Yesterday I took a shot at Rep. Steve Kagen for voting “present” on a resolution praising the New York Giants for their Super Bowl win. Today I wanted to draw attention to a column Kagen has in the Huffington Post on legislation he’s introduced to end discriminatory practices in the health care industry. Here’s an excerpt:

I’ve introduced the No Discrimination in Health Insurance Act. This essential legislation will guarantee access to affordable care for every citizen in America by bringing an end to discriminatory practices employed by insurance companies who deny life-saving coverage to millions of Americans solely because of their pre-existing medical conditions.

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The reality is our nation’s insurance industry has been successful beyond all measure by dividing and conquering almost all Americans. They’ve divided neighbor from neighbor, and even mother from child, by insuring individuals instead of entire communities. We can begin to heal our nation by putting unity back into community ratings.

My no discrimination act requires companies to openly disclose their prices, and to charge every citizen the same fee for the same service within the region, allowing all citizens to finally benefit by paying the lowest fees available.

Ending discrimination in health insurance is the right thing to do, and it will reduce costs for everyone’s care. Simply put, if you’re a citizen, you’re in — with no discrimination against you due to pre-existing medical conditions.

I’m no expert on health care, so I look forward to seeing what more knowledgeable people have to say about Kagen’s legislation. But on its face, until we have universal health care, steps like this to end discriminatory practices by the insurance industry are necessary.