I oppose the Graham-Cassidy bill because it:
1) Doesn't protect people with preexisting conditions;
2) Doesn't eliminate lifetime insurance benefit caps;
3) Would allow insurers to charge older customers up to five times as much as they charge younger customers;
4) Includes a provision that essentially bans the use of federal Medicaid funds to pay for care at Planned Parenthood clinics;
5)Would allow states to change what qualifies as an "essential health benefit," allowing insurers to stop covering maternity care;
6) Would prohibit patients who receive a tax credit to buy insurance on the individual market from using the credit to purchase insurance that includes abortion coverage;
7) Like the previous "skinny repeal," would strip Planned Parenthood of federal funding for one year.
The lack of protection for those with preexisting conditions and allowing insurance companies to cap benefits would be especially harmful to consumers. Everyone purchasing coverage would be affected. Allowing states to change what qualifies as an essential benefit is also dangerous. I personally think maternity care is essential, but I don't necessarily trust Governor Snyder to agree! Also, Planned Parenthood provides necessary healthcare for many women. They don't just perform abortions - they provide breast exams, pelvic exams, etc. for low income women.