The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) today joined other groups representing patients, consumers and workers in urging the U.S. Senate to defeat a resolution that would block important protections in the Affordable Care Act from taking effect. In a letter sent this morning to senators, ACS CAN and seven other groups encouraged the defeat of Senate Joint Resolution 39, which would eliminate the interim final rule governing "grandfathered" plans. The rule "strikes the right balance between protecting consumers and providing stability and flexibility for employers," the groups wrote, and eliminating it "would put consumers' rights in jeopardy."
The full text of the letter follows:
September 29, 2010
Dear Senator:
The undersigned organizations write to you to express opposition to Senate Joint Resolution 39, Disapproval of Grandfathered Health Plans, filed by Senator Mike Enzi. The resolution would block key insurance reforms included in the Affordable Care Act that protect consumers and ensure high quality, affordable care.
Specifically, the resolution would eliminate an interim final rule issued by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury in June that clarified important consumer protections. Many provisions in the Affordable Care Act apply to all plans, new and existing. However, some provisions only apply to new plans. The rule outlines how health insurance plans could maintain or lose their “grandfathered” status.
The rule, issued by the Administration, strikes the right balance between protecting consumers and providing stability and flexibility for employers. Specifically, the rule prohibits plans from significantly cutting or reducing benefits, increasing copays by an excessive amount, dramatically raising deductibles or decreasing employer contributions that result in an increase in workers’ share of premiums. If plans significantly raise out-of-pocket costs for consumers, they lose their “grandfathered” status and would be considered a new plan, subject to further requirements in the law. Senator Enzi’s resolution would completely eliminate the rule, making it impossible to enforce important consumer protections against potential insurance company abuses. If enacted, the resolution would put consumers’ rights in jeopardy.
We strongly urge you to stand up for American families and vote “no” on SJ Resolution 39.
Sincerely,
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
Families USA
National Partnership for Women and Families
National Women’s Law Center
SEIU
U.S. PIRG
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Alissa Havens
(202) 661-5772
[email protected]
Steven Weiss
(202) 661-5711
[email protected]
