On the recordMarch 25, 2010
Many stories have been shared here on the floor of the House of Representatives, but today I rise to share the story of Larry and Naomi, two of my constituents, who will now have health care because we recently passed health insurance reform. Last year Larry was laid off from his job, and immediately began searching for insurance. He was repeatedly denied because his wife, Naomi, was diagnosed with benign fibroids. This is a condition that occurs in up to 50 percent of all women. The companies barred his wife because she had a pre-existing condition. This is a horrible practice that will end with this new law. In my district, there are an estimated 10,300 people just like Naomi. Starting in 2014, these people will be able to get health care coverage. The new law establishes high-risk insurance pools for adults with such pre-existing conditions. When the law is fully implemented in 2014, no insurance company will be able to use this excuse to deny this type of coverage. Between now and then coverage will be available to Naomi and thousands of others. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to vote for this bill.
