WASHINGTON, D.C., September 24, 2020  American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown issued the following statement in response to the executive order on health care issued by President Trump today:

“We have reviewed President Trump’s executive order, but much more needs to be done to provide a guarantee of protection for patients with pre-existing conditions. Ongoing threats to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remain a grave concern for millions of patients across the country with cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. That’s why we joined 19 other patient groups representing millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions in filing an amicus curiae brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the ACA’s patient protections in the case of California v. Texas (previously Texas v. United States).

“Any discussion of protecting patients with pre-existing conditions must include the positive impact of the ACA’s provisions that have expanded access to health coverage to people who were routinely denied it before the landmark law went into effect. If the Supreme Court overturns the ACA, more than 100 million people with pre-existing conditions will be at risk for losing the insurance coverage that gives them access to necessary care.

“We appreciate that President Trump has once again highlighted the need to end surprise medical billing in our country and for recognizing that fear of receiving a surprise bill may dissuade patients from seeking appropriate care. We strongly agree with the administration’s view that congressional action is needed. Ten thousand Americans a day receive a surprise medical bill for care they thought would be covered by their health insurance, yet Congress still has not acted. We cannot allow patients to continue suffering under the weight of medical debt, especially during this time of great economic uncertainty.

“This pandemic has stressed the importance of access to meaningful health insurance coverage for millions of Americans – especially people with heart disease who are at high risk of being severely affected by the coronavirus. We continue to advocate for improving access to quality, affordable care that patients need and deserve.”

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookTwitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For media inquiries please contact:
Suniti Sarah Bal – 916-390-1860; suniti.bal@heart.org