Today, Sept. 23, marks the one year anniversary of the establishment of the "Patient's Bill of Rights" -- a series of protections included in the 2010 health care reform law. Millions of Americans have benefited from these protections, which have not only

Press Release

Today, Sept. 23, marks the one year anniversary of the establishment of the "Patient's Bill of Rights" -- a series of protections included in the 2010 health care reform law. Millions of Americans have benefited from these protections, which have not only improved private health care coverage but also lowered health care costs.

"Because of the Patient's Bill of Rights, 19 million seniors have already received free preventive care services and 17 million children with pre-existing conditions are protected from discrimination,"said Congressman McDermott, who is a physician and strongly supported the health reform law. "These are just a few of the many good things that have come of the law, and as more and more Americans personally experience benefits from the law, the historic nature of the reforms will be more readily understood."

Other provisions included in the Patient's Bill of Rights include: young adults can stay on their parents' insurance plans until age 26; insured individuals won't lose their coverage or see their premiums skyrocket if they get sick; and, insurance companies can no longer place a lifetime limit or low annual limit on coverage plans.

McDermott added, "It is my hope that in the months and years to come, we will be able to move beyond the partisanship and political games in Washington, D.C. and build upon the 2010 health care law, strengthening coverage and reducing costs even more."

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