Rep. Matsui Statement on Introduction of Historic Health Care Reform
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 legislation—the American Affordable Health Choices Act— 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 • No more co-pays or deductibles for preventive care • An annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses—keeping Americans from financial ruin • An end to rate increases for pre-existing conditions, gender or occupation • Group rates of a national pool if you buy your own plan • Guaranteed affordable oral health, hearing and vision care for kids
PROVIDING GREATER CHOICE • If you like your doctor and current plan you can keep them • More choice, with a public health insurance option competing with private insurers STABILITY & PEACE OF MIND • End to denials for pre-existing conditions like heart disease, cancer or diabetes • Get needed care, no lifetime limits • Job and life choices no longer based on health care coverage
HIGHER QUALITY • Doctors, not insurance giants, in charge • More family doctors and nurses entering the workforce, helping to guarantee access • Benefits must include mental health
