Congress Makes History
On March 21, the House of Representatives passed historic health insurance reform legislation. The House passed the reform bill previously passed by the Senate, which now becomes law upon the President’s signature (expected as early as March 23). The House also passed a package of changes to the Senate bill that have been negotiated with the Senate, and which the Senate is expected to pass very soon (using the “reconciliation” procedure that requires a simple majority vote).
The package of reforms is a major step forward to provide Americans more security, more choices, and better cost control for their health care. See the impact in your legislative district.
This is the end of the worst practices of the insurance industry—no more denials due to pre-existing conditions or dropping coverage for people who get sick, or hidden ceilings on your coverage.
We will all get the same insurance choices that Members of Congress have. What is good for them will be good for everyone.
We have kept what is good in our health system and added oversight of insurance practices, control of insurance rate increases, choice of plan and doctor, more competition, and expanded prevention.
Medicare will be strengthened—reform will cut waste and fraud in Medicare, improve solvency and close the gap in prescription drug coverage for seniors.
There will be access to affordable health care for 3.6 million small businesses and 32 million Americans who have been left out – until now.
The first order of business is to thank your House member, if he or she voted “yes”. Here is the roll call. This is VERY important – these are leaders who deserve thanks and support.
