Let's get some information out there about health care. There seems to be lots of heat but not much in the way of facts. The American Association of University Women has researched this issue. Here are eight basic ways we can have health care reform, which will provide security and stability to those with or without coverage.

1. End discrimination for pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies should be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

2. End exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays. Insurance companies should have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.

3. End cost-sharing for preventive care. Insurance companies should fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

4. End dropping of coverage for the seriously ill. Insurance companies should be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.

5. End gender discrimination. Insurance companies should be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.

6. End annual or lifetime caps on coverage. Insurance companies should be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

7. Extend coverage for young adults. Children should continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

8. Guarantee insurance renewal. Insurance companies should be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

While there is no shortage of proposals for how health care reform should be achieved, the American Association of University Women's emphasis is not on pushing one proposal over another, but instead ensuring that whichever program ultimately emerges provides access to quality and affordable health care for all Americans.

AAUW believes there are three key elements that must be included in any final health care reform legislation: an end to the practice of "gender rating," coverage of women's reproductive health services, and access to and coverage of preventive services and care. Join us in urging your members of Congress to make these three critical pieces a part of the final health care reform bill.

Val Muchowski

American Association of University Women

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