Domestic abuse survivors and mothers could be denied coverage or see their premiums increased under the healthcare plan.
After week-long negotiations, Thursday saw 217 GOP lawmakers back the new healthcare proposal with 20 Republicans and all Democrats voting against.
A victorious President Trump is confident his changes to the US healthcare system will pass through the Senate.
“This is a great plan. This is a repeal and replace of Obamacare. Make no mistake about it,” Trump said at a White House appearance before the press.
However, there are concerns the new changes could impact one crucial provision of Obamacare – 10 Essential Conditions which guarantees all health insurers cover services, including maternity and newborn, mental health, preventative and wellness services and prescription drugs. Removing the provision could allow states and insurers to exclude some of the pricier coverage that Americans might need. Annual exams and preventative tests could no longer be free of charge.
Among those affected are domestic/sexual abuse survivors and mothers who could also be denied coverage or see their premiums increased under the plan, currently, there are no higher fees and denial of services under Obamacare or the ACA (Affordable Care Act).
Under the current law, the ACA also prohibits insurers from “gender rating,” or charging more for insurance just for being a woman. The number of uninsured women went from 19 per cent to just 8 per cent after it was passed in 2010.
Many took to Twitter to voice their disapproval:
The plan now faces an uphill battle in the Senate with all Democrats firmly opposed to a bill they believe will deprive many Americans of healthcare coverage.
