Beatty Votes to Defend Healthcare Protections

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Congresswoman Beatty (OH-03) voted recently in support of an amendment—added to appropriations legislation (H.R. 7617) that was subsequently passed by the U.S House of Representatives—to prevent the U.S. Department of Justice from spending any federal funds for the Trump Administration's lawsuit to strike down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (P.L. 111-148).

"For months, the COVID-19 Pandemic has wreaked havoc on the lives and livelihoods of Ohioans," Beatty said. "Quickly approaching some five million Americans contracting the virus, including over 95,000 Ohioans, affordable healthcare is more critical than ever. Yet, despite the risk to the health and financial security to the people of Ohio's Third Congressional District—not to mention families across the country—Republicans and the White House continue to advance their shameful anti-healthcare lawsuit to dismantle the entirety of the ACA and destroy every last lifesaving protection for people with pre-existing conditions, seniors, and all Americans." She continued, "House Democrats are committed to protecting healthcare ‘for the people,' which is why I proudly joined my colleagues to help stop the Trump Administration's dangerous lawsuit from further endangering the health and well-being of countless Ohioans and their families during this unprecedented health emergency."

If the Trump Administration's lawsuit succeeds, it would destroy:

• Healthcare coverage for 23 million Americans—nearly three million more people than was forecast before the public health crisis began.
• Lifesaving protections for an estimated 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, a number that could also swell as coronavirus infections leave more Americans at risk of developing a pre-existing condition over the course of their life.
• The ban on lifetime and annual limits on health coverage.
• The Medicaid expansion covering an additional 15 million Americans.
• Health insurance affordability tax credits that make healthcare affordable for nine million Americans.
• Prescription drug savings that many seniors are receiving as a result of the ACA closing the Medicaid ‘donut hole.'
• Bans on discriminatory insurance practices that force women to pay more for coverage.
• Young adults' ability to remain on their parents' insurance until age 26.

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