Contact: Rep. Terry Katsma, (608) 266-0656
Madison – Rep. Terry Katsma (R-Oostburg), along with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Wisconsin State Assembly, passed Assembly Bill 1 protecting the “guaranteed issue” requirement in Wisconsin. Passing by a vote of 76-19, this requirement prevents insurance companies from denying someone a health insurance policy because they have a pre-existing condition—regardless of what happens in the future under federal law.
“1 out of 6 people in Wisconsin has a pre-existing condition,” said Rep. Katsma. “This bill protects these people from any uncertainty at the federal level.”
In addition to protecting the “guaranteed issue” requirement, Assembly Bill 1 also prevents insurance companies from refusing to cover services that people need to treat a pre-existing condition, or charge a higher premium based on a person’s health status. Assembly Bill 1 was also amended, through negotiations with the new administration, to prohibit annual and lifetime coverage caps on Wisconsin’s health insurance policies.
“This fall, I made a promise to my constituents to protect those with pre-existing conditions,” said Rep. Katsma. “With this bill, Wisconsin will continue to protect our most vulnerable citizens and ensure that no one in Wisconsin will be forced to live without coverage.”
Should this bill become law, Wisconsin will be one of only 5 states nationwide to implement all three elements of the pre-existing condition protections into state statute.
