Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined 42 Members of Congress in cosponsoring H.R. 1121, the Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act of 2017. The legislation was introduced on Thursday, by Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee Greg Walden (R-OR) and would ensure patients would not have benefits excluded from a plan due to a pre-existing condition and would not pay more based on health status.

“It is clear that Idahoans want patient-centered reforms that put health care decisions into the hands of patients,” said Simpson. “That is why I cosponsored Chairman Walden’s bill to protect patients with pre-existing conditions. Preserving access and providing safeguards is a perfect example of a patient-centered reform that puts consumers in the driver’s seat.”

The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing earlier this month that examined coverage for pre-existing conditions and other patient-centered reforms. Simpson has supported similar reforms during the 113^th and 114^th Congress as part of the American Healthcare Reform Act. 

“I have heard from many Idahoans who also support this common sense idea and I look forward to building on this proposal as a foundation for a stable health care market.”