Medicare

Calls for swift passage of H.R. 3961 to secure the stability of Medicare

Nov. 7, 2009 -- Statement of J. James Rohack, MD, President, American Medical Association:

“The AMA hails the passage of the House health reform bill, which will help improve the health system for patients and physicians and calls for swift passage of H.R. 3961 to secure the stability of the Medicare program. Passage of the House health reform bill is a big step forward as we work for comprehensive health reform this year. The AMA will continue its work with Congress and the administration to strengthen and improve health reform legislation as the process continues for patients and physicians.    » read more »

"We must fix this broken, inequitable system"

November 7, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC, AARP CEO A. Barry Rand released this statement following tonight's passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) by the House of Representatives:

"AARP is pleased that the House has passed the Affordable Health Care for American Act. This bill meets our goals of improving Medicare's benefits and making critical health insurance market reforms that make coverage more affordable."    » read more »

Courage and Leadership Win Out Over Political Gamesmanship and Insurance Industry Profits

November 7, 2009 -- Washington, DC - Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President Andy Stern released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed America's Affordable Health Choices Act:

"Real leadership does not govern out of fear but looks at the obstacles facing our country and pushes for bold solutions that live up to our country's promise. Like the creation of Medicare and Social Security, today's historic passage of the Affordable Health Choices Act by the House of Representatives will be remembered as a pinnacle moment when Congress showed the courage necessary to live up to our American ideals."    » read more »

November 08, 2009 -- THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. I just want to say a few words about two milestones that have passed in the last few hours that represent encouraging progress for our country.

The first was the historic vote the House took last night on health insurance reform. For years we've been told that this couldn't be done. After all, neither chamber of Congress has been able to pass a comprehensive health insurance reform bill for generations. But last night the House proved differently.    » read more »

November 07, 2009 -- Tonight, in an historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would finally make real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don’t; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the government while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. And it is legislation that is fully paid for and will reduce our long-term federal deficit.    » read more »

November 7, 2009 -- Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement today after the historic vote by the House of Representatives to pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act.    » read more »

November 07, 2009 -- (Washington, DC) Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962):

“The citizens of Louisville, Kentucky, sent me here to this body largely to help bring us to this historic moment. By an overwhelming margin, they’ve told me they want changes to the system that will guarantee them access to high-quality care that is always affordable and accessible,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “It is the day we take a giant step toward that more perfect union that we all seek. I am very proud to be a part of this day, and I'm also very proud for the all too patient citizens of America.”    » read more »

November 7, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today Congressman David Wu issued the following statement after joining the majority of the House of Representatives to pass comprehensive health care legislation:

”This is a historic day. This legislation will stand beside Social Security, the GI Bill, and Medicare as a pillar of American health care and humane values.

“The vast majority of Americans already have health insurance. I voted for this bill because, in addition to covering millions more Americans, it will increase security and stability for those who already have health insurance.    » read more »

Rep. Wilson Commends Bill for Lowering Costs, Reducing Deficit

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-6) supported the passage of an historic bill that reforms our nation’s health insurance system, brings down the deficit and expands access to affordable, quality health care to nearly every American. The Affordable Health Care for America Act passed with a vote of 220-215.    » read more »

Washington, Nov 7 -- For the first time in America's history, all Americans will have access to quality, affordable health care under updated health insurance reform legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today. The legislation will cover 96 percent of Americans by 2015, while reducing the deficit by tens of billions of dollars over the next decade. The House approved the measure by a vote of 220 to 215.    » read more »

Rep. Watson Commends Bill for Lowering Costs, Reducing Deficit

November 7, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Today, House Democrats passed an historic bill that reforms our nation’s health insurance system, brings down the deficit and expands access to affordable, quality health care to nearly every American. The Affordable Health Care for America Act offers security and stability to all Americans, reduces costs, improves coverage and preserves our choice of doctors, hospitals and health plans.    » read more »

Rep. Wasserman Schultz votes for legislation that Lowers Costs, Reduces the Deficit

November 7, 2009 -- (Washington, DC) -- Today, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz voted for an historic bill that reforms our nation’s health insurance system, brings down the deficit and expands access to affordable, quality health care for nearly every American. The Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962 offers security and stability to all Americans, reduces costs, improves coverage and preserves our choice of doctors, hospitals and health plans.    » read more »

Says historic, fiscally responsible legislation is a win for southern Minnesota families, businesses, doctors, and hospitals

November 7, 2009 -- WASHINGTON D.C. -- Rep. Tim Walz announced today that he will vote in favor of health care reform that ensures Minnesota families have access to stable, affordable health insurance. H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, includes a Mayo-backed provision that rewards Minnesota doctors and hospitals for innovation, results, and quality care and provides businesses with an avenue for providing affordable insurance that ensures a healthier workforce.    » read more »

November 7, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky issued the following statement today after voting for the Affordable Health Care for America Act, comprehensive healthcare reform legislation:

“I am proud to support the Affordable Health Care for America Act, a bill that will significantly improve our healthcare system.

“For too long, our healthcare system has allowed millions of Americans to go uninsured, tolerated egregious and abusive business practices by big insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and ignored skyrocketing costs. It has diminished our nation’s collective health and drained our economy. The Affordable Health Care for America Act represents a significant effort to address the iniquities of our current healthcare system.    » read more »

November 7, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-21) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act:

“Today the House of Representatives took a giant step towards fixing our broken health care system by passing legislation that will provide coverage for millions of uninsured Americans, strengthen Medicare for our seniors, lower costs for businesses and individuals, and provide protections for those who already have health care coverage. In the 21st Congressional District alone, this bill will cover 22,000 of the uninsured and close the Medicare Part “D” donut hole that currently has 7,300 of our seniors paying out of pocket for prescription drug costs.    » read more »