Those are the words by President Obama on the historic legislation that was introduced this week in the House to finally lower health care costs, provide a public option, and offer greater choice and a higher quality of care for all Americans.
The status quo of skyrocketing health care expenses for America's families shows the true cost of doing nothing. If we fail to act, the cost of health care for the average family of four is projected to rise by $1,800 every year for years to come and insurance companies will make more health care decisions.
This bill is a cause for hope, but also a reminder of the tough fight ahead.
Republicans in Congress, backed by powerful special interests, are already recycling their same playbook of fear mongering that they used to block President Clinton's health care reform. They're even calling it "Hillarycare Revisited."
Help us show that the American people stand with President Obama: Sign our petition declaring your support for Health Care Reform today.America's Affordable Health Choices Act - The Details Here is what the House legislation will mean for America's middle class families...
- GUARANTEED COVERAGE - The days of being denied coverage because of a preexisting condition - or being forced to pay higher premiums because of it - would be over thanks to the House bill. Insurance companies will also be prohibited from other discriminatory practices like charging higher rates because of gender, health status, or other factors.
- GREATER CHOICE - If you like your doctor, your local hospital, or your current insurance plan, you can keep it under the House bill. It also sets up a health insurance exchange to act as a marketplace where individuals and small employers will be able to comparison-shop among private and public insurers.
- LOWER COSTS FOR EVERYONE - The House bill would lower health care costs for all Americans. It ends co-pays and deductibles for preventative care and puts an end to rate increases for preexisting conditions. It will give you access to the lower group rates from a national pool if you buy your own plan. It also includes a public option to compete with private insurers and caps annual out-of-pocket spending to prevent bankruptcy from medical expenses.
- HIGHER QUALITY - The House bill makes sure that you and your doctor make health care decisions, not insurance companies. It provides new incentives, scholarships, and training to encourage the very best and brightest to become doctors and nurses.
- PREVENTION AND WELLNESS - The House bill also expands community health centers, strengthens wellness and prevention services, provides oral, hearing, and vision care for children, and ensures that mental health care is covered.
Despite this great step forward, the real fight for health care reform is still just getting started. President Obama needs your help to fight the lies, attacks, and scare tactics being used right now by the Republicans and their special interest friends.
Sign our petition declaring your support for Health Care Reform today.And stay tuned for future editions of @Stake for more late breaking news from the campaign trail.
Sincerely,
Jon Vogel
Executive Director, DCCC
