Brown offers criticism of health insurance bill

[caligirl]

http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/322881239489820.php

By DEBORA SHAULIS
Published: Sunday, April 2, 2006
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — A Republican-backed U.S. Senate bill that's supposed to help small businesses buy affordable health insurance also would disregard current state insurance laws, says U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown of Lorain, D-13th.
That means health providers could discontinue coverage for maternity care, many cancer screenings, kidney dialysis, basic children's health care, mental health treatment and diabetic supplies, Brown said.
Brown met Saturday at Youngstown Community Health Center with doctors, nurses and patients as he criticized Senate Bill 1955, the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act, that cleared a Senate committee last month.
Youngstown was one of six campaign stops Saturday for Brown, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Senator Michael DeWine, R-Ohio.
"This Congress is one that first of all thinks about its interest group supporters," Brown said, citing the insurance industry.
What approval would mean
Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyoming, is lead sponsor of the bill. If it's approved, small businesses could form associations, regardless of state lines, to buy health insurance. .............more

[Erika]

1. So they will collect premium for no coverage

So GOP and Bush. Surprise, Surprise.

[OzarkDem]

2. That's pretty much it

They'll also be able to drop you or raise your premiums if you get sick. Things like cancer treatment won't have to be covered, either.

[Left Turn]

3. Thanks Brown

For opposing this. However it might be too late by the time he's in the Senate to stop this. I still see Dewine as a vote that can be flipped if he gets enough pressure. He supported some of the Democratic amendments in committee. Let's keep the pressure on him and other swing votes by e-mailing and calling them.

Contact info:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

[lovuian]

4. Socialized Medicine is the ONLY way to go

this is just BS!!!

[ed murrow]

5. A Legislative Train Wreck

Cali Girl,

You have been such a great champion of this issue and you are absolutely correct. The Enzi Legislation is a disaster waiting to happen.

And we have to stop this legislation.

I was reding In These Times and trurns out the Enzi bill also threatens coverage of contraceptive costs. So the bill not only a giant step back for helathcare in terms of Daibetes coverage, mental helath but now attacks Women's rights.

[ed murrow]

6. You Have To Read This!

Cali Girl,

One more thing there is a great diary about the Enzi Bill going on Daily Kos

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/4/6/13942/74890">Daily Kos - Enzi

I think it covers everything wrong with this legislation.

ed