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I've been lobbying for this for months and spent a week in DC with other bleeding disorders advocates visiting congress and campaigning for these reforms, so today is honestly one of those days I'll always look back upon as life changing. I can't even begin to describe how proud I am of being an American tonight. Huzzah to those who voted in favor of fair, equitable care to all!
As to fear mongering, I have to say that it has been my experience throughout this fight that fear mongering has been the most effective tool of opponents. Every time I hear nonsense like "This will bankrupt the country" or "reform will kill our liberties" or "this bill will cause people to die" I myself have wanted to puke. 3590 does none of those things. Nor does it strip anyone's private insurance away, force companies into bankruptcy, put us all on Medicare, or any of the other Bullet Points of Fear that Beck and his ilk throw out every day. What it does do is;
Requires all insurance plans to cover maternity and child care up to age 21.
Prevents insurance companies from requiring co-payments for preventive care, including well baby and child care.
Establishes that the maximum annual deductible is $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for a family.
Establishes both an internal grievance process for when an insurance company denies a claim, as well as independent board outside the insurance company that someone can appeal to.
Establishes that all insurance plans must be written in "plain language," must contain details about the coverage, and must provide notice before changing a person's coverage.
Establishes whistleblower protections for health insurance company employees who report violations to the federal government.
Amends the Health Service Act to prevent rescission and guarantee that people may renew their health insurance, even if they become ill.
Eliminates yearly and annual caps, which frequently cause those suffering from chronic illnesses to lose their private insurance and resort to public programs, costing the system billions in the process.
Eliminates pre-existing clauses, thereby guaranteeing access to care for those in most need of it.
And many, many other things. So I ask, how are these things evil? How do these things limit or take away our freedom and destroy America? I cannot see how they do, and I thank God that enough of our Congressmembers had the courage and good sense to fight the good fight and establish these rights.
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