GOP lawmaker: those with pre-existing conditions may need to move

The GOP model would empower states to scrap the guarantees for those with pre-existing conditions, forcing Americans who’ve had health issues – or those with chronic conditions – to pay exorbitant costs for care.

In a welcome display of candor, one House Republican suggested yesterday that if you have a pre-existing condition, and your state tries to punish you, you may have to move to some other state. TPM noted:

“People can go to the state that they want to live in,” Rep. Robert Pittenger (R-NC) told reporters Tuesday morning when asked if people with pre-existing conditions could be charged much more under the American Health Care Act.

“States have all kinds of different policies and there are disparities among states for many things: driving restrictions, alcohol, whatever,” he continued. “We’re putting choices back in the hands of the states. That’s what Jeffersonian democracy provides for.”

Or, as my brilliant wife noted:

When North Carolina sends its people, they’re not sending their best…. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with them. They’re bringing carpal tunnel syndrome. They’re bringing lactose intolerance. They’re women. And some, I assume, are good people.
We’re going to have to build a wall around your state, Rep. Pittenger.