CNN iReport

New York State, rather than waiting for Insurance reform by Congress has taken steps to enact this new law.

Again, CNN and MSNBC gave the story national media attention which lead Guardian Insurance to apologize to Ian Pearl and re-instate his insurance.

"The proposed Ian's law, named after a victim of muscular dystrophy who requires an electronic device to speak would protect the most vulnerable from losing coverage."

"The practice of terminating an insurance policy line as a pretext to dropping coverage for individuals who need it most is not only absolutely disgraceful - it's a matter of life and death," said Sen. Eric T. Schneiderman, New York City Democrat, at a news conference in a Senate hearing room in Manhattan."

"Media attention to the Pearls' case - including coverage on MSNBC and CNN - led Guardian to apologize to Mr. Pearl and promise to continue his coverage indefinitely. Details of that settlement - including how many other canceled policyholders will be reinstated - are still under discussion, said John Fried, the Pearls' attorney"

http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/143808/new_york_may_stop_heartless_health_insurers_from_dropping_coverage_when_it_stops_being_profitable?page=entire

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Guardian decided that they were sick of covering Ian. At first, they pulled the health care plan that covered everyone in his dad's company in New York. That could be seen as a general move not targeted at Ian, but with some digging, Ian found that it was because of him and others with serious medical issues that Guardian made this decision.

Guardian created a "hit list" of their insured customers who were costing them the most to cover. These members were referred to by Guardian's top officials as "dogs" and "trainwrecks" because of their health conditions and their cost to insure.

Ian was one of many targeted by Guardian, a process that included certain members like Ian having private investigators look for anything to cancel the plan so Guardian could save money."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/11/6/801538/-Ians-Law:-A-Look-At-A-Key-Piece-Of-Health-Care-Reform-Legislation

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ian-pearl/i-am-not-a-dog_b_326137.html

Again, the power of our media, giving a voice to the vulnerable. We can change things. Congratulations to CNN for bringing this story to light. Everyone loves to see the good guy win!