11.07.09 | House Passes Historic Health Insurance Reform Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, by a vote of 220-215 (Roll Call No. 887).  The legislation will lower health care costs, provide access to care for 36 million Americans, and provide a public option for consumers to help encourage competition among insurers and drive health costs down.

"I am proud to vote in favor of historic health insurance reform legislation that gives Americans more choice in their health insurance options and gives security to those who have currently have coverage," said Rep. Scott.  "Since 1987, the average family health insurance policy has risen from 7% of median family income to 17%. Sky-rocketing health care costs are hurting families and forcing businesses to cut or drop health benefits.  Americans are losing coverage at a rate of 14,000 a day.  Continuing on this path is not an option."

Rep. Scott continued, "Both Democrats and Republicans agree that expanding coverage and lowering costs are central tenants of reform.  We also agree that people should not be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions.  But implementing these changes requires us to make tough choices, including mandates and subsidies and other measures that will actually make affordable health care available for millions of Americans.  And though Republicans support expanding coverage and bringing down health care costs, they are not willing to offer a bill that will actually achieve these goals or address these priorities.  They have been unable to provide a viable alternative that reduces the number of uninsured, increases accessibility of health care, controls skyrocketing costs, or addresses the denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions.  The Affordable Health Care for America Act makes the tough choices and addresses all the priorities that we know are essential to expanding care and lowering costs.  This legislation will put us on a new path where health care will be affordable to all and not just a luxury for some."

For more information on the Affordable Health Care for America Act, please click here.

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