INDIANAPOLIS – Rep. Braun has decided to stand idly by and refused to comment on the latest attempt by his Republican allies in Washington to gut protections for those with pre-existing conditions instead of sticking up for Hoosiers.
Last week, the Department of Justice announced they would no longer defend against a lawsuit filed by Indiana and 19 other states that would abolish key protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions that prevent insurance companies from denying them coverage. When asked about the administration’s decision by The Hill yesterday, Rep. Braun refused to comment instead of condemning the suit.
Coming just days before insurance companies file their preliminary applications next week to participate in the 2019 health care exchanges, the GOP suit will jeopardize the health and well-being of millions of Americans. Before changes to the health care system in the last several years, insurance companies were able to deny coverage to Hoosiers with a wide variety of conditions out of their control, including diabetes, cancer or pregnancy.
It’s no surprise that Rep. Braun is standing with his GOP allies and against the health care of Hoosiers, considering his vocal support of Republicans’ efforts to dismantle the nation’s health care system. Rep. Braun has repeatedly supported the GOP’s efforts to sabotage the nation’s health care system, including last year’s failed Republican health care overhaul that would have allowed insurers to charge prohibitively expensive rates for Americans with pre-existing conditions. As a member of the Indiana Assembly, Rep. Braun voted against legislation that would have codified HIP 2.0.
“Rep. Braun’s refusal to stand up for millions of Hoosiers with pre-existing conditions is one more instance of his steadfast support for Republicans’ efforts to dismantle the nation’s health care system,” said Michael Feldman, spokesman for the Indiana Democratic Party. “It’s shameful that he has no problem with going back to the bad old days where insurance companies could discriminate against cancer patients and expectant mothers. If Rep. Braun thought Hoosiers wouldn’t notice his silence, he’s out of luck – his actions speak louder than words.”
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