lower prescription drug costs. I am very proud to have authored two portions of this. Let's not let them expand these junk plans and leave you on the hook. Let's make sure that families have the independent advice that they need to choose what makes the most sense for them.





