Oral arguments in lawsuit that could strip pre-existing conditions coverage for 152,000 Montanans begin today
Oral arguments in the GOP lawsuit to strip coverage for pre-existing conditions from 152,000 Montanans begin today and Rosendale is still refusing to oppose it. The lawsuit would make the health care law’s individual mandate unconstitutional, axing protections for pre-existing conditions coverage and sending health care costs skyrocketing.
As the insurance commissioner, Rosendale’s job is to stand up for Montanans’ health care access and costs. But he has been silent on the lawsuit, and as insurance commissioner, he has allowed health plans that “have some combination of exclusions for pre-existing conditions, limits on coverage and big gaps in benefits.”
In June, the Justice Department decided it would not defend the health care law against a lawsuit by Republican attorneys general intended to sabotage health care for Americans. Now, nearly three months later as their lawsuit is being heard by a federal judge, Senate Republican candidates like Rosendale are scrambling to rewrite their history as they face a backlash from voters.
“By refusing to oppose this lawsuit, Rosendale is sending a clear message that he does not want to protect coverage for pre-existing conditions and cannot be trusted to stand up for Montanans,” said Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesman David Bergstein. “Health care is the top issue for voters and they want a senator who will put their interests first – by backing a toxic agenda that raises costs and cuts coverage, Rosendale has failed that test.”
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