Pelosi Statement on Final Trump Administration Rule Unleashing Junk Health Coverage Plans

August 1, 2018

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the Trump Administration's final rule allowing for the massive expansion of so called ‘short-term, limited-duration' junk health coverage plans that don't provide essential coverage and exclude people with pre-existing conditions, at the same time that open enrollment for ACA Marketplaces for 2019 begins this fall:

"Republicans' latest health care sabotage advances dangerous junk insurance plans that can discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions and put families just one diagnosis away from disaster.

"After an illness or an injury, many Americans who enroll in these GOP junk health coverage plans will end up being hit by crushing medical bills, finding that they have been paying for coverage that doesn't cover much at all. Families will be denied key benefits such as hospitalization, prescription drugs and maternity, mental health and substance abuse care. Under the Trump Administration's junk health coverage rule, people with pre-existing conditions will face new discrimination and higher insurance premiums in the marketplaces as well.

"The GOP health agenda means dismantling protections for people with pre-existing conditions, shattering the guarantee of Medicare and Medicaid and handing billions in enormous tax breaks to the same Big Pharma companies hiking prices on seniors and working families. Democrats are offering A Better Deal for the people, with stronger health protections, better coverage and lower prescription drug costs for all."