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WV AG Applauds Senate Vote to Ensure Health Care for Preexisting Conditions

February 25th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

— West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey applauded Tuesday’s vote by the West Virginia Senate to maintain protections for those with preexisting conditions.

The West Virginia Health Care Continuity Act, proposed by the Attorney General and sponsored by Senate President Mitch Carmichael, would ensure those with preexisting conditions do not lose their ability to buy health insurance as the federal courts consider a challenge to the constitutionality of Obamacare.

The Senate advanced the legislation Tuesday with a vote of 20 to 14. It now moves to the state House of Delegates for consideration. It already carries the support of Gov. Jim Justice.

“I applaud the Senate for supporting protections for those with preexisting conditions,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Now is the time for similar action in the House. Passage of the bill will put West Virginia out in front and show the nation how West Virginia unites to ensure that everyone – including those with preexisting conditions – has the ability to purchase health insurance.”

The West Virginia Health Care Continuity Act would impose a general ban on restricting enrollment in health care coverage based on a preexisting condition. It covers ten categories of health services, while also mitigating the risk faced by insurers with open enrollment and affiliation periods.

The West Virginia Health Care Continuity Act and its provisions will not take effect unless and until the courts strike down substantial portions of Obamacare as unconstitutional.

The Attorney General believes passage of the proposed bill will ensure the continuity of care for those with preexisting conditions, a top priority for the office.

The West Virginia Health Care Continuity Act adopts protections to govern health care availability and affordability, without replicating the constitutional flaws of Obamacare.

Similar legislation won broad, bipartisan support last year in Louisiana.

 

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