Contact: Brad Bainum, bradb@wisdems.org
MADISON —“Struggling Senate candidate” Leah Vukmir is today struggling to an even greater degree, following the Trump Administration’s decision to further boost the proliferation of so-called “junk” insurance plans, which let insurance companies deny coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions and also get out of covering Essential Health Benefits.
Vukmir has previously stated strong support for “junk” plans, even though the AARP says the plans “don’t have to pay for basic medical services and can deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions,” while also imposing an “age tax” that lets insurers charge older people more for coverage.
Meanwhile, true to her record of letting insurance companies write their own rules and get out of covering sick Wisconsinites’ critical treatments, Vukmir is also taking a stand against requiring insurance companies to cover Essential Health Benefits, which include emergency care, mental health services, prescription drug coverage, and coverage for maternity and newborn care.
Tellingly, a Vukmir campaign aide on Sunday told the Washington Examiner that he did not want to get into “the weeds” on Vukmir’s opposition to requiring insurance companies to cover Essential Health Benefits, which — again — include emergency care, mental health services, prescription drug coverage, and maternity and newborn care.
With Vukmir fully supportive of the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to undercut the Affordable Care Act’s protections for people with pre-existing conditions, it’s no surprise that Trump is on Wednesday headed to Wisconsin to stump for her.
