Like many of you, Every Child Matters has been working hard these last few months to get a health reform bill in front of the Congress that addresses the needs of the nation, especially its children and families. While Congress is out for August recess, we need to show support for health care reform and let our representatives know that there are millions of Americans whose health and economic well-being depend on them making the right decision and casting the right vote come September.

Every Child Matters urges Congress to stick to these 10 important principles for America's families in whatever final version emerges:

1) Insure All Children. Every child should have access to quality health care.

2) Cover Kids from Head to Toe. All children should receive coverage that meets their unique developmental needs, and provides them with preventive services, medical care, and oral and mental health benefits.

3) Do No Harm to Children. Health reform should not turn back the clock on the progress our nation has achieved for children's health coverage.

4) No Gender Discrimination. Insurance companies should be prohibited from charging women more because they have children.

5) Extend Coverage for Young Adults. Children should continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

6) No Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions. Insurance companies should be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

7) No Excessive 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.

8) No Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill. Insurance companies should be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.

9) Guaranteed Insurance Renewal. Insurance companies should be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies should not be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

10) No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage. Insurance companies should be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

Help us today by asking your representatives to embrace these priorities in their discussion of health care reform. Click here to send an email to your Representatives.

Members of Congress are in recess until Labor Day. Many of them are conducting forums in their states and districts to learn what their constituents want in a health care reform bill. Such forums are a great place for children's advocates to make their views known. You can learn where your Senators and Representatives will be holding forums by calling their office or visiting their website.

Thank you for your help to make children a political priority.

Source: Every Child Matters Education Fund