Allisan and her husband were doing everything right.  They were both working, had health insurance through their employer, and were excited to start their family.  However, 7 months into her pregnancy, she and her family found themselves uninsured.  Hit hard by the recession, the cost of providing employees with health coverage was just too much for her small business employer.

Since their company no longer offered benefits, they weren’t eligible for COBRA.  And they couldn’t buy an individual plan because pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition! Left with no other options, they accrued over $10,000 in medical debt from the birth of their baby girl.

Luckily the hospital and pediatrician gave us breaks on the amount we owed, but I hate relying on charity when we work hard and are willing to pay our insurance premiums,” says Allisan.  “Something has to change!  Health care costs way too much, and insurance companies shouldn’t be allowed to discriminate against pregnant women or anyone else with a so-called pre-existing condition.”   

National health reforms will stop insurance company abuses that deny hard-working Utahns coverage because of a pre-existing condition. In addition, reforms will ensure Utahns can stay covered despite ups and downs in their employment.
 
Furthermore, health reform will give small businesses the tools they need to be able to provide coverage to their employees.  Eighty eight percent of small businesses that don’t offer coverage say they cannot afford to do so.  Small businesses are the foundation of our economy. Reforms will give them proven incentives like tax credits, and the ability to pool their risk and increase purchasing power. These and other changes will enable them to hire or retain quality employees and thus lead the way to economic recovery. The status quo is unsustainable.  This is the year to pass meaningful, comprehensive health reform that ensures all Utahns can access quality, affordable coverage.