WASHINGTON, DC (WHTC) – St. Joseph Congressman Fred Upton has backed off in his opposition to the Republican healthcare bill.
After meeting with President Donald Trump Wednesday morning, Upton said he’s flipping his position after introducing a new amendment to the legislation designed to help those with preexisting conditions pay for their coverage if it becomes more expensive.
“What this amendment would do is provide additional funds directly into the high risk pools to be spent for people that might otherwise lose their coverage because of a waiver their Governor would seek.”
The amendment would set aside $8 billion to help those patients pay for their care when the cost goes up in states that opt out of rules to protect them. Under the GOP plan, states will get to decide whether people with health conditions should have their insurance rates jacked up. Upton’s amendment to try to help those patients will be considered by the House Rules Committee Thursday.
Upton released the statement on his website:
“This week, I expressed my deep concerns with the AHCA as it was written to both President Trump and our leadership. We immediately got to work on a responsible fix.
“This amendment would provide additional funding, $8 billion over five years, to ensure a strong safety net and reduce premiums, or other out-of-pocket costs, for those with pre-existing conditions.”
“Obamacare is just not working for so many Americans. I’ve been on the record for many years in favor of repealing and replacing Obamacare with responsible solutions that improve affordability and access while protecting those with pre-existing conditions. I believe that with this new funding in place, we keep our promise to those with pre-existing conditions.”
