ICYMI: Jim Renacci Open to Waiver for Pre-existing Conditions

OH-GOV candidate tells CNN he’s open to waiver that would raise rates for Ohioans with pre-existing conditions

In an interview with CNN, Ohio Rep. Jim Renacci said that as governor, he would be open to waiving protections for Ohioans with pre-existing conditions. The waiver is emerging as a key issue in 2018 governor races, particularly in a crowded Republican primary like Ohio.
Jake Tapper asked Renacci if he would use the waiver in Ohio if he becomes governor. Renacci answered that he would use the waiver to take power back to the state level.

“I would look at the options to make sure we are taking care of people back in Ohio and that people aren’t losing coverage, and that pre-existing conditions are still being met. If I can do that inside the waiver program, which I believe I can do, and still make sure I have a better product, you bet I’m going to do it.”
In Ohio, an estimated 1,919,000 citizens have a pre-existing condition.
Renacci is also distancing himself from his Republican primary opponents, claiming that he’s the only candidate to oppose Medicaid expansion. Attorney General Mike DeWine, Sec. of State Jon Husted and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor still won’t take a stance on the bill or on the pre-existing condition waiver.

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Background:
Akron Beacon Journal Editorial: Taylor, DeWine, and Husted “Have Kept Their Distance” on Health Care Bill. According a Akron Beach Free Journal, “Give Jim Renacci credit. He is out front in the debate. The others seeking the Republican nomination for governor, Mary Taylor, Mike DeWine and Jon Husted, have kept their distance. What the CNN interview reinforced is that Renacci and other House Republicans would put protection for preexisting conditions at risk, or step back toward a more dysfunctional health care market that left so many without adequate health coverage.” [Akron Beacon Journal, Editorial, 5/3/17]