Rep. Matsui Statement on Introduction of Historic Health Care Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

CONTACT: Mara Lee

(202) 225-7163

Today, Representative Doris Matsui (CA-05) joined with her colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and Labor Committees to announce historic legislationandmdash;the American Affordable Health Choices Actandmdash; to reform our health care system and ensure affordable, quality care for all Americans.

"The American Affordable Health Choices Act is a necessary step in the right direction - and we cannot wait to move forward with this vital piece of legislation," said Congresswoman Matsui. "We know all too well that the growing cost of health care is one of the biggest drags on our economy, and is the #1 cost of personal bankruptcy. We can lower costs, create consumer choice, and improve both the quality and the accessibility of health care in our communities. By investing in the health and wellbeing of the American people, we are making a long-term investment in the economic health of our economy and our future."

"In the coming weeks, Congress has an historic opportunity to put doctors and patients back in charge of their health care decisions," Matsui continued. "As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I look forward to being a part of the solution to this economic and moral crisis, and allow Sacramentans to have the peace of mind that they can keep the care they like and never be denied the care they need."

The American Affordable Health Choices Act health care reform fulfills commitments made by this Congress and President Obama to reform health care to meet our twin goals of lowering costs and increasing access by:

LOWERING COSTS FOR CONSUMERS
andbull; No more co-pays or deductibles for preventive care
andbull; An annual cap on out-of-pocket expensesandmdash;keeping Americans from financial ruin
andbull; An end to rate increases for pre-existing conditions, gender or occupation
andbull; Group rates of a national pool if you buy your own plan
andbull; Guaranteed affordable oral health, hearing and vision care for kids

PROVIDING GREATER CHOICE
andbull; If you like your doctor and current plan you can keep them
andbull; More choice, with a public health insurance option competing with private insurers

STABILITY andamp; PEACE OF MIND
andbull; End to denials for pre-existing conditions like heart disease, cancer or diabetes
andbull; Get needed care, no lifetime limits
andbull; Job and life choices no longer based on health care coverage

HIGHER QUALITY
andbull; Doctors, not insurance giants, in charge
andbull; More family doctors and nurses entering the workforce, helping to guarantee access
andbull; Benefits must include mental health