Insurance Committee OKs Haddock bill to ensure pre-existing conditions remain covered by insurance

Rep. Jim Haddock September 30, 2024 | 3:20 PM

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – The Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee today approved legislation authored by state Rep. Jim Haddock that would prohibit health insurers from denying or excluding coverage for pre-existing conditions.

“Putting this protection in state law that is provided under the federal Affordable Care Act is essential to making sure Pennsylvanians get the health care they need when they need it,” said Haddock, D-Luzerne/Lackawanna. “This critical measure would protect people from being denied health insurance or facing higher premiums due to their medical history, ensuring that everyone has access to health care.”

Haddock said some Republicans in Washington, D.C. have suggested they would like to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

“By passing my bill, we can ensure that Pennsylvanians with common health conditions like high blood pressure or asthma are not denied health insurance coverage because of having a pre-existing condition. That is exactly what was happening before the Affordable Care Act became law across the country. Back then, exclusions for pre-existing conditions were commonplace. These exclusions meant that many Pennsylvanians could not access essential medical care without unnecessary burdens on their finances and health,” Haddock said.

Haddock said that under the ACA, approximately 5.4 million Pennsylvanians with pre-existing conditions can get health insurance.

House Bill 2564 moves to the full state House of Representatives for consideration.

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