Rep. Larsen Announces Key Health Care Provisions that Take Effect Today to Help Families in Northwest Washington

Washington, DC, September 23, 2010

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced that many key provisions of the new health care law that will hold protect consumers and hold insurance companies accountable are taking effect today

“In the six months since historic health care reform was signed into law, many families, seniors and small businesses across Northwest Washington have already started to receive more secure, affordable coverage.

“Washington state seniors who fell into the donut hole began receiving their first $250 checks to help them afford the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs and over 14,400 small businesses in the 2nd District learned they may qualify for significant tax credits so they no longer have to choose between health care and hiring.

“Today, many of the key provisions of the new health care law that will end the abusive practices of insurance companies and give the power back to consumers will take effect.

“No longer will insurance companies be able to drop patients from their plans when they get sick or deny coverage to children with preexisting conditions.

“As students head back to school and think about finding a job after graduation, they can take comfort in knowing they can now stay on their parents’ health plans until they turn 26.  This provision will help up to 20,500 young adults from Washington state count on secure health insurance coverage.

For plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010, all privately-insured Americans will have the following protections:

  • Health coverage cannot be arbitrarily cancelled if you become sick. 
  • Children cannot be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.
  • Children up to age 26 can stay on their parents’ health plan.   
  •  Health insurance companies cannot put a lifetime limit on health coverage.  
  • Health plans’ annual limits are phased out over three years. 

Beginning Thursday, consumers purchasing new plans will have the following additional protections:

  • Patients have the right to choose their own doctor.
  • Preventive services will be available without deductable or co-payments. 
  • Patients have the right to both an internal and external appeal of insurers’ coverage decisions. 
  • Patients have the right to access out-of-network emergency room care at in-network cost-sharing rates.

###