DES MOINES — Iowa Voices, a watchdog group eyeing Senators Joni Ernst and Charles Grassley, released a new research report today detailing how the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) protections for Iowans with pre-existing conditions are even more critical amid a public health crisis. Despite the popularity of the provision and other protections in the ACA, Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley have voted repeatedly to dismantle the health care law and support a partisan lawsuit that would eliminate it entirely.
The report, entitled How the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Protects Iowans, can be read online here. The report finds that:
– Close to 1.3 million Iowans between the ages of 19-64 live with a pre-existing condition and an estimated 466,000 nonelderly Iowans have a declinable pre-existing condition under pre-ACA practices.
– Iowans with pre-existing conditions, including asthma, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, are more at risk for complications related to the coronavirus.
– Short term “junk” insurance plans that both Senator Ernst and Grassley support are not required to cover the essential benefits outlined in the ACA,and insurance companies could choose not to cover coronavirus related treatments.
“Hundreds of thousands of Iowans have benefitted from the Affordable Care Act over the past ten years,” said Matt Brau, research director at Iowa Voices. “We need the ACA more than ever as we fight a dangerous pandemic. It’s critical that leaders here in Iowa and in Washington safeguard the protections and benefits Iowans have come to rely on over the last decade, including not being discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition.”
Iowa Voices describes itself as “an issue advocacy, education-focused organization that communicates with Iowans on key issues as they apply to Senator Joni Ernst and her voting record. Our aim is to persuade Senator Ernst to take progressive action on critical issues that impact her constituents while holding her accountable when she fails to do so.”
Call on Congress to move swiftly to ensure the money keeps flowing and our businesses can stay afloat amidst this pandemic.
Unfortunately, Senate Democrats blocked additional and critically-needed funding for it. We don’t have time for political games; we’re in a crisis. Workers and employers in Iowa and across the country need this relief now more than ever, so I hope my colleagues will put aside the politics and swiftly get this specific additional support for small businesses approved.
Dems? they are for the small working people, mostly illegal tho
Republicans in the House and Senate think that only they have the answers to all the problems of today. They refuse to allow the Dems a chance to present their ideas and call foul whenever they don’t get want they want. That is partisan politics at its worst.
yep they remind me of a bunch of overpaid liberal teachers. all they want is more money and benefits. shame yes
squeal
YOU WILL SQUEAL WHEN CRAZY JOE GETS IN
squealsquealhahaha