Health Care Reform

Historic House Action on Health Care Giant Step, But Not Final Step


Pittsburgh, PA–(ENEWSPF)–November 9, 2009.  This weekend, our nation took a giant step forward in the historic fight for health care for all. The U.S. House passed the Affordable Health Care for America act 220-215. This couldn’t have happened without your hard work.

But the mission is not complete. We’re still facing a tough Senate vote, and we need to keep up the push to ensure we get health insurance reform that helps, doesn’t hurt, working families and retirees.

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Take a moment to find out how your member of Congress voted, and if appropriate, take some time to thank them.
  • Review the Affordable Health Care for America Act as it passed the House on Saturday.
  • Visit our online USW Health Care Tool Kit for the latest information, and please pass it on.
  • Keep the pressure on members of the Senate to pass the House version of health insurance reform. Click here for info on why the Senate legislation is bad for working families.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka says the bill is a big victory for working families.

“We heard a lot of rhetoric today, but in the end it boils down to this: It is time to say “yes” to a more secure future for Americans—and that is how the majority in the House of Representatives answered. It is time to say “yes” to lowering health costs, breaking the stranglehold of the insurance companies and extending health care to those in our rich country who are sick and need it. Shame on those who stood for the failed status quo by voting ‘no.'” Trumka said.

For the first time in America’s history, all Americans will have access to quality, affordable health care under updated health insurance reform legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation will cover 96 percent of Americans by 2015, while reducing the deficit by tens of billions of dollars over the next decade.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), blends and revises the three versions of reform legislation passed by the House committees of jurisdiction in July. It embodies President Obama’s key goals for health reform. It will slow the growth in out-of-control health costs, and introduce competition into the health care marketplace to keep coverage affordable and insurers honest. Additionally, it will protect people’s choices of doctors and health plans, and assure all have Americans access to quality, stable, affordable health care.

For more details on the House bill, click here.

 

Source: usw.org


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