In a recent C-SPAN clip that’s been circulating on social media, Pennsylvania Senator Mark Thompson ignited controversy with a troubling metaphor. During a Senate confirmation hearing for Representative Tom Green, President Trump’s choice for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Thompson likened individuals with pre-existing conditions to burned-down houses.
In the brief 24-second segment, Thompson questioned Green about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how it pertains to people with pre-existing health issues. He stated, “One way to ensure coverage is to mandate that insurance companies provide health insurance to anyone, regardless of their condition. That’s akin to asking a property insurer to rebuild a house after it’s been destroyed by fire.”
Thompson prefaced his comments by highlighting that a staggering 43% of residents in Pennsylvania are left with only one insurance option under the current ACA framework. He sought to explore how to reform this system while still protecting those with pre-existing conditions. His suggestion of compelling insurance companies to “show up” for everyone raised eyebrows, as he asked Green if there might be less coercive methods to guarantee this coverage.
In response to inquiries about his analogy, a spokesperson for Thompson defended the comparison, stating it illustrated the challenges within insurance markets and emphasized the ongoing “death spiral” of Obamacare, where rising costs are causing younger, healthier individuals to opt-out of coverage.
However, many constituents and advocates for individuals with disabilities took to social media to express their outrage, arguing that equating people with health conditions to mere property is dehumanizing and reductive. They stressed the necessity of viewing those with pre-existing conditions as individuals deserving of care and support, not as liabilities.
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In summary, Senator Mark Thompson’s controversial remarks about pre-existing conditions have sparked significant backlash, highlighting the importance of compassion and understanding in health care discussions.