Domestic Violence Awareness Month

So October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

I'm doing my part by going to the town hall meeting and making sure my congressperson knows I support removing the inclusion of domestic violence from pre-existing condition clauses in insurance contracts (pregnancy can also be considered a pre-existing condition btw)

the section of the healthcare reform bill thats relevant is

SEC. 2706. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES BASED ON HEALTH STATUS.
'(a) IN GENERAL.--A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage may not establish rules for eligibility (including continued eligibility) of any individual to enroll under the terms of the plan or coverage based on any of the following health status-related factors in relation to the individual or a dependent of the individual:
(1) Health status.
(2) Medical condition (including both physical and mental illnesses).
(3) Claims experience.
(4) Receipt of health care.
(5) Medical history.
(6) Genetic information.
(7) Evidence of insurability (including conditions arising out of acts of domestic violence).
(8) Disability.
(9) Any other health status-related factor determined appropriate by the Secretary.


and here is some background info

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/14/when-getting-beaten-by-yo_n_286029.html

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1266054.html

http://www.southernstudies.org/2009/09/domestic-violence-a-pre-existing-condition-for-insurers-in-some-states.html