|
Legislation to Protect Health
Insurance Benefits for Motorcyclists Introduced in Congress
U.S. Congressmen Michael C. Burgess,
M.D. (R-TX) and Bart Stupak (D-MI) have introduced bipartisan
legislation to stop insurance companies from denying payments
for injuries incurred while participating in certain legal recreational
and transportation activities, such as motorcycling and riding
all-terrain vehicles (ATV). Identical legislation has been introduced
in the Senate by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Russ Feingold
(D-WI).
The legislation (H.R. 1076, S. 616) would close a loophole created
by the Department of Health and Human Services' regulations implementing
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
of 1996. As written and implemented, the regulations provide
that an employer may not refuse health care coverage to
an employee on the basis of participation in recreational activities,
but may deny health care benefits if the employee is injured
while participating in these activities.
The current regulations would allow health insurers to deny payment
for injuries sustained by motorcyclists and ATV riders despite
the fact that the individual carried health insurance. This clearly
contradicts the intent of the regulation, which was meant to
ensure nondiscrimination in health care coverage. This legislation
would reinstate the original intent and close the loophole that
unfairly discriminates against motorcyclists, ATV riders and
other recreationists.
The Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute
of America and the American Motorcyclist Association are working
together with other recreation organizations to advocate passage
of H.R. 1076 and S. 616. "The leadership shown by Congressman
Stupak and Congressman Burgess on this legislation is critical
as it moves through the House of Representatives," said
Duane Taylor, Government Relations Specialist for the Motorcycle
Industry Council. He continued, "Senators Collins and Feingold
have also been champions on this issue and we look forward to
continuing to work with them as their bill is considered by the
Senate."
The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) is a not-for-profit, national
trade association representing manufacturers and distributors
of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV parts and accessories
and members of allied trades, located in Irvine, California.
back to NEWS overview
|