<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

A recent post highlighted legislation which, if enacted, would prevent
insurance companies from using medical history, or preexisting conditions,
to deny coverage. Without question this is a great start. In the individual
insurance market, availability and affordability are linked. These bills
would really help if they addressed cost as well. 

Last week the health insurance industry seemed to come to terms with this
issue. It was announced that the companies were willing to abandon the use
of preexisting conditions, if Congress passed a comprehensive health reform
plan that provided coverage to all Americans. Many in Washington were
surprised by this turnaround. Better yet, it is a strong signal to all of us
that policymakers are "Getting It" and understand the frustration and fear
faced by the millions of Americans with chronic medical conditions like
celiac disease. 

The key committees in Congress have set an extremely ambitious agenda to
have a health reform bill ready for action by August. It is too early to
know what provisions will be in the reform package. However, with the
insurance industry's announcement about preexisting condition limits, the
chances are very good that the discriminatory practice will be coming to an
end. 

Sharing your thoughts on this, or any other aspect of health reform is
critically important. You can send letters to your legislators by going to
the ACDA Advocacy site at www.americanceliac.org/advocacy.htm .  

As the reform bills are introduced, you will be able to track their progress
under 'Issues and Legislation' on the Advocacy site. For those on the ACDA
mailing list, look for Action Alerts in your mailbox.

Beth Hillson
American Celiac Disease Alliance
 

*Support summarization of posts, reply to the SENDER not the CELIAC List*
Archives are at: Http://Listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?LIST=CELIAC