Now more than ever we need to protect Arizonans from the possibility of losing healthcare coverage – especially those with pre-existing conditions. The COVID-19 virus has left ongoing health complications for many who have caught the virus.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) secured health protections and lifesaving coverage for millions of people, yet the law has repeatedly come under attack. Republican officials in 18 states, including Arizona, filed suit to overturn the law and now the U.S. The Supreme Court will decide whether the ACA should be struck down or upheld. We need to protect and improve our healthcare system, not repeal and start from zero protections.

The Arizona Healthcare Bill of Rights (HB 2739), would protect the health of Arizonans, no matter what happens at the federal level. This legislation would require that every healthcare insurer that offers an individual plan, short-term limited duration insurance, or small employer group plan complies with basic rules including:

• a ban on denials for pre-existing conditions,
• a ban on charging people higher premiums based on health status,
• coverage for essential health benefits,
• limit “out-of-pocket” payments for medical services that your insurance does not cover,
• no lifetime or annual limits on benefits.

Now is the time for Arizona to ensure that comprehensive, affordable health coverage will always be available for all Arizonans.