This week, Representative Rob Stafsholt (R - New Richmond), along with his legislative colleagues, approved language that ensures Wisconsinites with a pre-existing medical conditions are not denied health insurance.
“Last fall, I pledged to the citizens of Northwest Wisconsin that I would again support legislation that will protect individuals with a pre-existing medical condition,” said Representative Stafsholt. “I accomplished this goal in the first couple weeks of the new session, by voting for this common sense bill. I am hopeful it gets support from other area legislators including Senator Patty Schachtner, and eventually gets signed into law by Governor Tony Evers.”
Assembly Bill 1, also known as the “Pre-Existing Condition Guaranteed Coverage Act,” prevents insurance companies from implementing higher premiums based on an individual’s health status, denying an individual a policy because they have a pre-existing condition, or refusing to cover services that individuals need to treat a pre-existing condition. Additionally, the bill was amended to include a provision that states health benefit plans are prohibited from imposing an annual or lifetime limit on the dollar value of insurance benefits.
“People should not be treated differently or refused coverage because of a pre-existing health condition, “said Representative Stafsholt. “We all have family members, friends, or neighbors that have developed some sort of pre-existing condition. I understand this issue completely as I, myself, have a pre-existing condition as well as someone within my family. With this bill, our loved ones no longer have to wonder if their health status will have an impact on their ability to obtain quality health insurance.”
Assembly Bill 1 was approved by the Assembly with a bipartisan vote of 76-19. In the upcoming weeks, it is expected to be taken up by the State Senate and brought before Governor Tony Evers for final approval in the upcoming weeks.
“Today’s action is proof that Democrats and Republicans can work across the aisle to better the lives of Wisconsinites,” said Representative Stafsholt. “I look forward to continued bipartisan progress throughout the session so I can help get things done for our area.”
Representative Stafsholt represents the 29th Assembly District, which includes portions of eastern St. Croix County and western Dunn County.
Last Update: Jan 23, 2019 8:23 pm CST
