By Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara)
Recent actions taken at the federal level around health care would have serious consequences for California. The new law could strip health care coverage from as many as 24 million Americans—4.6 million of which are here in California.
“As some who has worked closely with families in our community, I have seen health care providers walk people through their treatment options and guide them through their healthcare regimens. I have seen patients make tough decisions—bargaining for their care should not be one of them,” said Assemblymember Limón. “As a Member of the Health Committee and the Legislative Women’s Caucus, I will continue to support measures to protect Californians and ensure we stay safe and healthy.”
The new law will disproportionately affect women. Under the new law, sexual assault, pregnancy and C-sections, and domestic violence would be considered pre-existing conditions. While gender discrimination would still be prohibited, the law would allow the elimination of coverage for breast and cervical cancer screenings, birth and prenatal care, and birth control. The new law would also defund Planned Parenthood, a major provider of a wide range of women’s health care.
“The repeal of the ACA could mean life-or-death for millions of people in California and across the country,” said Assemblymember Limón.
The US House of Representatives voted for H.R. 1628, the first step towards repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the Affordable Care Act, California cut the number of those without insurance by more than half. Today, 1 in 3 Californians has healthcare coverage under the ACA.
— Monique Limón currently serves as an Assembly Assistant Majority Whip. She represents the 37th Assembly District which includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Carpinteria, Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Buellton, Solvang, Summerland, Isla Vista, Montecito and parts of Oxnard.