We don't get the government we pay for.

There is much weighing on my mind. I actually awoke from sleep with this issue in my head. In February 2003 I sent a letter via fax to my Congressman and Senators indicating my support for a healthcare bill.

I received back one response from Congressman Chris Chocola. The response letter has no relation to the letter I sent.

Here is the text of the letter I sent:

February 16, 2003

Dear Congressman Chocola:

Senator Russ Feingold and Senator Susan Collins have introduced "The Health Care Parity for Legal Transportation and Recreational Activities Act." 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 activities determined by the employer or union.

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. In August of 1996 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 discriminatory status to motorcyclists without any substantive benefits. Due to 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.

I strongly believe that it is time that Congress corrected this problem, so that those who are abiding by the law are not denied coverage. In the state of Indiana, it is legal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet. However with my current employer if I ride without a helmet I would not be covered. In order to have the freedom to make this decision I am paying an additional $150.00 a year for my own medical insurance that only covers me while I am riding my motorcycle. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Bradford Benn

The text of the response is as follows (click here to view the letter as a graphic):

February 21, 2003

Dear Bradford:

Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns for the welfare of our environment. I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter and understand your concern regarding the importance of protecting our environment and wildlife.

First, please let me apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I noticed that you sent your letter some time ago. Unfortunately, because of the new irradiation process aimed at destroying biological agents in mail coming to Capitol Hill, I've only recently received your letter. I appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to do our job as efficiently as possible.

When considering legislation that might have an impact on the environment, it is important to take into account both the energy needs of our nation and the affect it will have on the environment. I believe it is vitally important to protect our environment and wildlife against any legislation that would cause serious damage to either.

I remain committed to supporting programs that provide energy solutions for our country which are environmentally friendly. Once again, thank you for your letter. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

Yours truly,

Chris Chocola

Member of Congress

Does anyone else see something wrong with this situation, other than the fact it took me six months to realize how much it sucks?