Washington, D.C. – Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Dean of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, today spoke against the Republicans’ Patients’ Rights Repeal bill during House Floor debate on the legislation. The bill would repeal the health care law enacted last year.
“The Republican bill is the wrong prescription for our country,” said Rep. Markey. “This bill isn’t just a repeal - it’s a bad deal. It would permit insurance companies to deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, require seniors to pay more for the lifesaving medicines they need, and eliminate the tax credits in the law for middle class families and small businesses to afford health insurance. We should say NO to this Republican bad deal, which takes away patient freedoms and say YES to the health reform law that creates a healthcare system that protects American families.”
While speaking on the House Floor, Rep. Markey shared the story of one of his constituents, Lydia Swan from Lexington, Massachusetts. Lydia was pregnant with her first child when her husband switched jobs. Though the Swans were only without coverage for a few days, their new insurer told Lydia that her pregnancy was a pre-existing condition. The Swan family had to pay for all expenses associated with Lydia’s pregnancy. When Lydia Swan shared her story with Rep. Markey she wrote, “Alexis is my daughter, not a pre-existing condition.”
“The new healthcare law closes the book on the kind of insurance company abuses Lydia Swan experienced, and we must not reopen it once again,” concluded Markey. “The health care reform law is not only expanding access to coverage and holding insurance companies accountable, but it is also giving families more freedom and control over their health care choices.”
For video of Rep Markey’s full remarks, click HERE .
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Rep Markey’s full remarks:
Statement on the Floor of the US House of Representatives, January 19, 2011
This Republican bill is the wrong prescription for our country.
It isn’t just a “repeal” - it’s a bad deal.
It’s a bad deal for middle class families and small businesses, who would lose tax credits included in the new law to help them pay for health insurance. It’s a bad deal for Grandma, who will face higher costs for the lifesaving medication she needs. And it’s a bad deal for pregnant women, who could be denied coverage when they need it most.
Lydia Swan, my constituent, shared her story with me during the healthcare debate last year. Lydia was pregnant when her husband switched jobs. Her new insurance company said the pregnancy was a pre-existing condition and they wouldn’t pay any expenses – Lydia was insured, but not covered. That is wrong. It’s just plain wrong.
Mr. Speaker, a newborn child should be a pleasure, not a pre-existing condition! New parents expect some sleepless nights. They don’t expect their insurance company to deny coverage. New parents should worry about the baby, not the bills.
The new healthcare law closes the book on these kinds of insurance company abuses…let’s not reopen it once again.
Say NO to this Republican bad deal that takes away patient rights and freedoms and say YES to a healthcare system that protects American families.
