Overhead view of Sacramento

Congresswoman Matsui Votes to Expand Access and Increase Affordability of Health Care

October 4, 2017
Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saturday, November 7, 2009

CONTACT: MARA LEE

(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Matsui Votes to Expand Access and Increase Affordability of Health Care
House Passes Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform Package

Today, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-05) joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. This legislation will reform our nation's health insurance system, make health coverage more affordable and accessible, and increase the quality of care for all Americans. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Matsui has been actively involved in the health insurance reform process over the past year, and included key preventive care and wellness provisions in the comprehensive legislation.

"I have heard from men and women across Sacramentoandmdash;whether they are small business owners, doctors, seniors, nurses, or government employeesandmdash;and they are united in their support for health insurance reform," said Rep. Matsui on the House floor earlier today. "In every corner of our community, there are families who will benefit from this comprehensive and long-overdue legislation that will drive down costs, expand coverage, and guarantee access to affordable health care."

With passage today of H.R. 3962, the House of Representatives has taken a major step toward increasing the accessibility and affordability of health insurance in the United States. The bill creates a new nation-wide insurance market known as the Health Insurance Exchange, where consumer-friendly rules will be applied to private insurance companies and where consumers will be able to compare and purchase coverage plans. The exchange is also where affordability credits will also be provided to low- and middle-income families to help them afford these plans.

"No longer will Sacramento's families live in fear of bankruptcy due to health costs; no more will Sacramento's seniors worry about outrageous out-of-pocket expenses caused by Medicare's drug coverage gap (known as the andlsquo;donut hole'); never again will people in Sacramento be denied health insurance because of pre-existing conditions," continued Matsui. "Today's vote is a victory for Sacramento's families, businesses, workers, senior citizens, and children. By driving down the cost of health insurance, expanding access to coverage for thousands of uninsured Sacramentans, and investing in prevention and wellness initiatives, the Affordable Health Care for America Act will dramatically improve our country's health-care system."

LEGISLATIVE DETAILS

Endorsed by non-partisan groups such as the American Medical Association, the AARP, and Consumers Union, the Affordable Health Care for America Act will make health insurance more affordable for the middle class while guaranteeing access to health coverage for the uninsured. It will strengthen Medicare, invest in Medicaid, and promote innovative delivery of care while responsibly reducing the federal budget deficit over the next decade and beyond.

In Sacramento, H.R. 3962 is expected to deliver the following results:

  • Approximately 2,000 families will be saved from declaring bankruptcy due to crushing health insurance costs.
  • Nearly 8,000 Sacramento seniors will see their prescription drug costs lowered as a result of the closure of the "donut hole.
  • More than 14,000 small businesses in Sacramento will be able to obtain affordable health coverage for their workers; all while providing tax credits that will reduce coverage costs for up to 12,700 local small businesses.
  • 64,000 Sacramentans who do not have health insurance today will be able to afford quality coverage.
  • 181,000 Sacramento households that have difficulty affording insurance will receive generous affordability credits to expand coverage to about 96 percent of the population.
  • Sacramento's hospitals, clinics, and physicians will see their uncompensated care costs drop by more than $160 million.
To view a copy of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962, click here.

To view a bill summary, detailed fact sheets and more information on what the health insurance reform will mean for America, click here.

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