Affordable Health Care for America Act

November 2, 2009

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), which blends and updates the three versions of previous bills passed by the House committees of jurisdiction in July, embodies President Obama's key goals for health reform. It will slow the growth in out-of-control costs, introduce competition into the health care marketplace to keep coverage affordable and insurers honest, protect people's choices of doctors and health plans, and assure all Americans access to quality, stable, and affordable health care. The legislation will ensure that 96 percent of Americans will be covered by a quality, affordable health plan. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the cost of expanding coverage at $894 billion, consistent with the $900 billion coverage mark laid out by President Obama. Also, the legislation will be paid for. CBO estimates the bill reduces the deficit by at least $30 billion over 10 years. (Passed by the House)

What our Members are Saying

Today’s vote in the Senate marks a major step forward to improving the quality, access, and affordability of health care for every American.

December 28, 2009

I commend my colleagues in the Senate on achieving this historic milestone. Unlike any other time in history we have two strong pieces of comprehensive health reform legislation that promise to deliver much needed access and relief to the American people.

December 24, 2009

The health care reform bill will offer stability and security to families who are satisfied with their health insurance and provides choices for those who aren't. It will provide increased access to high quality care that is affordable...

November 16, 2009

...this is the plan we need to fix our broken health care system and get our economy back on track.‬ In this great country, the alternative is simply unsustainable, unaffordable, and unacceptable.

November 16, 2009

Since the time of Teddy Roosevelt we’ve been talking about making our health care system more accessible and more affordable to Americans. I was proud to vote for this historic legislation because I know all the wonderful things it will do for all of you.

November 12, 2009

Recent Blog Posts

Report Finds House Bill Saves Americans $2,500 a Year on Health Care Costs

December 7, 2009

A new report released today finds that the House Democrats’ Affordable Health Care for America Act offers huge cost savings for American families and the nation.

Your Health, Your Choice

November 19, 2009

This Wednesday, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released new mammogram screening recommendations – moving the recommended age to start receiving mammograms up from 40 to 50 years old. This has caused confusion and worry among American women and their families.

House Democrats’ Health Care Bill Includes Important Menu Labeling Provision

November 6, 2009

The Affordable Health Care for America Act empowers consumers to make healthy and nutritious choices by requiring chain restaurants to list calorie counts for each menu option. This provision is great news for the millions of Americans who want to make informed decisions about the food they eat. Now, Americans can walk into a restaurant and compare calories so they can choose the food option that will best fit their health and wellness needs.

Side-by-Side Health Care Reform Bill Comparison: The New York Times Agrees

November 6, 2009

This past week, the New York Times published two editorials: the first, endorsing the House Democrats’ bill as real reform that will provide quality, affordable coverage to Americans while bringing down the deficit; and the second, criticizing the Republicans’ bill for doing, well, nothing.

AARP and AMA endorse House Democrats’ Health Care Reform Bill

November 5, 2009

Today, two important groups announced their support for the Affordable Health Care for America Act. The endorsement of our bill by both the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and the American Medical Association (AMA) sends a clear message to Congress that two of the most significant groups in this debate – seniors and doctors – believe we are truly reforming health care by offering quality, affordable coverage to Americans.