A U.S. government report released Tuesday said 1 in 2 non-elderly Americans have at least one pre-existing condition that could deny them healthcare coverage without new health reform law.

Making the case against Republican push to repeal the reform, the report released by Health and Human Services Department said without Affordable Care Act protections, in 2014, up to 129 million Americans under the age 65, who have some type of pre- existing health condition, like heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis or cancer, would be at risk of losing health insurance when they need it most, or be denied coverage altogether.

"The Affordable Care Act is stopping insurance companies from discriminating against Americans with pre-existing conditions and is giving us all more freedom and control over our health care decisions," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

The report found anywhere from 50 to 129 million of Americans under age 65 have some type of pre-existing condition. Examples of what may be considered a pre-existing condition include heart disease, cancer, asthma, high blood pressure and arthritis. Older people between ages 55 and 64 are at particular risk; 48 to 86 percent of people in that age bracket live with a pre-existing condition.

Prior to the healthcare reform, in the vast majority of states, insurance companies in the individual market could deny coverage, charge higher premiums, and/or limit benefits based on pre- existing conditions.

A landmark legislation rammed through by President Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats, the Affordable Care Act is facing a public backlash and Republican efforts to repeal it.

Republicans are in control of the House but not the Senate, limiting their power to overturn the healthcare law. House Republicans have scheduled a vote on repealing the law for Wednesday.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet