Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz received the Health Care Hero Award last night from the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) during the organization’s 11th Annual Patient Congress Dinner Symposium in Washington, D.C. The 2010 award was presented to Schwartz, who sponsored the original piece of legislation to prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. The language from this stand-alone legislation ultimately became an integral part of the health care reform legislation that was signed into law earlier this year.

“During the health care debate, one of the most heartbreaking issues to hear about was Americans with pre-existing conditions being denied access to the coverage they need,” Schwartz said. “It is unconscionable to think that people have been denied health insurance just when they need help the most. I am proud to say that the new health care reform law will put an end to this despicable practice once and for all. Parents can sleep better at night now knowing their children will have access to the care and coverage they need.” 

The Health Care Hero Award is an annual award usually presented to a single individual who has shown through his or her life’s work, a commitment and dedication to improving and enhancing the United States health care system and has achieved measurable results which is evidenced through the improvement of access to health care for all Americans.

“Representative Schwartz took important steps by introducing legislation intended to protect all patients, particularly those with chronic illness that are at risk of having no health insurance,” said Nancy Davenport-Ennis, CEO of PAF. “The elimination of pre-existing condition coverage limitations in health plans will positively impact access to healthcare coverage for millions, and for that, we are grateful.”

PAF is a national non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability relative to their diagnoses of life threatening or debilitating diseases.

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