Halpin Fights to Preserve Health Insurance for Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois residents with pre-existing conditions will be protected from health care cuts at the federal level under a bill backed by state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, preserving critical consumer protections.

“No one should fear losing their health insurance simply because they get sick,” Halpin said. “But out-of-touch Washington politicians keep pushing to undermine consumer protections that hold big insurance companies accountable. My bill sends the clear message that in Illinois, we will always put patient care above big insurance company profits.”

Halpin is supporting Senate Bill 2026, which prevents Illinois from applying for federal “State Relief and Empowerment” waivers without approval from the General Assembly. The waivers would allow Illinois to limit health care options in a variety of ways such as restricting enrollment and cutting coverage for patients with preexisting conditions.

“People should never have to wonder how they are going to make their next health insurance payment,” Halpin said. “Secure health care is not a luxury, it is not an option; health care is essential to living a free and happy life and we will make sure all Illinoisans can afford it.”