The new Republican health care bill could have devastating consequences for women around the country. The MacArthur-Meadows amendment to the American Health Care Act just passed in the House, and if it becomes law, people with certain "pre-existing conditions" could legally be denied or charged extra for health insurance. These conditions include sexual assault, domestic violence, postpartum depression, and other issues predominantly faced by women, Elite Daily reports. The Centre for American Progress estimates that pregnancy premiums would increase by $17,320 (£13,860).
"Nothing in this Act shall be construed as permitting health insurance issuers to discriminate in rates for health insurance coverage by gender," the amendment reads. But women and gender-nonconforming people on Twitter are challenging this claim. On Thursday, HuffPost Women tweeted, "Women & femmes: do you have a "pre-existing" condition under the AHCA? Let us know how it would affect you with #IAmAPreexistingCondition."
Many responded by sharing the conditions that would make it harder for them to get health insurance under the Affordable Care Act replacement bill. As some pointed out, it's almost as if being a woman is a pre-existing condition.
I am a veteran with PTSD and broke her spine in active duty. #IAmAPreexistingCondition
— Gina Austin (@Dobieblue) May 5, 2017
Diagnosed w/brittle bones at birth. Took first steps at 7yrs. Doc said I'd never lift a pencil, so I'm in college#iamapreexistingcondition
— Sophia (@sophiavicencio) May 4, 2017
My medication for depression is what keeps me functioning. How dare you, Paul Ryan. #IAmAPreexistingCondition
— Talia (@2020fight) May 5, 2017
✅ Woman
— Tee Marie Hanible (@TheRealTeeMarie) May 5, 2017
✅ 20 yr Combat Veteran w/PTSD
✅ Chronic Eye symptoms
✅ Child w/medical issues
However, according to GOP..#IAmAPreexistingCondition pic.twitter.com/ekYrVVo5A0
Anxiety. Depression. Survivor of domestic abuse. I will be denied health care, but my attacker will keep his. #IAmAPreexistingCondition
— madison speer (@madisonspeer1) May 4, 2017
Some men also shared the conditions that could make it harder for them to get affordable healthcare.
I have Autism. I'd lose my health coverage under #AHCA, or go broke. #IAmAPreexistingCondition #ActuallyAutistic https://t.co/tFlQRDTKJb
— Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) May 4, 2017
.@GOP in lieu of flowers @ my funeral please donate to @LupusResearch w/$$ you'll save from my #Lupus meds/bills. #iamapreexistingcondition💔 pic.twitter.com/q48Eu79DTY
— Peter Morley (@morethanmySLE) May 4, 2017
30 y/o,doesn't smoke,exercises 5-7 days a week,but was born with Crohns Disease.But I'm not living "the right way" #IAmAPreexistingCondition
— Todd DeSando (@MrDeSando) May 4, 2017
On top of this amendment, the new bill could also cost 24 million Americans their health insurance, The New York Times reports, and many who are insured could have to pay more out of pocket. Insurance companies could gain total freedom over what types of care they do and don't cover, which could mean a lack of coverage for maternity care. Only 12% of insurance companies covered maternity care before the Affordable Care Act, according to the National Women's Law Centre.
To prevent this bill from becoming law, you can call, email, or tweet at a state senator and ask them to oppose it. You can also donate to an organisation likeNARAL orPlanned Parenthood that's fighting against the bill.
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