Schakowsky Statement on Gov. Rauner's Health Care Whiplash

“I hope that Governor Rauner has access to good health insurance. He’ll need it to deal with what must be an unprecedented case of whiplash.

“This week, the Governor claimed credit for moving to expand the ACA’s essential health benefit package to include opioid addiction treatment and new mental health benefits. That’s a good thing.

“But then he took that all away when he vetoed a bill that would limit the sale of barebones policies that don’t include those benefits – or any other essential health benefits, including maternity care and prescription drug coverage. And, by the way, those policies can discriminate against anyone with a pre-existing condition (including substance abuse addiction or behavioral health problems) and charge women and older adults higher premiums. The veto is a very, very bad thing.

“The bottom line: Governor Rauner doesn’t seem to care much about the benefits you and your family will actually get – or the price you will pay.”