U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (FL) led Florida’s Democratic congressional delegation in a letter today to Florida Gov. Rick Scott condemning the GOP assault on the protection against discrimination for preexisting conditions in health coverage.  They are calling on the state of Florida to enact consumer protections for those with preexisting conditions and immediately withdraw from Texas v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a lawsuit aimed at dismantling the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and undoing critical protections included in the law for people with preexisting conditions.

“By joining this lawsuit, the state of Florida is actively working to hurt Americans with preexisting conditions,” the letter to Gov. Scott said.  “And, as representatives of the people of Florida, we urge you to withdraw from this dangerous suit immediately – and instead adopt additional consumer protections that will protect those with preexisting conditions.”  The letter sent to Gov. Scott can be read here.

U.S. Rep. Castor has been critical of Gov. Scott and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s alliance with President Trump and Congressional Republican’s repeated attacks on the health of Floridians – including their attempt to rip coverage away from almost 8 million Floridians with preexisting conditions.

U.S. Rep. Castor stated, “American families strongly favor the bedrock protection for people with preexisting conditions.  The GOP move to undermine these protections could return us to the bad old days when insurance companies could deny anyone from health insurance and charge exorbitant rates.  Over 130 million Americans, including almost 8 million Floridians, have a preexisting condition like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and more.  The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans – together with Gov. Scott and AG Bondi – must stop sabotage of our health care.”

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