Trump Tweets Blatant Lie That Graham-Cassidy Bill Protects Those With Pre-Existing Conditions

Proving that he has no shame when it comes to spewing falsehoods, Donald Trump tweeted an absolute lie on Wednesday, claiming the disastrous Graham-Cassidy health care bill does, in fact, take care of Americans with pre-existing conditions.

In a tweet a short time ago, the president said he “would not sign it” if it didn’t cover such medical conditions.

The Graham-Cassidy health care legislation, which Republicans are now working to ram through the Senate before the end of the month, essentially gives states the option of not covering pre-existing conditions.

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As PolitiFact noted on Wednesday, “The [Graham-Cassidy bill] says states must show how they ‘intend’ to keep coverage affordable for people with pre-existing conditions. That offers some cushion, although the intent to protect a group of people is not the same as guaranteeing that protection.”

At the very least, states could permit insurance companies to charge substantially more for those with pre-existing conditions – i.e. no coverage.

A new analysis from the Center for American Progress found that “individuals with even relatively mild pre-existing conditions would pay thousands of dollars above standard rates to obtain coverage” under the new plan.

Americans with asthma would have to pay $4,340 in higher premiums. Those struggling with depression would $8,490 in cost hikes. Women who have the nerve to get pregnant and start a family will be charged $17,320 more. Oh, and Americans with the most serious forms of cancer – folks who need care the most – will have to fork over $142,650 more in higher premiums.

This isn’t coverage for pre-existing conditions, as the president tweeted on Wednesday. It’s a death sentence.

Call 202-224-3121 and tell your Senator to vote no on this disastrous piece of legislation.

Sean Colarossi

Sean Colarossi currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and was an organizing fellow for both of President Obama’s presidential campaigns. He also worked with Planned Parenthood as an Affordable Care Act Outreach Organizer in 2014, helping northeast Ohio residents obtain health insurance coverage.