Independent voters overwhelmingly oppose eliminating coverage protections for people with preexisting conditions

 

A recent poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation has shown that the Republican lawsuit to strike down the Affordable Care Act that was “sparked” by Senator Susan Collins’ vote for the GOP tax giveaway could drive independent voters away from Republicans.

 

According to the polling, 93% of independents want to maintain ACA regulations that prohibit insurance companies from setting lifetime limits on coverage and 90% of independents don’t want to see coverage protections for people with preexisting conditions eliminated. The poll also found overwhelming support among independent voters for ACA subsidies that help people buy insurance and regulations allowing young adults to stay on their parents insurance up to age 26.

 

While Collins has attempted to publicly distance herself from the lawsuit, her record makes it clear that she knew exactly what she was doing when she voted to put the ACA in jeopardy. Back in 2012, Collins signed onto an amicus brief that argued if the individual mandate was eliminated, the entire ACA should be struck down. Then in 2017 Collins voted to eliminate the individual mandate, and has maintained that she doesn’t regret her vote “at all.”

 

“Not only are Washington Republicans racing to eliminate the ACA in the middle of a pandemic, they don’t even have a plan to replace it,” said Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra. “Collins’ vote for the GOP tax bill put our health care at risk, and it’s clear that voters are ready to hold her and her fellow Republicans accountable in November.”

 

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