Rep. Boswell Releases Statement on the Affordable Health Care for America Act

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October 29, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Leonard Boswell released the following statement on the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

“The Affordable Health Care for America Act includes several provisions that will improve the lives of patients and providers in Iowa. As this legislation stands today, Iowa doctors and hospitals who participate in the public option would be able to negotiate their reimbursement rates with federal health officials instead of relying on the unfair Medicare payment formula. This, coupled with the Medicare reimbursement studies that I fought for, is strong first step to correcting the longstanding disparity between how rural providers and urban providers are paid that has plagued the state’s doctors and pushed many hospitals into the red.”

“Iowans deserve stable costs, stable coverage and stable quality when it comes to their health insurance. This legislation will reform our system to control rising health care costs, increase quality and value, and improve access to coverage and care. The bill, as it stands today, includes a public option which will increase competition in the insurance marketplace and preserve patient choice.”

“I have heard too many stories of Iowans who can’t afford health insurance, or can’t get coverage for the care they need due to a preexisting condition. I have heard from constituents who had insurance only to be dropped when they got sick. We cannot allow things to stay the same. As the House considers the Affordable Health Care for America Act in the coming days, I will continue to fight for provisions that provide real solutions for Iowans, including our hospitals and doctors.”

To access this legislation online, visit http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf.

Source: Congressman Leonard Boswell