Rep. Green: High Risk Pools Hurt Those With Preexisting Conditions

Before Republicans voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, they added an 11th-hour amendment to provide $8 billion for high-risk pools.

Unfortunately, high-risk pools segregate sick people, leaving individuals exposed to catastrophic costs and waiting lists. According to the AMA, “the history of high-risk pools demonstrates that Americans with preexisting conditions will be stuck in second-class health care coverage – if they’re able to obtain coverage at all.”

Roughly 129 million Americans have a preexisting condition. The $8 billion proposal falls short of the funding needed, and will mean higher costs, fewer protections, and less coverage.

– Rep. Gene Green, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Health