Congressman Veasey Statement on House bill that Changes Affordable Care Act’s Coverage Rules

Washington D.C.—Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement in regard to his concern for H.R. 4414, the Expatriate Health Coverage Clarification Act of 2014, legislation that would impact health coverage plan protections for millions of workers under the Affordable Care Act:

“Today, as the House of Representatives considers H.R. 4414, the Expatriate Health Coverage Clarification Act of 2014, I want to express my deep concern, as it would establish dangerous precedent under the Affordable Care Act.

While there may be a need to narrowly clarify the law with respect to “expatriate” coverage, H.R. 4414 would create large loopholes that would permit insurance companies to avoid their responsibilities under the Affordable Care Act.

As the bill is currently written, H.R. 4414 would deprive vital ACA protections to millions of lawful permanent residents and non-immigrant visa holders currently working in America. These individuals could lose out on the insurance benefits and protections that we fought for under the ACA.

Let me be clear, while there are many measures we can review to improve the Affordable Care Act, the law’s intent was to ensure quality health care coverage for the public. H.R. 4414 would undermine the intent of the law and once again allow insurers to deny health coverage protections to millions of workers.”