Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would protect key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including no-cost preventive services. This move comes as the nation’s health law continues to face legal challenges in federal court. Governor Whitmer, who is in her second term and working with a Legislature under complete Democratic control for the first time, will outline her legislative priorities for the second half of the year in a speech on Wednesday.
One of the ACA’s most popular provisions, which requires insurers to cover preventive services, is currently facing a threat in federal court. To ensure that Michigan residents do not lose coverage, Governor Whitmer wants to codify the Affordable Care Act into state law. She believes that this proactive measure will protect residents from future threats. The plan must include measures that prohibit insurers from denying or limiting coverage based on preexisting conditions and would further protect a range of no-cost preventive services. Additionally, the governor wants legislation that requires all insurers to cover essential services such as ambulance services, birth control, maternity care, and mental health.
The ACA, commonly known as “Obamacare,” has faced numerous legal challenges since its inception 13 years ago, including several cases that have reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Earlier this year, a federal judge in Texas struck down an ACA provision that requires insurers to cover preventive services. This provision is highly popular, benefiting approximately 150 million individuals in private health plans. While a court agreement has put a stay on the judge’s ruling as appeals are pursued, Governor Whitmer wants to take action at the state level to ensure residents are not stripped of these protections if federal law changes.
Dr. Rob Davidson, the executive director of the Committee to Protect Health Care, emphasized the importance of protecting these life-saving measures that are currently protected by the ACA. Although a version of Governor Whitmer’s proposal was passed by the state House in June, it was never introduced in the Senate. Some states have already added similar protections, but self-funded plans established by private employers are exempt from most state insurance laws, limiting the impact of these measures.
In conclusion, Governor Whitmer is calling on Michigan lawmakers to pass legislation that proactively protects key provisions of the Affordable Care Act. By codifying the ACA into state law, Michigan residents will be safeguarded against potential loss of coverage. This move is crucial as the ACA continues to face legal challenges and threats in federal court.
Original Story at www.wzzm13.com – 2023-08-28 16:28:00
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