FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 10, 2010
Contact: Erikka Knuti (202) 603-4600; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
HIC Condemns McConnell’s Plan to Join Extremist Lawsuit
McConnell argues Congress powerless to protect people and regulate commerce
Washington, D.C. – Andrew Grossman, President the Health Information Campaign (HIC) condemns Senate Minority Leaders Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) plan to file a friend-of-the-court brief in the Florida lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act. Less than two months ago, the extremely popular consumer protection provisions of the law took effect. These provisions ensure that Americans no longer have to worry about going bankrupt of being dropped from coverage if they get sick.
“Senator Mitch McConnell’s partisan actions are irresponsible and will cause real harm to real people,” said HIC President, Andrew Grossman. “McConnell is saying that is okay for your family to foot the bill, to the tune of $1,000 a year, for free-riders who take advantage of the system. He is saying he wants to take away consumer protections from American families that make their coverage secure and fair.”
Grossman continued, “McConnell isn’t stupid. He knows insurance companies will be forced to go back to denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions or go out of business. He is playing a dangerous game of chicken with America’s health coverage.”
McConnell’s arguments are extreme and outside of the legal mainstream. Judges in Maryland, California, and Michigan have dismissed cases challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. The Michigan Federal Court judge rebuffed the myth that people can “choose” not to participate in health care market place because no one can guarantee they won’t get sick, injured, or die. The minimum coverage requirement prevents people from abusing the system, and procrastinators from jacking-up premiums. It prevents free-riders from shift the cost of their care on to others.
Right now, the average American family with insurance pays over $1,000 a year in higher premiums to cover the cost of care for the uninsured. The law will ease the cost burden on those who have insurance and make it more affordable for those who don’t by providing financial help to families earning up to eighty-eight thousand dollars a year.
The new law doesn’t work without this requirement. Individuals must be held responsible for their health coverage in order to rein in costs and allow access to fair coverage for everyone including those with pre-existing conditions.
Earlier this fall HIC launched “America’s Fair Health Care” to provide resources and information about the law’s implementation, and national ad campaign to educate the public about the provisions of the new law taking effect. HIC is a non-partisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the Affordable Care Act.
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"Under new plans, no child under age 19 will be denied coverage for a pre-existing conditions, period. Adults who have been without insurance for six months and who have been unable to obtain insurance because of a pre-existing condition, can apply for coverage under the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)."
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Insurers can no longer cut someone after the fact.
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New screening procedures are now in place for health care providers to eliminate fraud and waste in the health care system.
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Medicare Part D enrollees who hit the Medicare prescription drug benefit gap in 2010 will automatically receive a $250 rebate check.
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Effective immediately, qualified small employers get tax credits of up to 35% of premiums for offering coverage.
Video
America's new health care law makes it easier for you to find the quality, affordable health care that you and your family need.
