Guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions part of Colorado law
Federal actions won't change that for Colorado consumers.
DENVER - “Guaranteed health insurance coverage for people with pre-existing conditions is enshrined in Colorado law,” said Interim Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “Regardless of how the Justice Department or the Trump administration attempt to change the Affordable Care Act, the Division of Insurance will continue to enforce Colorado law and maintain this important protection for our citizens.”
Commissioner Conway offered this reassurance to Colorado health insurance consumers in response to last week’s actions by the U.S. Justice Department and the Trump administration. The Justice Department said it would not defend parts of the ACA from a lawsuit brought by 20 Republican state attorneys general. In particular, the administration argued that the ACA’s provisions that guarantee health insurance coverage for people with pre-existing conditions be eliminated.
The administration also suggested that the part of the ACA that requires health insurance companies to set rates based on communities - as opposed to individuals themselves - be overturned.
“A single risk pool is also part of Colorado law. Gone are the days of being charged more because you have high blood pressure or because your child has asthma. While the ACA led the way on prohibiting insurers from such practices, Coloradans can rest assured that they will remain protected from any political gamesmanship at the federal level because of the foresight of our State legislators and Governor Hickenlooper,” said Commissioner Conway.
“Providing access to health insurance to people with pre-existing conditions and not charging them more simply because they’ve been sick are two of the fundamental improvements of the ACA,” continued Commissioner Conway. “That’s why the Division will continue to make sure that plans offered in Colorado conform to Colorado law. We won’t be turning back the clock.”
The Division of Insurance, part of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), will be reviewing individual and small group plans for 2019 over the summer, as detailed in a May 10 release.
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About the Division of Insurance:
The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit dora.colorado.gov/insurance for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.
About DORA:
DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 1-800-886-7675.