Rep. TJ Cox Statement on DOJ Decision to Pursue Full Repeal of ACA

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice issued a new legal filing in the federal case it’s pursuing to allow insurers to discriminate against those with pre-existing conditions. The Administration is now asking the courts to strike down the full Affordable Care Act, placing the healthcare of 24 million people who gained insurance through the ACA in jeopardy. The Center for American Progress projects that 60,000 in California’s 21st District would lose their healthcare if the ACA were repealed. CAP also estimates that 46% of people in the 21st Congressional District have pre-existing conditions. Congressman TJ Cox released the following statement:

“Asthma. Pregnancy. Diabetes. Allergies. Ten years ago, if you had any one of these, or dozens of other pre-existing conditions, you could be ineligible for health insurance, putting you at risk for a life of uncertainty and devastating medical debt. No one should have to choose between filling their prescriptions and making rent.

“But The Trump Administration’s decision this week to take us back to that time, stripping healthcare away from hundreds of Central Valley families along the way, is a grave mistake that puts all of us in jeopardy.

“This decision will return chaos to the marketplace, making health insurance more expensive for all of us. The Trump Administration has already tried this and failed - twice. 

“Last November, the American people spoke decisively and elected a new Democratic majority on the promise that we would work together to make healthcare more affordable and available to everyone. We are working to fulfill that promise, including introducing legislation today that would stabilize and protect the ACA. The Administration has clearly not heard their lesson – but I pledge to continue to fight until every single American has access to affordable, quality care.”