Tom Harkin: “Today marks exactly 6 months since the Affordable Care Act became law. And this truly is a banner day, because a key…”

“Today marks exactly 6 months since the Affordable Care Act became law. And this truly is a banner day, because a key feature of the new law, the Patient's Bill of Rights, goes into effect--cracking down on the worst abuses of health insurance companies and giving Americans important new protections. These reforms are long overdue, and represent a new day in American health care. We are creating a reformed health insurance system that works in the interest of working Americans and their families--the healthy and the sick--and not just to boost the profits of insurance companies and the bonuses of their executives. Starting today, insurance companies will no longer be allowed to cancel your policy if you get sick. They must end their abusive practice of scouring your health records for an excuse--any excuse--to cancel your coverage and leave you high and dry when you need insurance the most. One major insurer actually targeted women who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer. No longer will insurance companies be allowed to reward employees with bonuses for cancelling policies in order to pad company profits. This cruel practice, at long last, is illegal. Starting today, children with preexisting conditions can no longer be denied health insurance.”