April 28, 2006
Join Thousands of Americans in a National Call-in to Protect our Health Care
 Action Needed
Wednesday, May 3, 2006, is a national call in day for advocates across the country to register their resounding opposition to S. 1955, the “Health Insurance marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act.”
1. Please call the Senate switchboard on May 3rd through this toll free number: 1-800-828-0498. Ask for your Senators' offices. Tell your Senators that constituents are alarmed about possible passage of this bill and urge them to VOTE NO on S. 1955, the "Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act."
Sample Message
Hello,
My name is _____________, I am a social worker, constituent and member of the National Association of Social Workers. I am alarmed by the “lose your health care coverage” legislation (S.1955) sponsored by Sen. Enzi. If this bill passes, it would eliminate vital insurance protections including benefits such as cancer screenings, maternity care, well child care, and mental health care. The bill would also enable health insurers to bypass existing state consumer protection laws, resulting in loss of critical health care for 83 million Americans. This bill will produce higher costs for many small businesses and harm vulnerable workers and families, inevitably leaving many with no coverage at all. It is vital that you vote no on S.1955. Thank you.
2. Alternatively, you can send a Message to your Senators by using NASW’s Congress Web program: Letter to Oppose Destructive HIMMA Bill.
Background
Despite the tremendous need to make health care more affordable, the Senate will soon vote on S.1955, legislation that would wipe away critical health insurance protections and make health coverage more expensive for higher risk and older workers. In fact, this bill should be called the "Lose Your Health Care Coverage Bill." Though it may be politically expedient for elected officials to offer underinsurance then claim that they reduced the number of uninsured, such proposals fail to address the challenge of expanding access to comprehensive and reasonably priced health care.
Instead of making health care more affordable for those who need it most, S.1955 would wipe away state protections that prevent insurers from charging higher premiums based on health, gender, age – or even where you live. If S.1955 is adopted, it would eliminate mandates for coverage of:
- Social Work Services
- Mental Health Services
- Mammograms
- Breast, cervical, colon or prostate cancer screening or treatment
- Well-child check-ups and immunizations
- Diabetes education and treatment including insulin and test strips
There is some talk on Capitol Hill about making amendments to the bill to make it more palatable to some. We are fundamentally opposed to this bill and argue that even with amendments, S. 1955 will eliminate health insurance protections advocates and states have worked so hard to establish.
Timing
Americans have much to lose from this bill. ACT NOW! Please urge your Senators to vote NO on S.1955, the "Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act," when it comes to the full Senate in May. |
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