Preexisting conditions healthcare bill passes House

April 18, 2019

State Representative Christine Conley (D-Groton, Ledyard) is pleased that Connecticut residents are a step closer to keeping their essential healthcare coverage. The House of Representatives today voted unanimously, 146 to 0, in favor of House Bill 5521, An Act Expanding Required Health Insurance Coverage for Preexisting Conditions. Rep. Conley was instrumental in drafting the language and introducing the legislation.

“As Washington lawmakers and the Trump administration continue their assault on the Affordable Care Act, it is refreshing that my colleagues today stepped up to protect our healthcare coverage,” said Rep. Conley. “This legislation is in addition to the protections we previously approved to ensure eligibility for preexisting conditions continues if a person changes insurance policies. We’ve come a long way since ACA became the law of the land and cannot afford to turn back the clock without risking a person’s ability to receive life-saving treatment.”

The legislation, which was subject of an Insurance and Real Estate Committee public hearing on March 5th, received the support of the Connecticut State Medical Society and Connecticut Office of Healthcare Advocate. Members of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee voted 18 to 1 in favor of sending the bill to the floor of the House for consideration.