Health Care Reform

AARP Statement on President Obama’s Signing of Historic Health Reform Package


WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–March 23, 2010.  AARP CEO A. Barry Rand released this statement today following President Obama’s signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010:

“Today’s signing of landmark health insurance reform legislation by President Obama represents a milestone in this great country’s history. But the work is not done, and we now look to the Senate to help Americans get the care they need by passing the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.

“The legislation passed by Congress and signed into law today lays a strong foundation that will help provide millions of Americans and their families with access to quality, affordable health care. Guaranteed benefits through Medicare—a lifeline to care for millions of older Americans—will be strengthened and protected. It includes prevention services that will now be free and that will help save lives. It ends insurance company abuses, such as denying coverage based on existing health problems, and limits insurers’ ability to charge higher premiums based solely on age. Under the legislation signed today, young adults who are covered under their parents’ insurance can continue to be covered under that policy until they are at least age 26, helping more families achieve health security. And it will enable more Americans to get needed long-term care services and supports in their own homes and communities, allowing them to continue to live independently rather than in more costly institutional care settings.

“The Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 now before the Senate includes key priorities of AARP members and all older Americans, including closing the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap. With the cost of prescription drugs continuing to skyrocket, closing the ‘doughnut hole’ will help millions of older Americans afford their needed medications and avoid more intensive and costly care later in life. We urge the Senate to move quickly and pass this legislation.

“For years, AARP has fought to improve health care for our members and all older Americans. Today, our nation has taken an historic step in ensuring that Americans have the health security and stability they need. We will continue to work with Congress to finish the job we started so many years ago.”

 

Source: aarp.org


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