On Tuesday, the Trump administration argued its case at the 5thU.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare. In a conference call, U.S. Senator Gary Peters told reporters that he thinks overturning the law could seriously affect over 5 million people living in Michigan.
“If successful the impact would be disastrous and costly for Michiganders and their families including for people with preexisting health conditions, seniors and women.”
The lawsuit was first launched last year by 18 states arguing that when Congress removed the health care tax penalty against those who didn’t have health insurance it invalidated the whole law.
When Obamacare came into effect in 2014 -- the penalty was put in place to guarantee insurance for all Americans.
Because the current law requires insurance companies to provide coverage to those with pre-existing conditions, Peters is afraid the repeal of the law could have a negative effect on these individuals.
“The Trump Administration lawsuit seeks to end protections for those with pre-existing health conditions—whether its cancer, diabetes, asthma, or even high blood pressure which would make unaffordable health care for many. “
Michigan’s governor, attorney general and both U.S senators have spoken against the repealing of Obamacare.
Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News.