Health care reform meets our principles
by Jim
Easter Seals has supported a series of health care reform principles related to legislation that proposes changes to the health care insurance and delivery system in the United States.
I am pleased to report that the majority of our principles were incorporated into the final language of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act approved by Congress and signed by President Obama on Tuesday.
Of particular note for people with autism is our principle regarding non-discrimination.
- Principle: That all individuals be assured participation in the nation’s health care system without discrimination on any basis, including disability or other special need, illness, condition, genetics, age, gender, ethnicity, financial resources and employment status.
- Principle Met: The legislation prohibits health plans from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions effective 6 months after enactment and, beginning in 2014, this applies to all persons.
I thank Easter Seals staff and our supporters for ensuring that people with disabilities and their families were not forgotten in health care reform.