U.S. CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN PRAISES PASSAGE OF HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Washington (DC) – November 7, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) commended the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962) by the U.S. House of Representatives, which was passed by a vote of 220-215.

Congressman Green noted that HR 3962 would expand health coverage to 36 million Americans, which would guarantee that 96 percent of the population would have health insurance when this bill takes effect.

“This is an historic opportunity to accomplish meaningful change that will provide access to affordable health care coverage to millions of uninsured Americans, including approximately 202,000 residents in Texas’ ninth Congressional district,” said Congressman Green.

Green continued, “The status quo is unsustainable and the cost of inaction is simply too high: premiums have doubled in the past decade, out of pocket costs have increased by thirty percent for people with insurance, 45.7 million Americans are uninsured and 14,000 Americans continue to lose their healthcare coverage every day. Among the 45.7 million uninsured, 1.4 million are children in my home state of Texas – this is simply unacceptable.”

“This legislation would also improve Medicare for 54,000 beneficiaries in my district, including closing the prescription drug donut hole for 3,900 seniors. Without this fix in Medicare Part D, 4 million seniors across the country would be forced to go without the prescription drugs they need,” he said.

“Passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act will bring an end to the discriminatory practices of the health insurance industry that have devastated so many Americans. No longer will people fear having a pre-existing condition deny them from health care coverage. No longer will families fear the uncertainty of a catastrophic health event, or fear being driven into bankruptcy in trying to pay for the cost of care. No longer will people have to fear losing their health care coverage simply for getting sick,” said Congressman Green.

Contact:
Alvaro ‘Al’ Ortiz (Press Secretary)
Office Phone: (713) 383 9234 Ext. 111
Cell Phone: (832) 606 5869
E-mail: Alvaro.Ortiz (at) mail.house (dot) gov
Internet: www.house.gov/algreen/