Rep. Towns Announces Patient's Bill of Rights to Take Effect Tomorrow

Press Release

Today, Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns (NY-10) announced that several patient's rights and protections enacted through the Affordable Care Act go into effect during the new plan year starting tomorrow, Thursday, September 23, 2010. Rep. Towns has long supported health care reform and supported passage of the Affordable Care Act.

"When President Obama signed health care reform into law, we fulfilled the sacred promise of health care for all Americans," said Rep. Towns. "I proudly supported this new law that moves us towards a healthier nation and more sustainable health care costs that can make the difference between financial security and instability for millions of families."

Those with private insurance beginning a new health plan year on or after September 23, 2010 will have the following protections:

* Your coverage cannot be canceled if you become sick.
* Your child cannot be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.
* Your child can stay on your health plan until the age of 26.
* Your health plan cannot put a lifetime limit on your coverage.
* Your health plan's annual limits are phased out over three years.

Those consumers purchasing NEW plans on or after September 23, 2010 will have the following additional protections:

* You have the right to key preventive services without worrying about a deductible or co-payments.
* You have the right to both an internal and external appeal.
* You have the right to choose your own doctor.
* You have the right to access out-of-network emergency room care at in-network sharing costs.

All of these provisions will be in effect during upcoming insurance open seasons, re-enrollments and insurance purchases. Many of these reforms will be expanded over time.

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