The bi-partisan bill to end health care discrimination against motorcyclists and ATVers cleared the Senate but failed to clear the House before the end of the 2004 session. The measure, S.423 is now considered a dead bill.

HOWEVER, AMA Government Relations Department officials look forward to reintroducing this important legislation in the 109th Congress, and urge all motorcyclists, ATVers and others to contact their US Representatives and Senators to support the new bill.

U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced S.423 "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act". This bill was passed on November 21, 2004 by the Senate, and now your support is needed to get it through the House. Please write your House Representative and tell them to support the passage of S.423!

Collins was joined by Senator Feingold (D-WI) in introducing the Senate legislation.

The measure would bar health plans from denying benefits to people injured while riding motorcycles, ATV's, horses, snowmobiles, skiing, or engaging in other legal recreational or transportation activities.

On August 21, 1996, Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which prohibits companies from denying access to employer sponsored health insurance for motorcyclists and those who participate in other recreational activities. However, federal regulators created a loophole that allows the denial of benefits under various conditions.

"Because of this loop hole, someone who participates in motorcycling, snowmobiling, running or walking could be denied health care coverage, while someone who is injured while drinking and driving a car would be protected," Senator Feingold said. "It's time that Congress corrected this so that those who are abiding by the law are not denied coverage."

The AMA, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Motorcycle Industry Council and various state motorcyclist's rights organizations are working to get this loop hole closing legislation approved.

NOTIFY YOU MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND TELL THEM TO SUPPORT AND PASS S.423, "THE HIPAA RECREATIONAL INJURY TECHNICAL CORRECTION ACT," IN THE HOUSE.