You emailed and called, and it looks like one lawmaker took notice. Rep. Diane Watson was so horrified to learn about the possibility of coverage denial to domestic violence victims that she both noted it in her written statement and included it as a large part of her questions to the insurance executives who testified before the Domestic Policy Subcommittee today.

In her opening statement, the Congresswoman writes:

I was especially horrified to learn that in 8 states and the District of Columbia, insurance companies include domestic violence as a pre-existing condition. With 20 to 35 percent of emergency room visits made by women a result of domestic violence I can see how this morally appalling practice makes sense for insurance companies trying to spend as little as possible. What I cannot understand is how we can consent to such practices continuing. The United States can and should do better.

She also chose to use some of her alloted question time to demand answers from insurance executives about this abhorant practice. She asked:

Question for All Panelists:
In eight states and the District of Columbia it is currently permissible for insurance companies to include domestic violence as a preexisting condition to deny coverage.
Q: How was the determination made to include domestic violence as a preexisting condition?
Q: How do you justify denying coverage to victims of such crimes when they need them the most, and then indefinitely thereafter?
Q: Without being legally obligated to do so would you commit today to permanently stopping this discriminatory practice?

While the Congresswoman was unfortunately not present to ask her questions in person, they are included as part of the record for the proceedings and all of the insurance executives who testified should be forced to answer them. Stay tuned to hear what they have to say!