CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill aimed at protecting insurance coverage of pre-existing conditions passed its first hurdle Monday when the West Virginia Senate Banking and Insurance Committee approved its version out of committee.
The vote sent Senate Bill 284 to the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee, where members will have to pass the legislation before it heads to the full chamber for consideration.
The West Virginia Healthcare Continuity Act would prohibit health insurance companies from excluding people because of a pre-existing condition if former President Barack Obama’s signature health care law is no longer in effect.
West Virginia is part of an 18-state coalition challenging the legality of “Obamacare.” Thousands of West Virginians, including 719,000 non-elderly residents with a pre-existing condition, could have their coverage changed if the law is struck down.
“It’s very unclear what provisions of the ACA will stay or go as a result of the lawsuit,” state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey told the committee. “I don’t think anyone can predict that right now.”
Morrisey has said his involvement in the challenge is over increasing premiums.
“Let’s put West Virginia out in front so there aren’t any potential issues while we continue to litigate this case,” he added.
Democrats in the Legislature have introduced measures they argue will ensure equal coverage of pre-existing conditions. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., last month asked lawmakers to oppose the measure, adding the current legal challenge would allow insurance companies to “play God” on providing coverage.