(BOSTON, MA) –“The House of Representatives made history today by passing comprehensive national health care reform that will provide millions of Americans quality, affordable health care –some for the first time in their lives.

“In passing this bill, Members of the House of Representatives stood up for all Americans.   They stood up for middle-class families who have seen their financial security wiped out by steep premium increases, unmanageable out-of-pocket costs and crushing medical debt. They stood up for seniors, by lowering prescription drug costs and closing the Medicare doughnut hole. They stood up for the most vulnerable people among us, by significantly expanding Medicaid to include 15 million adults who are currently ineligible in most states.

“This bill represents a profound victory. It ends decades of unjust health insurance practices that discriminate against those of us who are sick, and curbs runaway health care costs that hinder the American economy. We commend and thank the Members of Congress, who worked tirelessly for more than a year crafting a bill that makes health security a reality, and we urge the Senate to take the baton and finish the job. We are grateful to President Obama, who stood on behalf of the majority of Americans who believe the health care system can and must be fixed.

“This landmark act will provide access to quality, affordable insurance to 32 million more Americans, and will improve care and lower health care costs for millions of others. It will guarantee every American affordable insurance coverage and outlaw insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.

“This bill places the emphasis on prevention, guaranteeing that wellness care is free in private and public plans. It gives helps to small businesses so they can offer health insurance to their employees. It will improve choice and competition among health plans, and contain health care costs—all while reducing the federal deficit.

“Consumer advocates in states across the country know keenly just how important health coverage is to working American families and through tireless efforts on their behalf, helped make this vote a reality. These advocates in states across the country brought to the national debate valuable lessons from implementing reforms in their states. Their experience will be key to making national health care reform a reality on the ground and ensuring that people across the country have access to all the benefits of the new law.

“Today’s vote by the House is a strong testament that consumers’ voices were heard, and we urge the Senate to heed them also and move quickly to make this important bill a law.”


About Community Catalyst
Community Catalyst is a national non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to quality affordable health care for all.  Since 1997, Community Catalyst has been working to build the consumer and community leadership required to transform the American health system.  With the belief that this transformation will happen when consumers are fully engaged and have an organized voice, Community Catalyst works in partnership with national, state and local consumer organizations, policymakers, and foundations, providing leadership and support to change the health care system so it serves everyone – especially vulnerable members of society.  For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org.

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