Contact: Rep. Jim Steineke, (608) 266-2418
MADISON – Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) joined his Republican colleagues this evening to pass legislation that protects healthcare coverage of Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions. A similar measure was passed out of the Assembly on a party vote during the 2017-18 legislative session, but failed to garner the support it needed to become law. An amended version of Assembly Bill 1 passed the Wisconsin State Assembly on a bipartisan vote of 76-19.
“With the passage of AB1, we’re following up on another campaign promise,” said Rep. Steineke. “We heard from our constituents that this is a priority, and we’re taking action.”
The amended bill is the result of bipartisan conversations, ideas, and meetings. Republican leadership met with Governor Evers with an end goal of putting forward legislation that tackles the goals of both sides of the aisle. The original bill, similar to its 2017 predecessor, ensures that people with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied health coverage. The approved amendment expands the bill’s impact by prohibiting annual or lifetime dollar limits on most healthcare benefits.
“I am happy to have been able to work with both Republicans and Democrats to make sure everyone in our state continues to have access to high quality healthcare, regardless of a previous health condition” continued Rep. Steineke. “I’d like to thank my colleagues in the Assembly for putting politics aside and taking a bipartisan vote to do what’s right for Wisconsinites.”
The legislation passed today now heads to the state Senate for approval.
