New Hampshire Senate Democrats Fight to Protect Health Care Access for People with Pre-existing Cond

March 27, 2019

Contacts: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD, NH—Today, the New Hampshire Senate voted 22-1 to pass SB 4, an important backstop to the Affordable Care Act that enshrines into state law health insurance coverage protections for people with pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits, including maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, preventive and wellness services, and more.

Following the vote, Senator Dan Feltes (D-Concord), Senator Dr. Tom Sherman (D-Rye), and Senator Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua) released the following statements:

"The Trump administration’s relentless attempts to dismantle the ACA threaten Granite Staters’ access to quality, affordable care,” said Senator Feltes. “SB 4 is a critical part of Senate Democrats’ Granite State Opportunity Plan that will give New Hampshire citizens the peace of mind that they can get the care they need, when they need it – regardless of what happens at the federal level.”

Senator Sherman added, “Almost every person or family will experience a pre-existing condition at some point in their lives. In New Hampshire, 201,000 non-elderly adults with pre-existing conditions could be blocked from obtaining insurance if the Affordable Care Act goes away. By enshrining protections for people with pre-existing conditions into state law, SB 4 will give people the security that comes with knowing they won’t lose access to insurance because of their medical history.”

“Senate Democrats believe fair access to quality, affordable health care is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all. We will never stop fighting to make sure Granite Staters have the comprehensive, affordable coverage they need. That’s the New Hampshire way,” said Senator Rosenwald.