Tano Tijerina: Repealing The Affordable Care Act Would Repeal Protections For People With Preexisting Conditions And Allow Insurance Companies To Reinstate Lifetime Coverage Limits On People And Charge Unlimited Out-Of-Pocket Costs For In-Network Care

Repealing The Affordable Care Act Would Repeal Protections For People With Preexisting Conditions

Before The Affordable Care Act, It Was Legal For Health Insurance Companies To Deny Coverage To People With Preexisting Conditions. “A ‘preexisting condition’ refers to any health issue someone has before they sign up for a health insurance policy — from high blood pressure to pregnancy to allergies. Before the Affordable Care Act, it was perfectly legal for health insurers to deny coverage to people with such conditions.” [NPR, 10/27/20]

• Preexisting Conditions Included High Blood Pressure, Allergies, And Pregnancy. “A ‘preexisting condition’ refers to any health issue someone has before they sign up for a health insurance policy — from high blood pressure to pregnancy to allergies. Before the Affordable Care Act, it was perfectly legal for health insurers to deny coverage to people with such conditions.” [NPR, 10/27/20]

Repealing The Affordable Care Act Would Allow Insurance Companies To Reinstate Lifetime Coverage Limits On People And Charge Unlimited Out-Of-Pocket Costs For In-Network Care

The Affordable Care Act Prohibited Annual And Lifetime Limits On The Dollar Amount Of Coverage For People. “The ACA also prohibits annual and lifetime limits on the dollar amount of coverage and restricts the amount of out-of-pocket costs individuals and families may incur each year for in-network care. Additionally, the law requires most health plans to cover preventive health services with no out-of-pocket costs.” [KFF, 10/8/25]

The Affordable Care Act Restricted The Amount Of Out-Of-Pocket Costs Individuals And Families Could Incur Each Year For In-Network Care. “The ACA also prohibits annual and lifetime limits on the dollar amount of coverage and restricts the amount of out-of-pocket costs individuals and families may incur each year for in-network care. Additionally, the law requires most health plans to cover preventive health services with no out-of-pocket costs.” [KFF, 10/8/25]

Repealing The Affordable Care Act Would End ACA Health Insurance Marketplaces Where People Without Insurance Through Work Could Buy Insurance

The Affordable Care Act Allowed People Without Health Insurance Coverage Through Work To Buy Health Insurance On ACA Marketplaces. “While many Americans are allowed to purchase unsubsidized coverage on the ACA Marketplaces, these markets primarily exist to fill a gap in coverage options for people who cannot get insurance through work or public programs. Some people who sign up for Marketplace coverage are unemployed or between jobs, while others are students, self-employed or work at businesses that do not offer coverage (e.g., very small companies) or offer coverage that is deemed unaffordable.” [KFF, 10/8/25]