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I received your inquiry about our Motorcyclists Matter campaign; thank you
for your interest.
The campaign is designed to raise awareness and increase penalties for those
convicted of violating the right-of-way of vulnerable roadway users such as
motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Our goal is to encourage
motorcyclists to contact their state senators and representatives, seeking
support of right-of-way legislation that stiffens penalties for those reckless
or distracted drivers who harm others. In addition, we would like to encourage
states to require a motorcycle awareness component in their driver education
programs.
I'm pleased to mail you an information kit containing a copy of the
(National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety), model legislation, background
information and copies of legislation introduced in eleven states. A kit will
be placed in today's mail for you.
During 2002, states with right-of-way legislation included
(HB-1534/SB-1077), New Jersey (AB-1061),
A10003/S-6638),
their legislation into action.
In 2003, we are watching right-of-way legislation in eleven states, including
03/26/03),
enacted 04/08/03).
You can follow the progress of right-of-way legislation by visiting our web site at
www.AMADirectlink.com and selecting the "Protecting Your Right to Ride"
button on the left side of the page. Then select your state from the pull down
menu in the StateWatch block.
An introduction to the Motorcyclists Matter campaign is located on our web site
under "Protecting your Right to Ride", "Motorcyclists Matter". The information
kit provides the complete package.
One powerful way to get involved in the Motorcyclists Matter campaign is at the
local level. If you’re interested, contact Terry Lee Cook, AMA state programs
coordinator, at (614) 856-1900, Ext. 1288 or by e-mail at tcook@ama-cycle.org.
He’ll put you in contact with an AMA Community Council where you live or give
you the information you need to set up a Community Council of your own.
Additional information on the AMA Community Council program can be found
on our web site on the “Protection Your Right to Ride” page under
“AMA Community Councils.”
Thank you for contacting the AMA and for your continuing support.
Sincerely,
Imre F. Szauter
Legislative Affairs Specialist
American Motorcyclist Association
(614) 856-1900 Ext.1125
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Got this off the Venture list.
Only takes a few seconds. Click the link below and the letter will be
emailed to your state's elected officials.
---------------------------------------------
I received the following email from the AMA about this issue. Using
the AMA site you can send an editable form email or letter to your
representative.
From the AMA...
ACTION ALERT - WRITE NOW! SUPPORT HOUSE PASSAGE OF S.423!
Take Action by going to this link:
http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/alert/?alertid=6689456
TELL YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TO FIX THE HEALTH INSURANCE LOOPHOLE!
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 we need your support to get it through the
House. Please write your House Representative and tell them to support
passage of S.423!
The legislation aims at promoting health care parity for individuals
participating in legal transportation and recreational activities-activities
like motorcycling, snowmobiling, horseback riding, running or walking.
This legislation addresses a loophole caused by a Department of Health and
Human Services' rule making it possible for health care coverage to be
denied to those who are injured while participating in these activities.
Collins was joined by Senator Feingold (D-WI) in introducing the Senate legislation.
"From riding Harley Davidson motorcycles to visiting the Snowmobile
Hall of Fame in St. Germain, these activities are part of
heritage and economy," Feingold said. "It simply doesn't make sense to exclude
those participating in these activities from health care benefits."
As background, self-insured employers and unions have been known to
deny health benefits to their motorcyclist employees and union members.
These unfair measures had been adopted on the questionable advice of third
party administrators in an effort to keep the cost of insurance premiums
low.
On August 21, 1996 an important opportunity arose when President
Clinton signed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA), prohibiting employers from denying health care coverage based on a
worker s pre-existing medical conditions or participation in legal activities.
In 2001, the Health Care Finance Administration released the final
rules that would govern the law. The rules recognize that employers cannot refuse health care coverage to an employee on the basis of their participation in a recognized recreational activity. However, the benefits can be denied for injuries sustained in connection with those recreational activities. Essentially, the regulation grants protective status to motorcyclists without any substantive benefits. "Because of this loophole, 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 is time that Congress corrected this so that those who are abiding by the law are not denied coverage."
The AMA is urging all motorcyclists and those involved in any other
type of recreational activity to notify their Member of Congress and tell
them to support and pass S.423, The HIPAA Recreational Injury
Technical Correction Act, in the House.
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