Tom Malinowski: “Woman, there are many problems in our healthcare system. We have heard about a number of them today, but we are here for…”

“Woman, there are many problems in our healthcare system. We have heard about a number of them today, but we are here for one simple, specific reason, because of the guidance that the administration issued last year that allows States to expand the availability and duration of junk, short-term insurance plans. Now, the administration and its defenders will not say this because it has become politically impossible to do so, but these plans are cheaper precisely because they deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions and for, what any reasonable person would agree are essential benefits, like maternity care and prescription drugs. That is what they mean when they use the euphemism ``flexibility.'' Will these plans take hold? Here is what happens, in plain language, if you have a preexisting condition. You have a choice. Either stay in your ACA plan and see your premiums rise as healthy people move to cheaper, junk insurance, or you sign up for a junk plan yourself and risk getting gouged when the services you need aren't covered. You end up with a two-tiered healthcare system in America: one for healthy people, and one for sick people. Now, the underlying bill rescinds that guidance. The amendment I have submitted would prohibit the administration from taking any other action that would reduce the affordability of comprehensive coverage for Americans with preexisting conditions.…”