Congressman Pappas’s amendment to preserve protections for those with substance use disorder passes the House

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Chris Pappas proposed and successfully passed an amendment to the Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act introduced by Congresswoman Annie Kuster. This amendment strengthens the underlying legislation in an effort to ensure the Administration will not be able to reduce the availability or affordability of health care coverage for individuals with substance use disorder. The Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act rescinds Section 1332 waivers issued by the Trump Administration that allow states to undermine the Affordable Care Act's critical protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Among other provisions, the waivers allow states to promote junk insurance plans that discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions and do not cover essential benefits.

"For people in my home state of New Hampshire, the Affordable Care Act is a lifesaving law and the best tool we have to combat the opioid crisis," said Congressman Pappas. "As I travel around my district I hear heartbreaking stories of those lost, and those fighting hard. I also hear from constituents who on a regular basis cannot fathom where they would be without coverage for their substance use disorder. I'm pleased that my House colleagues voted to adopt my amendment to strengthen the Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act and prohibit further actions to reduce the availability or affordability of coverage for those battling substance use disorder."

"I'm relieved to know that Congressman Pappas is fighting to increase protections for people with substance use disorder amidst the opioid crisis," said former State Representative Phil Spagnuolo, who runs three sober houses in Laconia. "As patients receive treatment and recovery, the last thing they should have to worry about is whether they will be denied coverage or see skyrocketing costs as a result of their condition. As someone in recovery, I know that protections for pre-existing conditions and Medicaid expansion in the Affordable Care Act have been essential to taking on this crisis head-on."