McCaul Statement on Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions

I, the Lead Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Chairman Emeritus on the House Homeland Security Committee, released a statement on his support for pre-existing conditions and the sham H.R. 986 vote:

H.R. 986 is a deceptive political ploy that simply attempts to overturn President Trump’s guidance to give states more flexibility and provide more affordable healthcare solutions for the American people. These regulations are known as ‘1332 Waivers’ or ‘state innovation waivers,’ and they allow states to opt-out of some Obamacare regulations if they can show that they are improving the program in tangible ways.

Contrary to the bill’s title, President Trump’s guidance explicitly protects pre-existing conditions, and any waivers states can receive under the expanded guidance are intended to expand healthcare options and lower costs for patients. 

I remain committed in my principles to ensure any reforms to our healthcare system benefit every American. That’s why earlier this Congress, I signed on to the Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act (H.R. 692). H.R. 692 aims to preserve pre-existing condition benefits, guarantees access to coverage, and bans premium ratings based on health status. This is the type of meaningful legislative solutions I will support.

I believe we can and must lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs while maintaining protections for people with pre-existing conditions. H.R. 986 does nothing to advance these goals.

For more information on how the 1332 waiver program does not erode protections on pre-existing conditions, read this letter from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma.