Watchdog Action Team

Thanks to all of you who took action this week to raise the issue of domestic violence as a “pre-existing condition” in eight states and Washington, DC. You emailed and called, and people are taking notice. Below are just a few of the things you made happen this week:

1. Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA), a member of Rep. Kucinich’s Subcommitee on Domestic Policy, submitted questions and a written statement on the issue. Rep. Watson wrote:

I was especially horrified to learn that in 8 states and the District of Columbia, insurance companies include domestic violence as a pre-existing condition. With 20 to 35 percent of emergency room visits made by women a result of domestic violence, I can see how this morally appalling practice makes sense for insurance companies trying to spend as little as possible. What I cannot understand is how we can consent to such practices continuing.

She included the following questions to insurance executives:

Q: How do you justify denying coverage to victims of such crimes when they need them the most, and then indefinitely thereafter?

Q: Without being legally obligated to do so would you commit today to permanently stopping this discriminatory practice?

2. First Lady Michelle Obama mentioned the issue of domestic violence as a “pre-existing condition” in her speech on women and health care today.

Watch Michelle speak on what healthcare reform means for women and families, as well as being the next step towards ending gender discrimination:

3. MSNBC shows “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” and “Dr. Nancy” both raised the issue on their shows this week.

4. The insurance commissioner in Mississippi demanded that classifying domestic violence as a “pre-existing condition” immediately be made illegal in his state.

Together, we’re going to end this practice. As Michelle Obama said at the White House today, in order to win health insurance reform, “we’re going to have to mobilize like we’ve never mobilized before.”