Health Care Reform

April 19, 2010

The Health Care Reform legislation, passed by House Democrats March 21, 2010, will begin to reform our nation’s broken health insurance system and establish a plan that puts Americans back in control of their health care choices, holds insurance companies accountable, and makes coverage more affordable.

Thirty-two million Americans who currently don’t have access to affordable, quality health care will get coverage, and millions of Americans will have the peace of mind that if they switch jobs, move, or get sick they won’t lose their health care.

The American people will see immediate benefits as soon as the legislation goes into effect. Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition will be able to buy affordable coverage through a temporary high-risk pool and insurers will be banned from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping people when they get sick and arbitrarily hiking up your premiums.

Seniors will start to see immediate relief from high prescription prices. Medicare beneficiaries who hit the “donut hole” will receive a $250 rebate right away to make life-saving drugs more affordable. This bill will also expand home and community-based services to keep people in their homes instead of nursing homes.

Small businesses will receive tax credits to make it easier for them to provide coverage for their workers – so they don’t have to choose between providing health care and hiring new employees. Middle class families will get tax credits to make their health care costs affordable – so they never have to worry about going bankrupt because of an illness.

The health care reform bill will cut the nation’s deficit by $138 billion over the next 10 years and $1.2 trillion over the next decade – the largest deficit reduction measure in 17 years.

Recent Blog Posts

What a Repeal of the Affordable Care Act Would Mean

March 23, 2012

Two years ago, House Democrats joined with President Barack Obama to pass the Affordable Care Act. By eliminating pre-existing conditions, closing the Medicare donut hole, and extending coverage for 2.5 million young adults, the Affordable Care Act is increasing access to health care for every American.

Now, Republicans want to repeal the law – taking away middle class benefits and protections and putting your healthcare back in the hands of the special interests that have driven up healthcare costs year after year.

Young Adults Already Seeing Benefits of Health Care Reform

April 22, 2010

Many young adults are struggling to get access to – and afford – health coverage. The health care reform law which passed Congress last month will allow young adults to stay on, or return to, a parent’s insurance plan until age 26, beginning September 23.

Four of the five largest health insurers have offered a coverage extension for young adults to join their parent’s plan before September, providing greater health security to millions of American families.