Rep. Becerra Statement On Unified House Health Insurance Reform Bill

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October 29, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today Speaker Pelosi and Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives introduced a unified bill to reform our nation’s health insurance system that offers affordable coverage to all Americans. Following the announcement, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement:

“Momentum is building, the finish line is in sight, and we have never been closer to securing affordable health coverage for all Americans. This bill, which takes into account the diverse needs and concerns of communities throughout the country, delivers affordable health insurance options for working and middle class Americans. It will reduce the deficit while ensuring that every American can buy and keep their coverage regardless of age or preexisting conditions. I look forward to bringing this bill to the floor for a vote as quickly as possible.”

As a result of the current health insurance system, as many as 14,000 Americans lose their health care coverage every month and an estimated 45,000 individuals die each year due to lack of insurance. Medical debt now contributes to half of all bankruptcies, and affects approximately 2 million people every year.

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

The legislation will ensure that 96 percent of Americans will be covered by a quality, affordable health plan. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost of expanding coverage at $894 billion, consistent with the $900 billion coverage mark laid out by President Obama. And the legislation will be paid for. CBO estimates the bill reduces the deficit by at least $30 billion over 10 years.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act creates a uniquely American health care system that provides families with stable health care and the assurance that no family will go bankrupt because of medical bills. It does this by inducing competition in the health care market through the establishment of a public health insurance option which will help keep health care costs down for working and middle class Americans and reduce the budget deficit by billions of dollars.

The legislation ensures that our health system has a first class physician workforce by providing funding to further expand it and ensure equitable reimbursement so physicians will be available for patients in both rural and urban communities.

Source: Representative Xavier Becerra