Beshear touts guaranteed coverage for preexisting conditions

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is trying to jump-start a stalled health care bill.

The measure would prevent health insurers from denying coverage due to preexisting medical conditions.

The bill’s supporters said Tuesday there’s a growing sense of urgency to pass the legislation.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to decide a lawsuit that threatens the Obama-era federal health care law guaranteeing health coverage for people with preexisting conditions.

Supporters say the state needs a backup law to maintain coverage in case the Affordable Care Act is struck down.

Beshear says about 1.8 million Kentuckians have preexisting conditions.