(BOSTON, MA) – “We all want health and economic security for ourselves and our families.  Throughout our nation’s history, the American people have had the courage to embrace change in order to make our country better-from recognizing the right of women to vote to civil rights; from the creation of Social Security to the creation of Medicare thirty years later. In every case, there was a struggle between those who wanted to turn back the clock and those who recognized the need for change; between those who wanted to enjoy their privileges while denying them to others and those who believed that our common humanity requires us to recognize that the benefits we want for ourselves must be available to all.

“It is a travesty that the House majority, enjoying health security themselves, seeks to deny it to tens of millions of Americans who lack it today.

“Passage of The Affordable Care Act was a critical step forward in improving our broken health care system. It ensures that all Americans can get the care they need, when they need it. It provides families with the reassurance they won’t lose their insurance if someone becomes sick, gets in an accident, changes jobs or retires early.

“The ACA prevents insurance companies from imposing big premiums hikes with no recourse or accountability. It offers parents the choice of providing health coverage for a child after he or she finishes school, and allows seniors to get the care they need, including free preventive care, lower cost prescription drugs, and Medicare that they can count on. It gives small business owners tax credits to make employees’ health coverage more affordable. And, it provides our states with  much-needed federal dollars to help fund important public health initiatives.

 “We strongly urge Members of Congress to move forward with implementation of the Affordable Care Act and keep Americans on the pathway to economic and health security by voting “no” on repeal.”

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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