Washington, DC – Today, Senate Republicans led by Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst introduced a bill that would resurrect association health plans (AHPs) after they were struck down in the courts for not providing the vital health care protections mandated by the Affordable Care Act. AHPs are not required to cover the essential health benefits put in place by the Affordable Care Act and are allowed to charge people more based on their age, health status, and gender. While AHPs might legally be required to cover people with pre-existing conditions, they have broad discretion to refuse coverage for any treatment associated with a pre-existing condition. Anne Shoup, communications director of Protect Our Care, issued the following statement in response:
“Senate Republicans’ bill to resurrect association health plans after they were struck down in the courts is just their latest attempt to undermine the vital protections provided by the Affordable Care Act. In addition to a well-documented history of fraud and abuse, association health plans open the door to allowing insurance companies to once again refuse coverage at their discretion. We can’t go back to the days when people purchased a health care plan only to realize the coverage is not there when they need it.”
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