You don't usually think of a bill signing as emotional or poignant.  But the ceremonial bill signing today of LD 1620, "An Act to Protect Health Care Consumers from Catastrophic Medical Debt," was just that. 

 

If you weren't able to attend, check out this video on YouTube. It's less than nine minutes long and worth the watch. 

 

 

LD1620 is a first in the nation state law that eliminates lifetime and annual caps from health insurance policies sold in Maine starting January 1, 2011.  The Governor recognized one of the bill's strongest supporters, Theresa D'Andrea and her late husband Rocky of Limerick.  They were also acknowledge by the couple's Representative, Jim Campbell, who read a special sentiment.  The bill's sponsor, Majority Whip, Seth Berry, also said some very moving words.

 

President Barack Obama recognized the D'Andreas in his speech on health care reform in Portland Thursday.  The President highlighted aspects of national reform that include similar measures to the state's that will remove caps.  However, Maine's law will remove annual caps in 2011, three years sooner than when the federal law removes them in 2014.  
 
Rocky was diagnosed with cancer in fall of 2008.  The family hit the lifetime cap on their insurance plan soon after.  It left them with a $1.6 million dollar hospital bill after a four week hospital stay and bills that piled up as Rocky's care continued. Theresa has worked that debt down to about $60,000, but she has no savings left, no retirement and is in danger of losing her home.  

A memorial service for Rocky will be held Monday April 12, 2010, at 10:00 am at St. Matthew's Church in Limerick.
 
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations are sent to Theresa D'Andrea at PO Box 297, Limerick, Maine  04048 for distribution to foundations that benefited Mr. D'Andrea during his illness.