We need you to call or write your Senators TODAY to ask them to support Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND)'s amendment to eliminate lifetime caps in existing (grandfathered) plans.  As currently drafted, the Senate health reform bill eliminates lifetime caps in all new plans in the individual, small group and large group markets.  But, all existing plans and their renewals are grandfathered and can continue to have lifetime caps indefinitely. 

Senator Dorgan has just filed an amendment to the Senate health reform bill which would address the problem of grandfathered plans.  His amendment (#3218) would phase-out lifetime caps for grandfathered plans, setting a minimum lifetime cap on these plans at $5 million for two years, then $10 million for two years.  Lifetime limits would be eliminated altogether in 2014. 

Please call and write your Senators TODAY.  Ask them to contact Senator Dorgan and Majority Leader Reid to offer their support for Senator Dorgan's amendment.  You can reach the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121.  Tell the operator where you live and he or she will connect you with your Senators' offices.  You can use the draft email below to write to them as well. 

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am one of your constituents and I am affected by hemophilia. I strongly support the health insurance reforms included in the Senate health reform bill, especially the immediate elimination of lifetime limits for new health insurance plans. However, I am concerned that existing plans are exempt from the requirement to eliminate lifetime limits. I urge you to support Senator Dorgan's amendment #3218 which would address this critical loophole.

HR 3590 exempts existing plans and their renewals indefinitely from the requirement to eliminate caps. Many people with hemophilia are currently insured and face lifetime caps; these individuals will not benefit from the elimination of lifetime caps currently included in the bill. Senator Dorgan's amendment #3218 will phase-out lifetime limits for existing plans. Specifically, the amendment sets a minimum lifetime cap on these plans at $5 million for two years, then $10 million for two years. Lifetime limits are eliminated altogether in 2014. Please support amendment #3218 by contacting Senator Dorgan and Majority Leader Reid and saying that you support the elimination of lifetime caps in grandfathered plans.

I urge you to support Senator Dorgan's amendment #3218. Families like mine need lifetime caps to be eliminated in all plans.

Thank you for your consideration,

Campaign Launched:
December 15, 2009