Press Releases

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) said that Wisconsin families will have a greater sense of security when it comes to their health care as key consumer protection provisions included in health insurance reform legislation go into effect tomorrow.

Congresswoman Moore said, “For far too long, insurance companies could tell a child born with asthma – ‘Sorry, we can’t help you -- preexisting condition.’  For too long, they could tell someone just diagnosed with a major illness – ‘Sorry, we aren’t covering you anymore.’  For too long, they could tell someone who has always paid premiums – lying sick in the hospital, ‘Sorry, we’re not paying anymore.  You’ve met your limit.’  Enough is enough.  Wisconsinites can breathe a sigh of relief and feel more secure that this won’t happen ever again.”

The following key consumer protections go into effect – for plans beginning or renewed starting tomorrow:

• Coverage cannot be canceled because you get sick.
• Children with preexisting conditions cannot be denied insurance.  This provision will apply to all people in 2014.
• Children can stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26.
• Insurance plans cannot have lifetime payment limits.
• Insurance plans’ annual payment limits begin phase out -- will be completely eliminated by 2014.

Moore continued, “These reforms give families peace of mind that rug won’t pulled out from under them the second someone gets sick.  I’ll be the first to say it – this law isn’t perfect.  We’ll have to improve it along the way, but I will stand up for these reforms and fight any effort to repeal them. ”

Key provisions also go into effect for women.  Beginning tomorrow, women purchasing new plans will have the following benefits:

• No deductible or co-pay on preventive services such as mammograms, immunizations and pre-natal care.
• No longer need a referral to see an OB-GYN.