Brooklyn, N.Y. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke voted against H.R. 3350 (referred to as the “Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013”), a bill that undermines health care reform by allowing insurance companies to sell inadequate policies that are not in compliance with the Affordable Care Act. The bill passed, with 267 in favor and 157 opposed.

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans cannot prevent people with pre-existing condition from buying policies, cannot charge women more than men, and must provide comprehensive services such as annual primary care visits with a co-payment, family planning services, and coverage for mental health and substance abuse. H.R. 3350 would allow insurance companies to avoid these requirements by offering health insurance policies that do not cover these services and that exclude people with pre-existing conditions.

“H.R. 3350 exists only for the purpose of undermining the comprehensive health care plans available under the Affordable Care Act,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “I cannot support a bill that would undermine health care for women and, indeed, any person who wants to have comprehensive health insurance.”

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Ethics, and Homeland Security, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.