Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) voted to reduce health care costs and lower prescription drug prices as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, a legislative package that also provides a renewed financial path for the State of Florida to expand Medicaid as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many from their jobs and health insurance.

“COVID-19 highlights the importance of affordable health care, treatments and access, and I will continue to stand up for my neighbors and their access to affordable health care. Meanwhile, President Trump, Governor DeSantis and Republicans are fighting all the way to the Supreme Court to rip health care away from American families, including over 1M Floridians who receive coverage through HealthCare.gov. Even as our neighbors grapple with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 health crisis, Republicans want to strip protections from our neighbors with pre-existing conditions – it’s wrong and it’s cruel.

“The ACA benefits all Americans – it ends discrimination against people with preexisting health conditions like asthma, diabetes, cancer, mental illness and substance abuse, allows children to stay on parents’ plans until age 26, eliminates lifetime insurance caps and improved Medicare among other great consumer protections. Our new legislation will strengthen the ACA and expand coverage to even more of our neighbors here in Florida.

“The mandate from my neighbors has long been clear: they value affordable and accessible health care and the bedrock protection from discrimination based upon a preexisting health condition. That’s why I’m proud to champion the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act to protect our neighbors and family members with preexisting conditions, lower premiums, maintain and expand access to health care and stop Trump-approved junk plans. Junk health insurance plans are no substitute for meaningful health insurance and continue to leave Americans on the hook for costly medical bills.

“In a response to the concerns of my Florida neighbors, this bill will also finally allow for the negotiation of prescription drug prices and stops drug companies from ripping off American families and seniors. This is an all-American proposition that makes sure everyone can afford the cost of their prescription drugs and have access to the care they need. While the Trump Administration continues its all-out war on health care and seeks to have courts rip coverage away from millions, House Democrats are working to provide our neighbors the security that they deserve.”

A fact sheet on the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act is available here.