GE GE side by side refrigerator defective door water line insulation Nationwide

The GE side by side refrigerator model #GSH25JFXL has a known defect where the insulation in the freezer door breaks down after 3 years and causes the water dispenser line to freeze.  GE is aware of this problem and initiated a recall to replace the doors.  They then went to a less expensive option which was the installation of a small water line heater (part # WR49X10173).  I purchased my refrigerator from Sears who was aware of the defect at the time, but never mentioned it to me.  When I contacted my Sears store to complain about the problem, I was given the GE parts 800# and told I would be able to receive the heater part for free.

Upon calling the number and speaking to rep "Shauna", I was told that since I had the refrigerator for over a year, I could not have the part for free.  I now have to purchase the part to repair the defect myself.  Currently we have a weed wacker cord in the water nozzle to keep it from freezing.  I refuse to pay for a part, service call, or new refrigerator.  I paid almost $1000 for this refrigerator and believe GE should own up to the defect and send me the part.