TNDP Memo: News and Analysis from the Tennessee Democratic Party

Written by Marte Lawrence on August 5th, 2009

  The TNDP has written these discussion points about current issues facing our state and nation. We plan to distribute these on a regular basis.Feel free to forward to your friends and colleagues. If you have any questions or comments, please write to keith@tndp.org 

What Health Insurance Reform Means for You :Reform isn’t only about the people who don’t have insurance – it’s about anyone who’s ever been afraid of  losing their coverage if they become sick, lose their job, or change their job.  Health insurance reform will hold the  insurance companies accountable, and end the unscrupulous business practices that lead to windfall profits for health insurance executives and poorer health outcomes for everyone else.

Under health insurance reform, everyone will benefit from EIGHT protections that will provide more security and stability for Americans and their families:

1. No Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing coverage because of medical history.

2. No Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.

3. No Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care Insurance companies must fully cover – without charge – regular checkups and tests that help prevent  illness, including mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

4. No Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or lessening coverage for people who become seriously ill.

5. No Gender Discrimination Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging people more because of their gender.

6. No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage people receive.

7. Extended Coverage for Young Adults Children will be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

8. Guaranteed Insurance Renewal Insurance companies will be required to renew a policy as long as the  policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won’t be allowed to refuse renewal if someone becomes sick.