Hoyer: Americans Need Health Reform That Ends Denial of Coverage Based On Pre-Existing Conditions

“For far too many decades, we have labored under a health care system that is unworthy of our great country. It has consistently stood against two of our most cherished American principles: opportunity and equality.

“It has stifled opportunity because it has forced too many Americans to make life decisions not on the merits, but on the availability of health coverage. It has worked against the mobility and entrepreneurship that strong economies thrive on. That is why we need reform that ensures Americans security no matter whether they move, lose their jobs, change their jobs, or strike out on their own.

“Our health care system has also stood against equality. Insurers are regularly permitted to discriminate against Americans with pre-existing health conditions. As a result, millions of Americans have found it essentially impossible to secure health coverage. That must change, as well.

“Democrats’ health care reform will insist that no insurance company be allowed to discriminate against any American on the basis of health status. For so many of our fellow citizens, that will mean peace-of-mind, security, and a first chance at affordable coverage.