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Bills introduced to end rider health care discrimination

The American Motorcyclist Association has announced that bipartisan bills have been introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate that would end health-care discrimination against motorcyclists, ATV enthusiasts and participants in other legal recreational activities.

On Feb. 15, U.S. Representatives Michael C. Burgess (R-Texas) and Bart Stupak (D-Michigan) introduced H.R. 1076, “The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act.” On the same day, Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) introduced identical companion legislation, S. 616.

The bills seek to bar employers from discriminating against those who take part in activities such as motorcycling, ATV riding, skiing, snowmobiling or horseback riding in the health-insurance programs they offer their workers.

During the 108th Congress, the full Senate unanimously passed this legislative language; the House, however, adjourned before enacting the legislation. As a result, the legislation was re-introduced again this session of Congress.

Others involved in the effort include the All-Terrain Vehicle Association, the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, the American Horse Council, the BlueRibbon Coalition, the Motorcycle Industry Council, Motorcycle Riders Foundation and the National Ski Areas Association.

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