The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that the US House passed HR 1253, sponsored by Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) and cosponsored by Bart Stupak (D-MI), which would require that people signing up for a health plan receive in writing an explanation of treatment limits or non-covered conditions, along with other plan restrictions, “in a form that is easily understandable.” The bill passed with overwhelming support with the final vote coming in at 422-3.

All group health plans would be covered by the bill, and health plans would be required to provide the information before customers sign up.

“We are going to stand up and shine a light on these exclusions so Americans will not be caught off-guard by exclusions buried deep within an insurance plan,” said Burgess, a physician.

HR 1253 at this point does not have a Senate companion bill which is the next step before this legislation is signed into law.

“This legislative action keeps Congress on record that this issue needs their attention,” said Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President of Government Relations. “While this bill is a step in the right direction, the MRF remains committed to securing coverage of any injury that comes from legal use of an on-road motorcycle.”