With less than 20 days until the 2018 midterm elections, President Donald Trump tweeted Oct. 18 that he is "in total support" of people with pre-existing conditions, CNN reports.
"All Republicans support people with pre-existing conditions, and if they don't, they will after I speak to them. I am in total support. Also, Democrats will destroy your Medicare, and I will keep it healthy and well!" Mr. Trump tweeted Oct. 18.
While Mr. Trump's tweet is in line with rhetoric from his recent campaign rallies, it is not consistent with his administration's actions and policies during his presidency.
In August, Mr. Trump signed an executive order making it easier for people to buy short-term health plans, which do not have to adhere to the ACA's regulations mandating protections for people with pre-existing conditions, and are allowed to deny coverage or charge beneficiaries higher premiums based on their medical history. A Democratic measure aimed at eliminating short-term healthcare plans that do not have to cover pre-existing conditions introduced earlier this month failed in the Senate, the report states.
The Trump administration also sought to gut two core provisions of the ACA that guaranteed protections for pre-existing conditions in June, and has supported numerous efforts aiming to repeal and replace the ACA.
Democrats have rallied around the healthcare issue leading up to election day, and several notable leaders criticized Mr. Trump's rhetoric on Twitter. Democratic Minority Leader Sen. Charles Schumer tweeted Oct. 18: "Mr. President: Look in the mirror, and you'll see the person you need to speak with. Pull back your lawsuit fighting to undo protections for pre-existing conditions."
To access the full report, click here.