Trade Group Pushes Motorcycle Insurance Bills

A news release from the Irvine, California based The Motorcycle Industry Council said U.S. Representatives Michael C. Burgess (R-Texas) and Bart Stupak (D-Michigan) and U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) are sponsoring legislation (H.R. 1076, S. 616) in their respective chambers.

According to the announcement, the legislation would close a loophole created by the Department of Health and Human Services’ regulations implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. As written and implemented, the regulations provide that an employer may not refuse health care coverage to an employee on the basis of participation in recreational activities, but may deny health care benefits if the employee is injured while participating in these activities.

The announcement said that the current regulations would allow health insurers to deny payment for injuries sustained by motorcyclists and ATV riders despite the individual carrying health insurance.

“The leadership shown by Congressman Stupak and Congressman Burgess on this legislation is critical as it moves through the House of Representatives,” said Duane Taylor, Government Relations Specialist for the Motorcycle Industry Council. “Senators Collins and Feingold have also been champions on this issue and we look forward to continuing to work with them as their bill is considered by the Senate.”