Healthcare and "Dangerous Sports" Important

[Brian425 0]

I know that this is from a motorcyclist's perspective; however, it will help protect skydivers also. Right now some health insurance companies will not cover your skydiving or motorcycling injuries. This bill will take away the loophole to provide coverage to everyone participating in a recognized recreational activities. This is us. The article and link are from the American Motorcyclist Association. I know it's not the USPA; but, there is a link to contact you congressman with a form letter.

Here is the link

LINK

Here is the text. It only takes a minute and it will make a difference if enough people send the e-mails.

ACTION ALERT - WRITE NOW! SENATE AND HOUSE INTRODUCE HEALTH INSURANCE BILL!
TELL YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO FIX THE HEALTH INSURANCE LOOPHOLE!







U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced S. 423, "The Health Care Parity for Legal Transportation and Recreational Activities Act." U.S. Representative Scott McInnis (R-CO-3) introduced the House companion bill, H.R. 1749.

The legislation aims at promoting health care parity for individuals participating in legal transportation and recreational activities-activities like motorcycling, snowmobiling, horseback riding, running or walking. This legislation addresses a loophole caused by a Department of Health and Human Services' rule making it possible for health care coverage to be denied to those who are injured while participating in these activities.

Collins was joined by Senator Feingold (D-WI) in introducing the Senate legislation. McInnis was joined by U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland (D-OH-6) in addition to 49 original co-sponsors to the House bill.

"From riding Harley Davidson motorcycles to visiting the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, these activities are part of Wisconsin's heritage and economy," Feingold said. "It simply doesn't make sense to exclude those participating in these activities from health care benefits."

As background, self-insured employers and unions have been known to deny health benefits to their motorcyclist employees and union members. These unfair measures had been adopted on the questionable advice of third party administrators in an effort to keep the cost of insurance premiums low.

On August 21, 1996 an important opportunity arose when President Clinton signed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), prohibiting employers from denying health care coverage based on a worker’s pre-existing medical conditions or participation in legal activities.

Strickland called it "sad" that Congress had to step in on the issue.

"When Congress passed (the original law) we intended to make sure someone who is motorcycling, snowmobiling, running, or walking couldn't be denied health-care coverage," Strickland said. "I'm pleased to be the original co-sponsor of a bill that would ensure these individuals receive the medical coverage they need in the event they are injured while doing one of these legal activities."

In 2001, the Health Care Finance Administration released the final rules that would govern the law. The rules recognize that employers cannot refuse health care coverage to an employee on the basis of their participation in a recognized recreational activity. However, the benefits can be denied for injuries sustained in connection with those recreational activities. Essentially, the regulation grants protective status to motorcyclists without any substantive benefits.

"Because of this loophole, someone who participates in motorcycling, snowmobiling, running or walking could be denied health care coverage, while someone who is injured while drinking and driving a car would be protected," Senator Feingold said. "It is time that Congress corrected this so that those who are abiding by the law are not denied coverage."

The AMA is urging all motorcyclists—and those involved in any other type of recreational activity— to notify their Members of Congress and tell them to support S.423 and H.R. 1749, The Health Care Parity for Legal Transportation and Recreational Activities Act.

The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

[jumpinfarmer 0]

Good thing to do. the reps don't read all this mail but they do count the for and against and which ever one is bigger normally wins.
Without legislation like this the insurance companies would cripple all active sports.

[bsoder 0]

Click

[Brian425 0]

Thanks Bsoder

The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

[storm1977 0]

I sent a letter.

Unfortunately one of them will go to Mrs. Clinton, which basically means she won't do shit about it. Since she hasn't done anything since she has been in office.

Chris

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Sometimes it is more important to protect LIFE than Liberty

[Nightingale 0]

Message sent to

Dianne Feinstein
Barbara Boxer
Ken Calvert