The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) sent a letter expressing support for the Health Insurance Rate Authority Act of 2010 -- legislation that works to improve the affordability of health coverage by requiring oversight and control of insurance industry rate-setting practices. The letter went to lead sponsors of the legislation Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). The full text of the letter follows:
April 29, 2010
Dear Senator Feinstein and Representative Schakowsky:
On behalf of millions of cancer patients, survivors and their families, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society commends you for your introduction of S. 3078 and H.R. 4757, the Health Insurance Rate Authority Act of 2010.
Over the past year and a half ACS CAN has participated in the health care reform debate from the perspective of a cancer patient. Providing all Americans with access to adequate and affordable health care will significantly reduce death and suffering from cancer, and measurably improve the quality of life for patients and survivors.
While not a perfect law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) will make a significant contribution to our fight against cancer. S. 3078 will take PPACA a step further by attempting to keep insurance coverage affordable for middle and low income Americans. By requiring oversight and control of insurance industry rate-setting practices, S. 3078 will introduce a greater level of transparency allowing consumers to understand for the first time how much of their premiums actually goes to pay for health care services. By permitting roll-backs or refunds of unreasonable premium increases, S. 3078 will help make good on the promise that adequate insurance stays affordable in the post-health reform environment.
The legislation would level the playing field for consumers across the country by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work in partnership with states that do not have rate authority laws to establish new programs, and coordinate with states that already have rate review processes to strengthen their efforts. These important steps will give states the ability to address this important issue directly, with federal support.
Again, thank you for your commitment to ensuring the availability of adequate and affordable insurance coverage for all Americans. If you or your staff have questions, or would like further information about how the legislation impacts cancer and chronic disease, please do not hesitate to contact my Associate Director for Federal Relations, Keysha Brooks-Coley at 202-661-5720.
Sincerely,
Molly Daniels
Interim President
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Alissa Havens or Steven Weiss
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Phone: (202) 661-5772 or (202) 661-5711
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]