Bill in US Senate to close insurance loophole *IMPORTANT*

[Bilby]

Originally Posted by mrf.org

MOTORCYCLIST DISCRIMINATION HEALTH INSURANCE BILL INTRODUCED IN UNITED STATES SENATE.

United States Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) recently re-introduced legislation, S. 577, to close the loophole that has allowed health insurance companies to discriminate against motorcyclists when it comes to paying for health insurance benefits, identical legislation cleared the chamber last congress.

S. 577 directly address the current loophole, opened by federal regulators in 2001, that makes it possible for health care benefits to be denied solely based on the source of the injury. Some of the activities that are being targeted by the health insurance providers as sources of injuries not to supply insurance coverage for are motorcycling, horseback riding, skiing and ATV use.

"Snowmobilers and others participating in legal recreational or transportation activities deserve equal protection under our insurance laws. Given the amount Americans pay for health insurance, they should be assured that they will receive the same coverage and benefits whether they break their arm snowmobiling or from falling down the stairs," Senator Collins said. "The legislation introduced will close the loophole that allows insurers to deny an individual coverage for an injury resulting from a common, legal recreational activity."

Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), teamed up with Senator Collins to introduce the bi-partisan legislation. The duo led the charge last congress as well.

"Wisconsin offers an incredible setting for transportation and recreational activities like motorcycling, skiing and snowmobiling," Senator Feingold said. "People who take pleasure in these and other outdoor activities should not be deterred from enjoying them because of a health insurance loophole. This bipartisan legislation will offer outdoor recreation lovers the protection they deserve."

S. 577 was passed out of committee and out of the entire Senate chamber with no opposition last congress, that is a possibility again this congress, but not without your help. The MRF urges you to ask your United States Senator to sign on as a co-sponsor to S. 577, The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act. You can view the text, list of co-sponsors, and status of the legislation through the following website: THOMAS (Library of Congress) You can also call the United States Capitol at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senator.

Basically, this bill closes a loophole that allows health insurance companies to guarantee you coverage as a rider, and then deny your claim because motorcycle riding is a "dangerous activity"... this includes everyday riding! Not to mention legal racing and a host of other activities. Crazy!

The bill's number has apparently changed, as it now listed Senate Bill S.616 in status "Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions."

As far as i can tell, this means it's still up in the air as to what happens with it. People, I think it's important that we email, mail, call, or otherwise poke our respectve Senators on the shoulders about this, and get it passed. It's a common sense fix for a stupid loophole, but considering the apathy that we tend to treat the US lawmaking system, it very well may just disappear in with all the other bills and never get taken care of. Act now!

Contact Information for US Senators

I do not typically involve myself in this type of thing, but I really do think that this is important. Insurance companies, among other groups, seem predisposed to discriminate against perfectly safe riders. Don't give them any more ways of doing it then they already have!


Bilby

[jbowser12]

Sent something in. Thanks.

Good looking out. Although i have a PPO through work and so i dont need any additional coverage through insurance, i am betting there are a large portion of the MC community that rely on medical coverage through their MC insurance providers (or at least THINK their insurance covers medical expenses)

[CycleDude]

I emailed both NJ senators, Bob Memndez and Frank Lautenberg the following message....

Dear Senator,

I have recently learned of a bill S.616 Title: A bill to promote health care coverage parity for individuals participating in legal recreational activities or legal transportation activities.

Please consider passing this into law. It is certainly unfair to pay hard earned wages to an insurance company in good faith, while acting in full accordance with all local and state laws, regarding vehicle operation and use of DOT approved protective gear only to be denied coverage at a later time.

Health Insurance companies should either cover us, or not. But don't say that we are covered, take our money, and then leave us unprotected.

Best Regards from a concerned and safety concious motorcyclist, MSF graduate and Patriot Guard rider,

Kevin V. Lackey