Schumer Statement On Refusal By President Trump’s Nominee For HHS To Commit To Not Kick Millions Of Americans Off Their Health Plans Or Deny People With Pre-Existing Conditions Health Care

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today released the below statement in response to President Trump’s choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services Rep. Tom Price’s refusal to commit to ensuring no American, regardless of pre-existing health conditions, loses health coverage under his leadership:

“Congressman Price’s refusal to commit today to preventing millions of Americans from losing their health care and not deny insurance to people with pre-existing conditions should appall all Americans – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. And it is extremely disconcerting that Congressman Price chose to deny his previous opposition to the Affordable Care Act provision that ensures insurance companies must cover Americans with pre-existing conditions, which he once called ‘a terrible idea.’ Congressman Price’s comments only reaffirm the predicament Republicans are in – they can’t repeal the Affordable Care Act and keep all the good things, without keeping the whole bill. Any Republican that continues to say they are waiting for Rep. Price to be HHS Secretary before working up a replacement plan for the Affordable Care Act is not serious about improving our health care system.”