Kildee: Patient's Bill of Rights Goes into Effect Today

Press Release

Today, Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced that several important consumer protection features of the health reform legislation are going into effect. These features are known as the "Patient's Bill of Rights," and seek to end some of the worst insurance company abuses. Congressman Kildee was a strong supporter of the health reform legislation, which was signed into law in March of this year.

"Today, families in Michigan and across the country will start to feel relief from many of the most egregious practices of the insurance industry. No longer can your insurance company cancel your policy because you get sick or deny coverage to a child due to a pre-existing condition. Children can now stay on their parents' plans until they are 26 and companies cannot impose a lifetime limit on health coverage. These improvements will help move our country towards a healthier future and keep health care costs in check for families in our communities," said Congressman Kildee.

A full list of the provisions taking effect is below:

All privately-insured Americans will have the following protections, starting from when they renew their yearly plans:
* 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 giants cannot put a lifetime limit on health coverage.
* Health plans' annual limits are phased out over three years.

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.

Source