[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 101 (Wednesday, July 10, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. DOUGLAS ``PETE'' PETERSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 1996

  Mr. PETERSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my 
colleagues of exactly how important it is for us to pass health 
insurance reform now. Many Members of this body, and policy wonks 
around this city, are debating the political implications of passing--
or not passing--the health insurance reform bill now pending in 
conference. However, millions of Americans already know the real 
tragedy of failure to pass this bill. Let me provide just one example.
  I recently received a phone call and very touching letter from a 
Florida resident, Ms. Fran White, who currently has health insurance. 
Only 5 years ago, she was healthy and maintained an active work 
schedule of up to 60 hours per week. Unfortunately, she began 
experiencing health problems in 1991, and last year was diagnosed with 
multiple sclerosis. She continued her employment, albeit at a less 
aggressive pace, as long as possible. She now is unable to work. That 
in itself is a tragedy, but it is equally tragic to learn that she will 
now lose her health insurance coverage effective July 1.
  She has done everything she can to find an alternate insurance 
carrier to cover her. Not surprisingly, she has yet to find one. The 
reason for denial is her illness, not her spotless record of insurance 
payments. Although her total medical expenses have peaked at over 
$300,000, she has paid all of her out-of-pocket costs; she has even 
taken on a personal debt of over $50,000 to pay for uncovered 
treatments and services.
  Ms. White does not want anything from the Government. She does not 
want to turn to Medicaid. She only wants access to health insurance. We 
have the chance to give her and the millions of Americas with similar 
experiences this access by eliminating pre-existing condition 
exclusions and making health insurance portable. We are so close.
  Mr. Speaker, please, let's not let this opportunity fall by the 
wayside under a cloud of partisan rhetoric. Let's pass health insurance 
reform now.

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